How to Clicker Train a Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are charming, affectionate companions with a playful spirit—but their moderate trainability and stubborn streak mean they need a clear, fast communication system. Clicker training is ideal for this breed because it provides instant, precise feedback that cuts through their independent nature. Using a marker-based approach, the "click" sound marks the exact moment your Shih Tzu does something right, followed immediately by a reward. This speeds up learning and helps overcome common challenges like housetraining difficulty and attention-seeking barking. Given their low energy level, short training sessions work perfectly for Shih Tzus, making this method practical for busy home owners. With consistency and patience, clicker training transforms your Shih Tzu's stubbornness into focus and cooperation.
Step-by-step
- 1
Get the Right Clicker and High-Value Rewards
Purchase a small clicker (usually under $5) and identify rewards your Shih Tzu loves—tiny treats, toy access, or praise work well. Since Shih Tzus can be picky eaters, experiment with different treat types to find what truly motivates yours.
- 2
Charge the Clicker (Day 1–2)
For 5–10 minutes daily, click immediately and reward with a treat 10–15 times per session. Do this until your Shih Tzu's ears perk up or heads turn when they hear the click—they've learned the sound predicts a reward. This foundation is critical for overcoming their independent tendencies.
- 3
Start with One Simple Behavior
Begin with 'sit' or 'look at me,' which addresses their attention-seeking barking and separation anxiety by building focus. Keep sessions to 3–5 minutes, as Shih Tzus tire quickly but benefit from frequent, short practice. Click the moment they perform the behavior, then reward immediately.
- 4
Layer in a Verbal Cue After Consistency
Once your Shih Tzu reliably performs the behavior for the click-and-reward, add a word ('sit,' 'quiet') just before the action. Practice until they respond to the word alone. This helps manage their moderate trainability and barking tendency by giving them a clear alternative behavior.
- 5
Apply Clicker Training to Housetraining and Barking
Click and reward immediately when your Shih Tzu eliminates outside or is calm and quiet indoors. This tackles their two biggest challenges: housetraining difficulty and noise. Consistency over 4–6 weeks will show marked improvement.
- 6
Gradually Reduce Treat Frequency (Variable Rewards)
After 2–3 weeks of solid performance, vary when you give treats—reward sometimes after two clicks, sometimes after five. Keep clicking every time to maintain the marker's power. This maintains motivation without creating treat dependency in your Shih Tzu.
Pro tips
- Keep a clicker in every room where you spend time with your Shih Tzu; mark and reward calm, quiet moments throughout the day to combat their barking tendency and separation anxiety without formal 'training sessions.'
- Train before meals or walk time when your Shih Tzu is hungry and motivated—their low energy level means they're most engaged just before an anticipated event, not when they're tired or overstimulated.
- Never use the clicker to get attention or punish; it must always predict something good. Shih Tzus are sensitive and stubborn—one mis-timed click can erode trust and slow progress.
Frequently asked questions
My Shih Tzu ignores the clicker. What's wrong?+
The clicker likely isn't charged yet. Spend 3–5 days doing step 2, clicking and rewarding rapidly without any cue or behavior required. Make sure the reward is genuinely high-value—try small pieces of chicken, cheese, or a favored toy. Shih Tzus can be stubborn and need to clearly connect the sound to something they want.
Can I use clicker training to stop barking and separation anxiety?+
Yes. Click and reward your Shih Tzu for quiet moments and calm behavior indoors. You can also train a replacement behavior like 'go to mat' using the clicker, then reward heavily when they rest there instead of barking. Consistency is key—their moderate trainability means you'll see results in 2–4 weeks with daily practice.
How often should I train my Shih Tzu each day?+
Aim for 2–3 short sessions (3–5 minutes each) daily. Shih Tzus have low energy and can lose focus quickly, so multiple brief sessions work better than one long session. Spacing them throughout the day also helps with housetraining and reinforcement of behaviors like staying calm.
What if my Shih Tzu refuses the reward?+
Your chosen reward may not be high-value enough, or your dog might be overstimulated, tired, or distracted. Try a different treat, train at a different time, or in a quieter room. Shih Tzus are playful and social—sometimes interactive play or a favorite toy works better than food.