How to Teach a Shih Tzu Tricks
Teaching tricks to a Shih Tzu requires patience and understanding of their unique personality. While these charming companions are affectionate and eager to please, their moderate trainability (3/5) and natural stubbornness mean consistency is essential. Shih Tzus have lower energy levels, so short, engaging training sessions work best—avoid long repetitive drills that bore them. Their playful temperament makes positive reinforcement with high-value treats and praise incredibly effective. Because Shih Tzus can experience separation anxiety and tend to bark, trick training also builds their confidence and provides mental stimulation. This guide walks you through teaching everything from basic behaviors like shake to advanced trick chains, tailored to keep your Shih Tzu motivated and happy.
Step-by-step
- 1
Master Basic Foundation Behaviors
Start with sit, down, and stay to build your Shih Tzu's confidence and obedience foundation. These basics teach him to focus on you and respond to commands—critical for a breed prone to stubbornness. Use tiny, soft treats and keep sessions to 5-10 minutes to match their lower energy and maintain engagement.
- 2
Teach 'Shake' Using Capturing and Luring
Hold a treat close to your Shih Tzu's chest slightly to one side; most will naturally paw at it to get the treat. The moment his paw touches your hand, say 'shake,' reward immediately, and celebrate enthusiastically. Repeat 5-10 times per session, several times a week, building this charming trick that plays to their playful nature.
- 3
Build 'Roll Over' with Patience and Shaping
Begin with your dog in a down position, lure a treat toward his shoulder to encourage him to roll onto his side, mark 'yes,' and reward. Over multiple sessions, gradually lure the treat further around his body, rewarding each incremental movement. This trick requires several weeks of patient shaping for stubborn Shih Tzus, so celebrate small wins and avoid frustration.
- 4
Chain Tricks Together Gradually
Once sit and shake are solid, link them: ask for sit, then shake, rewarding heavily after the second behavior. Shih Tzus learn chains well when each individual trick is fluent, so don't rush this step. Start with two-trick chains, then build to three or more as confidence grows.
- 5
Use Short, Playful Sessions to Combat Boredom
Given their low energy and moderate trainability, keep sessions to 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times daily, focused on one or two tricks. This frequency prevents boredom, respects their energy limits, and aligns with their playful temperament. Rotate which tricks you practice to keep sessions fresh and exciting.
- 6
Manage Separation Anxiety and Barking During Training
Train in calm environments to build your Shih Tzu's confidence and reduce anxiety-related barking. Use training as a positive bonding activity—trick training builds their secure attachment to you and channels excess energy productively. If your dog becomes distressed or barks excessively, end the session calmly and try again later.
Pro tips
- Use extremely short sessions (5-10 minutes max) aligned with their lower energy level—multiple brief sessions throughout the day work far better than one long training block.
- Keep high-value treats on hand (soft, small pieces of chicken or cheese) and reward instantly to overcome their natural stubbornness and keep motivation high.
- Train in a quiet, familiar space to reduce anxiety and barking tendencies, and always end on a positive note so your Shih Tzu associates training with joy and bonding.
Frequently asked questions
My Shih Tzu gets bored quickly and refuses to continue training. How do I keep him engaged?+
Shih Tzus have moderate trainability and low energy, so brief, varied sessions work best. Keep sessions to 5-10 minutes max, rotate between tricks, and use high-value treats (cheese, chicken) they truly love. End on a success so he wants to train again tomorrow.
My Shih Tzu is stubborn and won't respond to commands during training. What should I do?+
Stubbornness is typical for this breed. Ensure you're using rewards he genuinely wants, keep sessions fun and pressure-free, and avoid repeating commands—if he doesn't respond, reset and try again. Never force or punish; positive reinforcement works far better with Shih Tzus.
How long does it typically take a Shih Tzu to learn a new trick?+
With consistent, short daily sessions, expect 2-4 weeks for a basic trick like shake, and 6-8 weeks for more complex tricks like roll over. Shih Tzus learn at a moderate pace, so patience is key. Progress varies by individual personality and motivation level.
Can trick training help with my Shih Tzu's separation anxiety and barking?+
Yes, absolutely. Trick training builds confidence, strengthens your bond, and provides mental stimulation that can reduce anxiety and excess barking. It gives him a positive job and channel for energy. Combine it with gradual desensitization to alone time for best results.