How to Teach a Shih Tzu the Place Command
Teaching a Shih Tzu the "place" command is an excellent intermediate training goal that leverages their affectionate, eager-to-please nature while addressing their stubborn streak. This toy breed's lower energy level makes them ideally suited to learning relaxed mat stays, and mastering this command can significantly reduce separation anxiety and excessive barking—two common Shih Tzu challenges. The place command gives your dog a designated safe zone where they can settle while you're busy, preventing destructive behaviors born from boredom or anxiety. Since Shih Tzus respond best to positive reinforcement and short, engaging training sessions, this guide breaks the skill into manageable steps perfect for at-home training. With patience and consistency, your Shih Tzu will learn to enjoy their mat as their own special retreat.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose Your Mat and Placement
Select a comfortable, washable mat or dog bed that fits your Shih Tzu's toy frame—something cozy they'll naturally want to relax on. Place it in a consistent, low-traffic area away from distractions, preferably near where you spend time, so your affectionate Shih Tzu doesn't feel isolated and anxious about using the place.
- 2
Introduce the Mat with High-Value Rewards
Lure your Shih Tzu onto the mat with small, delicious treats (chicken, cheese, or their favorite reward). The moment all four paws touch the mat, mark it with an excited 'yes!' and reward generously. Repeat this 5-10 times in short sessions to build positive association without overwhelming their moderate trainability.
- 3
Add the 'Place' Cue
Once your Shih Tzu eagerly moves to the mat, introduce the verbal cue 'place' just before they step onto it. After a few days of repetition, say 'place' from 1-2 feet away and reward when they go. Keep sessions brief (3-5 minutes) to match their lower energy and attention span.
- 4
Build Duration with Calm Rewards
Once your Shih Tzu reliably goes to their mat on cue, reward them for staying put for 5-10 seconds before releasing them with a release word like 'okay!' Gradually extend the duration by 5-second intervals over multiple sessions. Use calm, gentle treats and praise to reinforce relaxation rather than excitement, which can trigger their barking tendency.
- 5
Add Distance and Distractions Gradually
Start giving the 'place' command from different areas of the room, rewarding compliance. Once your Shih Tzu is reliable at a distance, introduce mild distractions like toys or soft background noise. Their stubborn nature means progress may be slow, so celebrate small wins and never progress faster than they're comfortable.
- 6
Practice During Daily Routines
Use the place command during real-life moments—when you're eating, on video calls, or when guests arrive—to manage their barking and separation anxiety. Reward heavily for calm mat stays during these situations. Consistency across multiple daily sessions (three 3-5 minute sessions) will reinforce the behavior faster than sporadic practice.
Pro tips
- Shih Tzus are food-motivated but can be picky—experiment with different high-value treats to find what excites your individual dog, then use those rewards exclusively during place training for maximum impact.
- Keep training sessions short and always end on a success, since Shih Tzus have moderate energy and can lose focus quickly; three 3-5 minute sessions spread throughout your day outperform one long session.
- Place the mat in a room where you naturally spend time so your affectionate Shih Tzu doesn't associate it with isolation, which can worsen their separation anxiety and make them more resistant to using it.
Frequently asked questions
My Shih Tzu refuses to stay on the mat and keeps jumping off. What should I do?+
This is common with stubborn Shih Tzus. Go back to Step 2 and build stronger positive associations with the mat itself before extending duration. Keep initial stays very short (2-3 seconds), reward heavily, and only increase time when they're consistently choosing to relax there. Avoid scolding, which can increase anxiety.
How long does it typically take a Shih Tzu to learn place?+
With a moderate trainability score of 3/5, expect 2-4 weeks of consistent practice to achieve a reliable, calm stay. Shih Tzus can be stubborn, so patience is key. Some may learn faster, others may need longer, depending on individual personality and previous training experience.
My Shih Tzu barks constantly on the mat instead of relaxing. How do I fix this?+
Barking is a breed tendency, so don't reward the mat during excited barking. Instead, wait for even brief moments of quiet, then immediately reward. Use lower-energy treats and calm praise. If barking escalates, take a break and try again later. The more relaxed they feel about the mat's location, the easier it is for them to settle.
Can I use place to help with my Shih Tzu's separation anxiety?+
Yes—a solid place command gives anxious Shih Tzus a familiar, comforting spot to retreat to, which reduces panic. However, only use place when you're home first to build confidence, then gradually practice with you stepping away briefly. If separation anxiety is severe, consider consulting a professional trainer or behaviorist.