Positive Reinforcement Techniques for Leash Training your Shih Tzu

Britta Thygesen 27.04.2023 0

Bringing a new Shih Tzu into your household is an exciting and rewarding experience. As a dog owner, one of the essential skills to teach your furry friend is leash training. Leash training isn’t just about being able to take long walks with your dog. It’s about creating a positive bond between you and your Shih Tzu, building trust and companionship while establishing clear rules and boundaries. But, how can you effectively train your little furry friend to walk on a leash? In this article, we’ll explore the power of positive reinforcement techniques and guide you step-by-step through the process of leash training your Shih Tzu. Let’s get started!

Why Positive Reinforcement Works

Understanding the Importance of Positive Reinforcement in Leash Training
Leash training is an essential aspect of owning a Shih Tzu, and using positive reinforcement techniques is one of the most effective ways to achieve success in this area. Positive reinforcement is based on rewarding positive behaviors, making it much more effective than using punishments or reprimands. But what makes positive reinforcement work, and why is it the best approach for leash training your furry friend? In this section, we will explore the science behind positive reinforcement, the risks of using punishment-based techniques, and the many benefits of using positive reinforcement for leash training.

The Science Behind Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a behavior training technique that focuses on rewarding desired behavior instead of punishing undesired behavior. When a desired behavior is exhibited, such as walking calmly on a leash, a reward is given, such as a treat or praise. This reward establishes a positive association between the behavior and the reward, increasing the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated in the future.

The science behind positive reinforcement lies in the way our brains process rewards. When we receive a reward, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and happiness. This release of dopamine reinforces the behavior that led to the reward, making it more likely to be repeated in the future.

With positive reinforcement, the emphasis is on rewarding good behavior, rather than punishing bad behavior. Punishment, such as harsh words or physical correction to stop leash pulling, can be stressful for both the pet and owner. Punishment can trigger a fear response in the brain, making the animal associate that fear with the undesired behavior. Over time, this can damage the pet-owner relationship and even lead to more behavior issues.

In contrast, positive reinforcement has numerous benefits not just for your Shih Tzu, but for your relationship with your pet as well. It can lead to a stronger bond with your pet, increased trust, and greater confidence in training. This type of training also encourages creativity and allows the pet to think for themselves, as they learn how to get the reward by repeating good behavior.

By utilizing positive reinforcement in your Shih Tzu’s leash training, you can help to establish a loving, positive relationship between you and your pet. For more information on the importance of leash training and how to avoid common mistakes, refer to our article about Shih Tzu leash training guide and learn how to teach your Shih Tzu to walk on a loose leash. You can also read our article about socializing Shih Tzu walks to provide your pet with the best possible start to their training.

The Risks of Using Punishment

Using punishment as a training method for your Shih Tzu can be risky and have negative consequences. Punishment includes any method that inflicts pain, fear, or discomfort, such as hitting, yelling, or using choke collars. While it may seem like a quick solution, punishment can lead to a host of problems that will only make leash training more difficult.

Here are some of the risks of using punishment to train your Shih Tzu:

Increases anxiety and fear: Punishment can cause fear and anxiety in dogs, which can result in behavioral issues such as aggression or avoidance.
Undermines trust: Your dog may begin to associate you with pain and fear, causing them to lose trust in you as their owner.
Does not address the root problem: Punishment may stop bad behavior temporarily, but it does not address the root of the problem. Your Shih Tzu may continue to engage in the same behavior or develop new problem behaviors as a result of being punished.
Increases the risk of injury: Physical punishment such as hitting or using choke collars can lead to injury or even long-term physical or emotional harm to your Shih Tzu.
Strains the relationship: Leash training is an important bonding experience between you and your Shih Tzu. Using punishment can strain this relationship and make it more difficult to establish a positive connection.

It is important to remember that positive reinforcement techniques are more effective and humane in the long run. If you are having trouble with your Shih Tzu’s leash training, consider seeking guidance from a professional trainer or checking out our article on the common mistakes to avoid during leash training. With patience and consistent positive reinforcement, you and your furry friend will be able to enjoy walks together for years to come.

Benefits of Positive Reinforcement

Using positive reinforcement for leash training your Shih Tzu can bring a multitude of benefits for both you and your furry friend. Here are some of the key benefits:

Benefits	Explanation
Builds trust and strengthens bond	Positive reinforcement helps to build a strong bond of trust and respect between you and your Shih Tzu. The use of treats, praise, and rewards show your pup that you are a source of positivity, fun, and enjoyment, and that obeying your commands brings positive consequences.
Creates a stress-free learning environment	Positive reinforcement creates a stress-free environment for your Shih Tzu to learn and make mistakes without fear of punishment. Your pup will feel more comfortable and motivated to learn, making the training sessions more productive and enjoyable for both of you.
Encourages good behavior	Positive reinforcement helps to encourage and reward good behavior, making it more likely that your Shih Tzu will repeat those behaviors in the future. This can help to prevent unwanted behaviors such as pulling on the leash, jumping up, or biting.
Enhances communication and understanding	Through positive reinforcement, your Shih Tzu will learn to understand your commands better. With consistent use of treats, praise, and rewards, your pup will learn to associate specific commands with positive consequences, making communication clearer and more effective.
Improves overall obedience	Positive reinforcement can lead to long-term improvement in your Shih Tzu’s obedience, making future training sessions easier and more effective. Consistent use of rewards and positive feedback reinforces good behavior and strengthens the bond between you and your pup.

Incorporating these positive reinforcement techniques into your Shih Tzu’s leash training can be highly effective and bring a myriad of benefits. To get started, check out the following steps for positive reinforcement leash training. And if you want to learn more about why leash training is important, check our article on the importance of leash training for Shih Tzu.

Steps for Positive Reinforcement Leash Training

You’re ready to take your Shih Tzu on walks outside but have been struggling with leash training. The good news is, using positive reinforcement techniques can make the process much easier and more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. Through consistent training, patience, and encouragement, you can teach your Shih Tzu to walk calmly and confidently by your side. Let’s dive into the steps for positive reinforcement leash training and get started on this exciting journey. But first, let’s take a look at why positive reinforcement works and the benefits it offers.

Step 1: Start Indoors

Step 1: Before starting the leash training outdoors, it’s important to start indoors where there are fewer distractions. Begin by introducing the leash to your Shih Tzu in the room where he is most comfortable. Let him sniff the leash and explore it on his own. Once he’s done investigating, hold the leash and walk around the room, encouraging him to follow you.

Here are some helpful tips to make the indoor introduction a success:

Choose a room free of distractions.
Use a lightweight leash that won’t weigh your Shih Tzu down.
Make sure your Shih Tzu is calm and relaxed before introducing the leash.
Encourage your Shih Tzu to come to you while holding the leash.
If your Shih Tzu pulls away, stop and let him come to you on his own.

It’s important to make sure your Shih Tzu is comfortable with the leash before moving on to the next step. Gradually increase the amount of time your Shih Tzu spends with the leash on to make sure he is comfortable wearing it.

Once your Shih Tzu is comfortable with the leash on, it’s time to move to the next step of the positive reinforcement leash training process. For more information about the uses of leashes for Shih Tzus, check out our Shih Tzu Leashes Uses page (internal link). It’s important to be aware of common leash training mistakes that can negatively impact your Shih Tzu’s training. And if you want to know more about teaching your Shih Tzu loose leash walking, you should read our article on how to teach your Shih Tzu loose leash walking.

Step 2: Attach the Leash

Once your Shih Tzu is comfortable with wearing the collar, the next step is to attach the leash. This should be done in a calm and quiet environment to avoid overwhelming the dog. Follow these steps to properly attach the leash:

Step 1: Hold the leash loosely in your hand and calmly approach your dog.
Step 2: Attach the leash to the collar without making any sudden movements or pulling on it.
Step 3: Once attached, take a step back to give your dog some space. Observe their behavior to see if they are comfortable with the leash.
Step 4: Reward your Shih Tzu with a treat or praise for staying calm during this step.

It’s important to remember that your Shih Tzu may not immediately take to the leash. Some dogs may try to bite or chew on it, while others may freeze or refuse to move. If your dog exhibits any of these behaviors, don’t punish them. Instead, try redirecting their attention with a toy or treat and encourage them to move around with gentle encouragement. With time and patience, your dog will become more comfortable with the leash and you can move on to the next step of positive reinforcement training.

Step 3: Offer Treats and Praise

Now that you have your Shih Tzu comfortable wearing the leash and have begun introducing it indoors, it’s time to incorporate treats and praise into your leash training regimen. Offering rewards for good behavior is a fundamental concept within positive reinforcement dog training, as it encourages your dog to continue performing the desired behavior.

Step 3: Offer Treats and Praise

During your training sessions, bring along some small, easily digestible treats that you know your dog loves, such as pieces of chicken, cheese or jerky. Every time your Shih Tzu behaves well and walks on the leash without pulling or struggling, offer them a treat. You can either give your dog the treat directly or toss it a short distance away from you as a reward.

In addition to offering treats, it’s crucial to provide your Shih Tzu with verbal praise as well. Show your dog that you are happy with their behavior by saying “good job” or “excellent” in a happy and upbeat tone each time they do something right. Dogs are highly social creatures and thrive on positive reinforcement, so praise and encouragement can go a long way in motivating them to continue behaving correctly.

Here is an example table of recommended treats to use during leash training:

Treats	Description
Sliced chicken or turkey	Easy to digest and high in protein, a great low-calorie option.
Cheese cubes	A tasty and high-value reward for your dog, but should only be given in small quantities.
Bite-sized jerky	High in protein and enticing for most dogs. Select a low-fat option to avoid overfeeding during training sessions.

Remember to never punish your Shih Tzu during training, as it can have adverse effects on their behavior and overall well-being. Offer plenty of positive reinforcement and patience, and your furry companion will be walking on a leash like a pro in no time.

Step 4: Increase Distance and Duration

Now that your Shih Tzu is starting to get comfortable with the leash, it’s time to work on increasing the distance and duration of their walks. This step is important for building endurance and getting them used to longer walks.

Step 4: Increase Distance and Duration

Start by walking a few steps and gradually increase the distance you walk with your Shih Tzu. This will help them get used to the pace and build endurance. Remember to keep treats and praise on hand to reward them.
Once your Shih Tzu is comfortable walking longer distances, begin to increase the duration of your walks. Try to gradually increase the time spent walking by a few minutes each day until they are able to handle longer walks.
Don’t forget to pay attention to your Shih Tzu’s body language during their walks. If they seem uncomfortable or tired, it’s okay to take a break and let them rest before continuing.
It’s also important to note that some Shih Tzus might take longer to adjust to longer walks, so don’t be discouraged if your pup needs more time to build up endurance. Celebrate the little successes along the way!

Remember to always use positive reinforcement during leash training. This will help to build a strong bond between you and your Shih Tzu while also making the training process enjoyable for both of you. With consistency and patience, your Shih Tzu will soon be walking like a pro on their leash.

Step 5: Practice in Different Environments

Once your Shih Tzu has mastered walking on the leash indoors, it’s time to introduce them to different environments. This step is crucial in order to train your dog to be comfortable and obedient no matter where you go. Here are some tips for practicing in different environments:

Start small: Begin by taking your dog for walks in a quiet park or residential area where there are minimal distractions.
Gradually increase: As your dog becomes more confident and well-trained, gradually increase the level of difficulty by taking them to busier areas with more people, noise, and smells.
Introduce new challenges: Every new environment will present different challenges for your Shih Tzu. If they have been practicing near your home, maybe try visiting a new park or even a different neighborhood.
Stay positive: Remember to use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise to reinforce good behavior. This will help your dog associate new environments with positive experiences.
Be patient: It may take some time for your Shih Tzu to adjust to new environments. Don’t rush the process and always remain patient when training your dog.

Practicing in different environments is essential for leash training success. Your Shih Tzu will learn to be well-behaved and obedient no matter where they go, making it easier and more enjoyable for you to take them out and about. Keep in mind that consistency and patience are key when training your furry companion, and good things come to those who persist.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with positive reinforcement techniques, leash training your Shih Tzu can still come with challenges. It’s important to be prepared for common issues that may arise during the process. But don’t worry, with a bit of patience and some troubleshooting, you and your furry friend can overcome any obstacles along the way. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the most common issues that can occur during leash training and offer solutions to help you and your dog succeed.

Issue 1: Pulling on the Leash

One of the most common issues that dog owners face during leash training is their pet pulling on the leash. This can be frustrating, but it is important not to resort to punishment. Instead, use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior.

Here are some steps to address the issue of pulling on the leash:

Stop and wait:

If your Shih Tzu pulls on the leash, do not continue walking forward. Stop and wait for your dog to come back to you or to loosen the leash. This will help your dog understand that they only move forward when the leash is loose.

Change direction:

If your Shih Tzu continues to pull on the leash, change direction abruptly. Your pet will have to follow you and, in the process, learn to pay attention to your direction.

Use treats:

Offer treats to your Shih Tzu when they walk calmly without pulling. This rewards your pet for good behavior and encourages them to repeat it in the future.

Use positive reinforcement techniques:

When your Shih Tzu walks without pulling, praise them, pet them and offer affection. Make sure they understand that they are doing something right, and encourage them to keep up the good work.

Remember, patience and consistency are key to addressing the issue of pulling on the leash. Leash training takes time and effort, but with positive reinforcement techniques, you can help your Shih Tzu become a well-behaved and happy pet.

Issue 2: Refusing to Walk

If your Shih Tzu refuses to walk while on the leash, it’s essential to address the issue to make progress during leash training. Here are a few strategies to overcome the problem of refusing to walk:

Start Small: If your Shih Tzu is new to leash training, it’s possible that they might feel overwhelmed or scared by the initial experience. Start with short walks around your home, giving your furry friend time to adjust and get comfortable with the leash. As your dog becomes more at ease with the routine, gradually increase the length of your walks.
Address the Root Cause: Sometimes, a Shih Tzu may refuse to walk because they’re feeling ill or uncomfortable. Ensure that your dog is in good health and that nothing is hindering them from walking, such as a thorn stuck in their paw or an injury that may be causing pain. Once you rule out physical discomfort, you can begin to identify other potential causes that may be making them resistant to leash training.
Offer Incentives: Consider incorporating positive reinforcement techniques such as using treats or toys to entice your Shih Tzu to walk. Dogs often respond well to positive reinforcement, and providing them with an incentive can make the experience more enjoyable for your four-legged friend. Always make positive reinforcement a consistent part of the leash training process.
Reassure Your Dog: Shih Tzus are known for being particularly close to their owners, and some may experience separation anxiety when they’re not in close proximity with them. To help combat this, try to make the leash training process as familiar and reassuring as possible. Maintain eye contact, offer praise and petting, and talk to your dog in a calm, reassuring tone to give them the confidence to walk on the leash.

Remember, patience and persistence are key when it comes to leash training your Shih Tzu. With a little time and effort, you can overcome common issues such as refusing to walk and make the experience enjoyable for both you and your furry companion.

Issue 3: Distractions and Excitability

Positive reinforcement leash training can be challenging, especially when your Shih Tzu becomes distracted or overly excited. However, with patience and consistency, these issues can be resolved using the following techniques:

• Redirect Attention: When your Shih Tzu becomes distracted or overly excited, try redirecting their attention back to you by using a treat or a high-pitched voice. This will help to keep their focus on you and the training.

• Decrease Distractions: If your Shih Tzu is easily distracted, try training in a quieter, less stimulating environment. As they become more comfortable and focused, gradually increase the level of distraction.

• Shorten Training Sessions: If your Shih Tzu becomes overly excited during training, it may be helpful to shorten the training sessions. This will help to prevent them from becoming overwhelmed and distracted.

• Use Positive Reinforcement: It’s important to continue using positive reinforcement techniques, even when your Shih Tzu becomes distracted or excited. Reward them for good behavior and ignore bad behavior. This will help to reinforce good behavior and discourage bad behavior.

Remember, training takes time and patience. It’s important to stay positive and consistent throughout the process. With practice and persistence, your Shih Tzu will become a well-behaved and obedient member of your family.

Maintaining Positive Reinforcement Techniques

As you continue to train your Shih Tzu using positive reinforcement, it’s important to keep up with the techniques that have been working. Maintaining the positive reinforcement techniques means remaining consistent and dedicated to reinforcing good behavior. It may take some effort, but the payoff of a well-trained and obedient dog is well worth it. Let’s explore some tips for maintaining these techniques and setting your pup up for continued success.

Consistency is Key

Consistency plays a crucial role in leash training your Shih Tzu using positive reinforcement techniques. Consistent training helps your dog understand what is expected of them and what behaviors are rewarded. Inconsistency can confuse your dog and delay the training process. Here are some tips for staying consistent throughout the training process:

Tip	Description
Use the same commands	Consistently use the same commands for desired behaviors, such as “come” or “heel”. This helps your dog associate the command with the behavior and the reward.
Reward every time	Consistently reward your dog for desired behaviors every time they exhibit it. This helps reinforce the behavior and encourages repeat performances in the future.
Correct in the moment	If your dog exhibits an undesired behavior, correct it consistently and immediately. Delaying correction can confuse your dog and can reinforce bad behavior.
Set a routine	Establish a routine for training sessions to help your dog understand when it is time to focus and learn. Consistency in timing can help your dog stay focused and engaged during training sessions.

By being consistent in your positive reinforcement training, you can work towards a well-behaved and obedient Shih Tzu. Remember to reward good behavior, correct in the moment, and establish a routine to help your dog understand and learn. With consistent training, you and your furry companion can become a great team.

Continued Reinforcement

One crucial aspect of leash training your Shih Tzu with positive reinforcement is to continue to reinforce good behavior. This will further strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion and ensure that they continue to respond positively to your commands.

What is continued reinforcement?

Continued reinforcement is the act of consistently rewarding your Shih Tzu for good behavior even after they have already learned the desired behavior. This helps to maintain the behavior and prevent any regression back to unwanted behaviors.

Why is continued reinforcement important?

Dogs thrive on consistency and routine. Continued reinforcement helps to reinforce positive behavior and prevent any regression back to unwanted behaviors. Additionally, it helps to solidify the positive association between the behavior and the reward, making your Shih Tzu more likely to repeat the behavior in the future.

How to implement continued reinforcement?

Implementing continued reinforcement can be as simple as ensuring that you always have treats on hand during walks and rewarding your Shih Tzu for obeying commands and displaying good behavior.

Another useful method is to intermittently reward good behavior. This means that you reward your Shih Tzu for good behavior on some walks, but not every walk. This strategy reinforces the behavior while still keeping your Shih Tzu anticipating the reward, even if it doesn’t come every time.

Below is a table summarizing the benefits of continued reinforcement and some tips on how to implement it:

Benefits of Continued Reinforcement	Implementation Tips
Prevents regression back to unwanted behaviors	Consistently reward good behavior
Strengthens positive association between behavior and reward	Intermittently reward good behavior
Maintains behavior and prevents the need for retraining	Use verbal praise along with treats

Conclusion

Continued reinforcement is a vital aspect of positive reinforcement leash training. It reinforces desired behaviors, strengthens the bond between you and your Shih Tzu, and encourages better behavior in the future. By implementing continued reinforcement, you will see a well-behaved and contented furry companion who enjoys every walk with you.

Involve the Whole Family

When it comes to leash training your Shih Tzu with positive reinforcement techniques, it’s important to involve the whole family. This not only helps ensure consistency in training but also strengthens the bond between your family and your furry companion. Here are some ways to involve the whole family in leash training:

Assign roles: Assign specific roles to each family member, such as holding the leash, offering treats, or providing praise. This ensures that everyone is involved in the training process and knows exactly what they need to do.
Rotate training sessions: Instead of having just one person handle all the leash training sessions, rotate the responsibility among family members. This helps prevent your Shih Tzu from relying on just one person and ensures that they are comfortable being around and walking with different people.
Practice in different environments: Encourage every family member to participate in different leash training sessions in various environments, such as the park or the neighborhood. This helps your Shih Tzu become more comfortable around different people and in different situations.
Encourage positive reinforcement: Make sure every family member knows and understands the importance of positive reinforcement. Encourage them to offer treats and praise when your Shih Tzu responds well to the training.
Monitor progress: Keep each other informed about your Shih Tzu’s progress and note any improvements or challenges. This helps everyone stay on track with the training and makes it easier to identify problem areas that need more attention.

By involving the whole family in leash training, you’re not only ensuring that your Shih Tzu becomes well-trained but also fostering family unity and enjoying the process together.

The Benefits of Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is an effective and humane way of training your Shih Tzu to walk on a leash. By using rewards and praise, as opposed to punishment and harsh correction, you can build a positive and lasting relationship with your furry friend.

One of the key benefits of using positive reinforcement is the development of trust between you and your dog. When your Shih Tzu knows that good behavior results in rewards and praise, they will be more likely to listen to your commands and be willing to learn. This will create a strong bond between you and your pet, and make training fun and enjoyable for both of you.

Another advantage of positive reinforcement is that it is a low-stress and fear-free way of training your Shih Tzu. Traditional methods of dog training that use punishment and domination can cause anxiety, fear, and even aggression in your furry friend. On the other hand, positive reinforcement techniques encourage your dog to make choices and work for rewards, leading to a confident and happy pet.

Using positive reinforcement also allows for individualized training that can be tailored to your Shih Tzu’s personality and learning style. As you work with your dog, you will begin to understand what motivates and excites them, allowing you to design a leash training program that is uniquely suited to their needs. This will help you develop a training plan that is effective and efficient, as well as personalized for your dog.

Finally, positive reinforcement is a long-lasting solution that will continue to benefit your Shih Tzu beyond leash training. By building a positive relationship with your dog, you will teach them that good behavior is always rewarded, leading to a well-behaved and obedient pet. This can help with other aspects of your dog’s life, such as potty training, obedience training, and socialization.

Using positive reinforcement techniques for leash training your Shih Tzu provides numerous benefits. From developing trust and strengthening the bond between you and your furry friend, to providing a low-stress and individualized approach to training, positive reinforcement is a humane and effective way to achieve your desired training outcomes. The lasting benefits of positive reinforcement ensure a happy and well-behaved pet, and a happy owner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, leash training your Shih Tzu can be an exciting and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. By using positive reinforcement techniques, you can create a mutually beneficial relationship built on trust and respect.

Remember that the key to successful leash training is patience and consistency. Each step should be taken slowly and with consideration for your dog’s abilities and limitations. It is also important to avoid punishment-based methods, which can damage the bond between you and your pet.

Positive reinforcement is not just effective, it is also fun and enjoyable for your dog. Using treats, praise, and affection to encourage good behavior creates a positive association with the training process and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.

If you encounter difficulties during the training process, do not give up. Troubleshooting common issues such as pulling on the leash or refusing to walk requires patience, persistence, and creativity. Try different techniques, environments, and incentives to find the method that works best for your pet.

Finally, remember that the benefits of positive reinforcement extend beyond leash training. By cultivating a positive and respectful relationship with your dog, you can foster good behavior in all aspects of life, leading to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling relationship for both of you. So, take the time to enjoy the process, and watch as your Shih Tzu becomes a well-behaved and beloved member of your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can you start leash training a Shih Tzu?

You can start leash training a Shih Tzu at around 8-10 weeks old.

Can you use any type of treats for positive reinforcement?

No, you should use high value treats that your Shih Tzu loves and only gets during training sessions.

How long should each training session be?

Training sessions should be short, around 10-15 minutes each, to prevent your Shih Tzu from becoming overwhelmed.

What if my Shih Tzu is scared of the leash?

Take it slow and introduce the leash gradually, using positive reinforcement techniques to help your Shih Tzu associate the leash with good things.

Can I use punishment to correct bad behavior?

No, punishment can create fear and anxiety in your Shih Tzu, which can make training even more difficult.

How can I make training more fun for my Shih Tzu?

Try incorporating playtime and toys into your training sessions to make them more enjoyable for your furry friend.

What should I do if my Shih Tzu pulls on the leash?

Stop walking and wait until your Shih Tzu comes back to you, then give them a treat and continue walking. Repeat this process until your Shih Tzu learns not to pull.

Can other family members help with the training process?

Absolutely! It’s important for everyone in the family to reinforce positive behavior and use consistent training techniques.

How long does it take to leash train a Shih Tzu?

Leash training can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on your Shih Tzu’s personality and previous experiences with training.

What are some common mistakes to avoid during leash training?

Avoid using punishment, being inconsistent with training techniques, and not practicing in different environments to prevent your Shih Tzu from becoming too comfortable in one setting.