How to Train a Shih Tzu to Come When Called
Teaching a Shih Tzu to come when called is one of the most valuable safety skills you can develop. This breed is affectionate and playful, but also notably stubborn—a combination that makes reliable recall both essential and challenging. Shih Tzus are easily distracted and may prioritize their own curiosity over your command, especially in exciting environments. Their moderate barking tendency and lower energy levels mean they're content indoors, but without a solid recall, they can dart after interesting sights or sounds. This guide uses positive-reinforcement techniques tailored to the Shih Tzu's desire for affection and treats, bypassing their independent streak. With patience and consistency, you'll build trust and create a dog that responds eagerly to your call—even when tempted by distractions.
Step-by-step
- 1
Start indoors in a distraction-free space
Choose a small, closed room like a kitchen or bedroom where your Shih Tzu has minimal visual distractions. This prevents the stubbornness and independence this breed is prone to from derailing early sessions. Keep initial training sessions to 5–10 minutes to match their moderate energy and attention span.
- 2
Establish a unique recall cue and reward marker
Pick a distinct sound or word (e.g., "Come!" or a whistle) that differs from everyday speech. Immediately pair it with an excited, high-value reward—small soft treats or enthusiastic praise. Shih Tzus respond best to affection combined with treats, so reward their attention and proximity generously.
- 3
Practice the reward-before-the-cue sequence
Get your dog's attention with a treat, then say your cue word as they move toward you naturally. Reward heavily the moment they arrive. This reverses their stubborn tendencies by teaching them that coming to you *always* results in something wonderful, making the choice their own.
- 4
Gradually increase distance and mild distractions
Once they reliably come from across the room, try calling from different rooms or with light background activity (gentle music or toys nearby). Shih Tzus are sensitive to their environment, so add one variable at a time. Always celebrate success with treats and praise to reinforce the behavior.
- 5
Practice in controlled outdoor environments
Begin in a securely fenced yard where your Shih Tzu can't escape. Call them frequently during their 30-minute daily exercise, using real-world distractions like birds or scents. Their barking tendency may spike when excited outdoors, so use a higher-value reward to redirect focus back to you.
- 6
Maintain consistency and refresh training regularly
Practice recall 3–4 times daily in varied contexts—before meals, during play, or on walks. This breed's separation anxiety means they bond strongly with their owners; reinforce that coming to you is always safe and rewarding. Periodically return to basics indoors if outdoor performance slips.
- 7
Never punish failed recalls or chase
If your Shih Tzu ignores you, never scold or chase them—this rewards the behavior you're trying to prevent and damages trust. Instead, calmly redirect their attention and try again in a lower-distraction setting. Patience with their independent nature is key to success.
Pro tips
- Use affection as a reward equally with treats: Shih Tzus crave companionship, so combine enthusiastic praise and petting with food rewards. Their affectionate temperament means a happy, excited response from you is often as motivating as a treat.
- Practice recall *before* exciting events (not during): Call your Shih Tzu to you right before mealtime, playtime, or walks. Success feels rewarding in itself, and this avoids the frustration of competing with an already-excited dog whose barking and energy are running high.
- Keep sessions playful and brief: This breed's lower energy and moderate trainability mean long, repetitive sessions cause boredom and stubbornness. Train for 5–10 minutes, keep your tone upbeat and fun, and always end on a positive note to maintain their affectionate engagement.
Frequently asked questions
My Shih Tzu ignores me when there's a smell or another dog nearby. How do I compete with that?+
Shih Tzus have independent instincts that can override training. Use ultra-high-value rewards (like freeze-dried liver) exclusively for outdoor recall, and practice frequently so coming to you becomes habitual. Also, keep sessions short and reward constantly—their moderate energy means they tire of repetition quickly and lose motivation.
Should I use a long leash when training recall outdoors?+
Yes, absolutely. A 15–20 foot long leash gives your Shih Tzu the illusion of freedom while protecting them from running off. This breed's stubbornness means they may not respond immediately, so the leash prevents genuine escape while you build reliability. Gradually reduce dependence on it over weeks.
My Shih Tzu has separation anxiety and follows me everywhere indoors. Will this training help?+
Recall training can actually *worsen* separation anxiety if not done carefully. Focus on rewarding calm behavior when they *choose* to come to you, rather than calling them constantly. This strengthens their confidence and your bond without creating dependency. Pair recall practice with brief periods of alone time to build independence.
How long until my Shih Tzu has reliable recall?+
Given their moderate trainability, expect 4–8 weeks of consistent daily practice for basic reliability indoors, and 2–3 months for solid outdoor recall. Stubbornness is part of their charm, so avoid frustration and celebrate small wins. This breed responds to patience and positive reinforcement, not pressure.