How to Teach a Shih Tzu to Heel
Teaching a Shih Tzu to heel is a rewarding intermediate obedience goal that addresses their natural stubbornness while leveraging their affectionate, eager-to-please temperament. Unlike high-energy breeds, Shih Tzus have lower exercise needs (around 30 minutes daily), making the focused, repetitive practice required for heeling very manageable. Their moderate trainability rating means consistency and patience are essential—this breed responds beautifully to positive reinforcement but can be independent-minded. A solid heel command also reduces excessive barking and pulling during walks, two common Shih Tzu challenges. With short, fun training sessions and high-value rewards, your Shih Tzu will learn to walk calmly at your side, transforming daily outings into pleasant, controlled experiences for both of you.
Step-by-step
- 1
Establish Basic Leash Competence and Trust
Before tackling heel, ensure your Shih Tzu walks comfortably on a loose leash without lunging or pulling. Spend 3–5 days practicing calm leash walking in a quiet, low-distraction area like your backyard or a quiet street. Use high-value treats (small pieces of chicken or cheese) to reward moments when your dog naturally walks beside you with a relaxed lead.
- 2
Introduce the Heel Position and Hand Signal
Choose whether you prefer your Shih Tzu on your left or right side (typically left is standard). With your dog on a 4–6 foot leash indoors or in your yard, hold a treat close to your leg at chest height and lure your dog into position beside you. Immediately say 'heel' in a calm, consistent tone, then reward. Repeat 10–15 repetitions, keeping sessions under 5 minutes to prevent frustration—Shih Tzus can become stubborn if overstimulated.
- 3
Practice Walking in Short Bursts
Once your dog understands the heel position, walk 5–10 steps with the treat lure guiding them at your side, then reward and praise enthusiastically. Gradually increase distance over several sessions. Keep the leash loose; tightening it may trigger resistance in your independent-minded Shih Tzu. If they pull ahead, stop, wait for them to return to heel position, then reward—never pull them back forcefully.
- 4
Reduce Treat Luring and Add Variable Rewards
After a week of consistent practice, begin reducing the visible treat lure—hold it less obviously and use your hand gesture instead. Reward intermittently rather than every step: after 5 steps, 10 steps, then 15 steps. This unpredictability keeps your treat-motivated Shih Tzu engaged and prevents them from relying solely on visible food cues.
- 5
Introduce Mild Distractions Gradually
Once indoor or backyard heeling is solid, practice in progressively busier environments: quiet side streets, then moderate neighborhoods. Start each new location by going back to treating frequently—this reassures your Shih Tzu and resets their focus. Their natural barking tendency may increase with excitement; redirect with a 'heel' cue and reward calm attention on you rather than environmental triggers.
- 6
Reinforce and Maintain with Consistency
Practice heel work for 5–10 minutes, 4–5 times per week as part of your Shih Tzu's 30-minute daily exercise routine. Use it at the start of walks when your dog is freshest and most receptive. Consistency from all household members is critical; mixed signals will exploit your Shih Tzu's independent streak and undermine training progress.
Pro tips
- Use tiny, soft training treats (pea-sized) so your Shih Tzu stays engaged without becoming too full—this breed's moderate energy means overfeeding derails training.
- Train before walks when your Shih Tzu is calm and has had a bathroom break; post-walk fatigue or urge to eliminate compromises focus and may mask separation anxiety.
- Combine heel practice with their natural playfulness by using a cheerful tone and celebrating successes enthusiastically; Shih Tzus are charmers who thrive on verbal praise and connection with their owners.
Frequently asked questions
My Shih Tzu seems to lose interest after a few minutes of heel training. Is this normal?+
Yes, completely normal for this breed. Shih Tzus have moderate trainability and shorter attention spans than larger, more driven breeds. Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes maximum, and always end on a positive note. Shorter, frequent training beats long, frustrating sessions—this prevents the stubbornness this breed is known for.
How long should it take for my Shih Tzu to learn a reliable heel?+
With consistent practice 4–5 times weekly, most Shih Tzus show solid improvement within 3–4 weeks, though full reliability in distracting environments may take 8–12 weeks. Their independent nature means they learn the behavior quickly but may choose to ignore it occasionally—patience and persistent positive reinforcement are key.
My Shih Tzu pulls ahead despite the leash. Should I correct or punish them?+
Never use corrections or punishment; this breed responds poorly to harsh methods and may develop anxiety. Instead, stop walking when they pull, wait silently for them to release tension and return to heel position, then reward. This positive approach respects their affectionate nature while clearly communicating the desired behavior.
Can I train heel during our regular walks, or do I need separate sessions?+
Dedicated 5–10 minute training sessions are more effective initially to build foundation without competing distractions. Once your Shih Tzu is reliable, integrate heel practice into regular walks for 30 seconds to 1 minute at a time. This maintains the skill while keeping walks enjoyable and preventing your dog from burning out.