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5 Vital Strategies to Help Your Shih Tzu with Loose Leash Walking
If you own a Shih Tzu, you may have experienced the frustration of your dog pulling on the leash during walks. This common behavior can make walking your dog a challenging and uncomfortable experience for both you and your furry friend. Pulling on the leash can also lead to injury and discomfort for your dog, making it important to address the issue. Fortunately, there are several strategies that you can use to teach your Shih Tzu to walk calmly and comfortably on a leash. In this article, we will explore some of the most effective techniques to help your Shih Tzu stop pulling on the leash.
1. Start with Basic Training for Your Shih Tzu
“But wait,” you say. “I just want my Shih Tzu to stop pulling on the leash! Do I really need ‘basic training’ too?”
The answer is: it depends. While its possible to train your Shih Tzu to stop pulling on the leash without training other commands, all training becomes easier if you start with a solid foundation, such as training your Shih Tzu basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” (as an aside, if you’re looking for a solid overall training program, we really like the K9 Training Institute’s program or SpiritDog’s program, both of which include modules on leash pulling)
Before heading out for a walk, spend some time training your dog inside your home or in your yard. Use positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise, and affection to reward your dog for good behavior. This will help your dog to associate good behavior with positive rewards.
2. Buy a No-Pull Harness for Your Shih Tzu
A no-pull harness is an excellent tool for training your Shih Tzu to stop leash pulling. Unlike a traditional collar or harness, a no-pull harness is designed to discourage your dog from pulling by gently applying pressure to their chest. When your dog starts to pull, the harness will tighten, and your dog will feel a slight discomfort that will discourage them from pulling. Using a no-pull harness can be a safe and effective way to train your Shih Tzu to walk calmly on a leash.
We love the Rabbitgoo brand no-pull harness on Amazon, which has almost 150,000 reviews.
3. Be Consistent: When Your Shih Tzu Starts Pulling, STOP Walking
Consistency is key when training your Shih Tzu to loose leash walk. It’s essential to use the same techniques every time you take your dog for a walk. For example, if your dog starts to pull, stop walking and wait for your dog to calm down before continuing. Be patient and persistent, and your dog will eventually learn that pulling won’t get them where they want to go.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement like Training Treats
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective training techniques for stopping leash pulling. When your Shih Tzu walks calmly by your side, reward them with treats, praise, and affection. This will help your dog to associate good behavior with positive rewards, making them more likely to repeat that behavior in the future. Avoid punishing your dog for pulling, as this can make the problem worse by increasing their anxiety and frustration.
Our test pups LOVE these bacon flavored Pet Botanics training treats. They are small enough size that you can give a lot of them, and not overdo calories.
We’d also recommend a handy training treats pouch you can wear on your belt during walks.
5. Try an Online Dog Training Course for Your Shih Tzu
If you’re struggling to teach your Shih Tzu loose leash walking, it may be time to seek professional help through and online dog training course. A professional dog trainer can provide you with personalized advice and techniques to address your specific issues. They can help you to identify the root cause of your dog’s pulling and provide you with effective solutions to correct the behavior. With the help of a professional trainer, you can teach your Shih Tzu to walk calmly on a leash, making walks more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
Our 2 Favorite Online Training Programs for Shih Tzu Leash Pulling
- SpiritDog makes an excellent and affordable training course called “Loose Leash Walking” that’s an excellent resource for Shih Tzu owners. The course promises to teach your Shih Tzu to stop pulling in 10 minutes a day. You can also get feedback from real, professional dog trainers.
- K9 Training Institute Makes an Excellent, Well Rounded Dog “Masterclass” that includes modules on loose leash walking. While it’s a bit pricier than SpiritDog, it offers a solid foundation and solutions to nearly any behavior challenge you might face. The course uses the same material that professionals use to train service dogs, so the quality of the material is top notch.
In conclusion, leash pulling can be a frustrating problem for Shih Tzu owners, but it is a behavior that can be corrected with patience and consistency. It is important to remember that every dog is unique, and what works for one dog may not work for another. By using positive reinforcement and rewarding good behavior, you can encourage your Shih Tzu to walk calmly on a leash. Additionally, providing your dog with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation can also help reduce their desire to pull. With time and effort, your Shih Tzu can become a well-behaved walking companion that you can enjoy spending time with.
Toledo, United States.