Obedience Training Shih Poo Training Tips

Teaching Your Shih Poo to Come When Called

Britta Thygesen 27.04.2023 0

Have you ever found yourself calling your Shih Poo’s name repeatedly, only to have them ignore you and continue running off in the opposite direction? It can be frustrating and worrisome when your furry companion doesn’t come when called. However, teaching your Shih Poo to come when called is an essential aspect of their obedience and safety. Not only does it prevent escapes and accidents, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your pet. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of teaching your furry friend to come when called with positive reinforcement techniques and helpful tips. So, let’s get started!

Why is it important to teach your Shih Poo to come when called?

It’s common for Shih Poos to get excited and run off, which can be dangerous if they get into accidents or lose their way home. That’s why teaching your Shih Poo to come when called is essential, as it can prevent any potential escapes or accidents. Aside from preventing danger, obedience and command training is important, and it can also establish a strong bond between you and your furry friend. In this article, we’ll cover the significance of teaching your Shih Poo to come when called and how to do it effectively. If you’re interested in learning more about obedience training, check out our article on Shih Poo obedience training for tips and tricks.

Prevent Escapes and Accidents

Teaching your Shih Poo to come when called is an essential part of obedience training. Not only does it create a strong bond between you and your furry friend, but it also has practical benefits. One of the reasons why training your dog to come when called is vital is that it prevents escapes and accidents.

When your Shih Poo is off-leash and out of sight, any potential hazards may put them at risk. For example, they could run into traffic or eat something toxic. By having complete control over your Shih Poo, you can keep them out of harm’s way. Teaching your Shih Poo to come when called is especially important when you take them outside or to a new place.

To keep your Shih Poo safe, keeping them on a leash when you take them for a walk is another useful strategy. This way, you can have a better grip in case they see something more interesting than coming back to you. If you haven’t started leash training yet, you’ll find useful tips in our article “Shih Poo Leash Training Tips”.

Remember that it’s essential to provide obedience training to your dog only through positive reinforcement, as emphasized in the article on “The Importance of Reinforcement in Obedience Training.” With patience and a consistent approach, every dog can learn to respond to their owner’s call.

Bonding with Your Shih Poo

Bonding with your Shih Poo is one of the most important factors in building a strong and loving relationship with your furry friend. It will help you to understand your dog’s needs and preferences while forming a deep connection that translates into obedience and loyalty.

By teaching your Shih Poo to come when called, you are also fostering that bond. When you call your dog by their name and they come running towards you, it reinforces the positive feelings that they have towards you. This, in turn, leads to trust and makes them more likely to obey your commands in the future. By using positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, you can reward your Shih Poo for coming when called and reinforce that bond.

Here are some tips for bonding with your Shih Poo while teaching them to come when called:

1	Make training sessions fun and enjoyable for both you and your Shih Poo. Use a happy tone of voice, offer plenty of treats and positive reinforcement, and try to keep training sessions short and sweet.
2	Develop a deeper understanding of your dog’s personality, preferences, and needs by spending quality time with them outside of training sessions. Play together, go for long walks, and engage in activities that your dog enjoys.
3	Use training techniques that are based on positive reinforcement rather than negative reinforcement. By rewarding your dog for good behavior, rather than punishing them for bad behavior, you’ll build a stronger bond based on trust and respect.
4	Be patient and understanding with your Shih Poo. They may not always get things right the first time, but with patience and consistency, they will learn to come when called and follow other commands as well.

By following these tips, you will not only teach your Shih Poo to come when called, but you will also build a strong emotional connection with your furry friend that will last a lifetime. It’s important to remember that bonding with your dog takes time, effort, and patience, but the end result is well worth the effort.

If you’re struggling with teaching your Shih Poo to come when called, don’t get discouraged. Check out our other articles on Shih Poo commands or start obedience training to speed up your progress. Remember to always approach training with positivity and love, and you’ll be on your way to a happy, obedient, and well-bonded Shih Poo.

Obeying Your Commands

The ability to obey your commands is an important skill that all Shih Poos should learn. Not only does it make life easier for you as an owner, but it also ensures the safety of your dog. Here are some tips on how to teach your Shih Poo to obey your commands:

Be Consistent: Use the same commands every time you ask your Shih Poo to do something. This helps your dog understand what you want them to do.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your Shih Poo with treats or praise when they obey your commands. This encourages your dog to repeat good behavior.
Be Patient: Obedience training takes time and patience. Do not get frustrated if your Shih Poo doesn’t obey your commands right away.
Use Clear Body Language: Your Shih Poo can pick up on cues from your body language. Make sure your body language is clear and consistent with your commands.
Teach Basic Commands First: Teach your Shih Poo basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come” before moving on to more advanced commands.

Remember that obedience training is an ongoing process. You should continue to practice with your Shih Poo every day. If you find that your Shih Poo is struggling with obedience training, you may want to consider additional training techniques such as clicker training, crate training, or obedience training classes. With patience and persistence, your Shih Poo will be a well-behaved and obedient dog.

How to Teach Your Shih Poo to Come When Called

Teaching your Shih Poo to come when called is an essential skill for any dog, and it can be a lifesaver in many situations. Whether you want your furry friend to stay safe or obey your commands, this skill is a must-have. However, this skill does not come naturally to most dogs, and it requires some effort and patience to train them properly. In this section, we will discuss some effective techniques you can use to teach your Shih Poo to come when called. By following these steps, you can help your dog learn this important skill and strengthen your bond with them. Don’t forget that you can speed up your obedience training by using the right tools and methods.

Choose a Distinct Command Word

When teaching your Shih Poo to come when called, it is essential to choose a distinct command word that you will use consistently throughout the training process. This command word should be easy to remember, short, and unique. A good option is to use a two-syllable word or phrase, such as “come here” or “let’s go”.

Using a clear and straightforward command word is essential to avoid confusion or misunderstanding by your Shih Poo, which can slow the training process. It is also vital that everyone in your household uses the same word, ensuring that your dog does not become confused by differing commands.

To select the command word that you will use in training, you can use phrases that your dog is already familiar with, such as their name, a particular sound or specific tone of voice, or body language. It is advisable to choose a word that is not commonly used in everyday language to avoid confusing your Shih Poo.

Once you have chosen your command word, it’s crucial to use it consistently, incorporating it into your daily interactions with your dog regularly. For example, when calling your pup to come to dinner or to cuddle on the couch, you can use your command word.

By sticking to a consistent command word, your Shih Poo will soon understand and recognize the specific tone and sound of the phrase you use when calling them to come to you. This will aid the training process and speed up obedience training, making the process more efficient and enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.

Click here for more tips on speeding up obedience training.

Start Indoors

When you begin training your Shih Poo to come when called, it’s important to start indoors in a quiet and familiar environment. This will help your furry friend focus and reduce the likelihood of them becoming distracted by outside stimuli. Here are some steps to follow when starting the training process indoors:

Choose a quiet room: Select a room in your house that has minimal distractions like TVs, radios, or other family members walking in and out.
Use a long leash: Keep your Shih Poo on a leash during the initial training sessions. This helps prevent them from running away or getting distracted.
Call your Shih Poo’s name: Call your Shih Poo’s name in a clear and upbeat tone, using their name to get their attention.
Use a treat: When they come to you, reward them with a treat and verbal praise. If they don’t come, gently tug the leash while calling their name again. When they do come to you, reward them with a treat and praise again.
Repeat: Practice this exercise repeatedly, gradually removing the leash until your furry friend knows the command without it.

Remember, starting indoors can help ease your furry friend into the training process without getting overwhelmed by outside distractions. Once they master coming when called in a controlled environment, you can move on to the next step of training.

Use Positive Reinforcement

When teaching your Shih Poo to come when called, it’s important to use positive reinforcement techniques. Here are some tips to help with this training method:

Use treats: Every time your Shih Poo comes to you when called, reward them with a treat. This will encourage them to associate coming to you with a positive experience.
Use verbal praise: Along with treats, use positive verbal reinforcement such as saying “good boy/girl” or “well done” to let your Shih Poo know they did a good job.
Be consistent: When using positive reinforcement, be consistent with rewards and praise so your Shih Poo knows exactly what they did to earn them.
Keep treats handy: Keep some treats with you at all times so you’re prepared to reward your Shih Poo when they come to you.
Use a clicker: Consider using a clicker paired with treats to train your Shih Poo. The clicker marks the exact moment your Shih Poo does the desired behavior, and helps to reinforce it.

Remember, positive reinforcement helps to build a strong bond between you and your Shih Poo while teaching them to come when called. It’s a fun and rewarding way to train your furry friend, so be patient and consistent, and always remember to praise and reward them for good behavior.

Do Not Punish Your Shih Poo

It can be tempting to punish your Shih Poo when they don’t respond to your command to come, but this can have serious negative consequences on their behavior and can even damage your relationship with them. Here are some tips to help you avoid punishing your Shih Poo during training:

Remember that your Shih Poo is not being disobedient on purpose – they may simply not understand what is expected of them.
Avoid physically punishing your Shih Poo, such as hitting or kicking them, as this can cause them to become fearful or aggressive.
Don’t yell at or scold your Shih Poo, as this can also cause fear and erode the bond of trust between you and your furry friend. Instead, try using a firm but calm voice to reinforce the desired behavior.
If your Shih Poo doesn’t respond to your command, simply stop the training session and try again later when they are more receptive.
It’s important to remember that training takes time and patience, and your Shih Poo will make mistakes along the way. Be patient and keep reinforcing positive behaviors with rewards, and soon your Shih Poo will become a master of coming when called!

By avoiding punishment and focusing on positive reinforcement, you can build a stronger and more trusting relationship with your Shih Poo. Remember, they want to please you and make you happy, so stay positive and patient during the training process.

Keep Sessions Short and Fun

When teaching your Shih Poo to come when called, it is essential to keep the training sessions short and enjoyable. The shorter and more exciting the sessions are, the more likely your Shih Poo will enjoy them and learn effectively.

Here are some tips to keep training sessions short and fun:

Plan short training sessions: Initially, your Shih Poo may only have a short attention span. Plan short training sessions of about 5-10 minutes each time. This way, you can optimize your Shih Poo’s learning during the session.
Use treats and rewards: Shih Poo’s love food and toys. Use this to your advantage by using treats and toys as rewards after a successful training session. This positive reinforcement will encourage your dog to look forward to the training sessions and make them more enjoyable.
Add variety to training: Do not make training boring by repeating the same actions over and over. Make it more interesting by using different commands and actions each session. This will keep your Shih Poo engaged and prevent boredom.
Follow your Shih Poo’s lead: If your Shih Poo is not interested in training, do not force it. It is better to postpone the training session for a later time when your dog is more active and motivated to learn.
End training sessions on a high note: Always end the training session positively. End the session with a successful attempt by your Shih Poo, followed by praise and rewards. This way, your dog will be looking forward to the next session.

Remember that the training process should be enjoyable and rewarding for both you and your Shih Poo. By keeping the sessions short and fun, you will create a positive learning environment and speed up the training process.

Gradually Increase Distractions

As your Shih Poo becomes more proficient at responding to your command to come, it’s important to gradually increase the level of distractions present in the environment. This will help to ensure that your dog is able to maintain focus and obey your commands, even in more challenging circumstances.

Here are some tips for gradually increasing distractions:

Step	Distraction Example
1	Introduce mild distractions, like toys or treats, while practicing indoors with no other people or animals present.
2	Practice in a low-distraction outdoor area, like a fenced-in backyard or quiet park, with few or no other people or animals present.
3	Add more challenging distractions, like other dogs or people, as your dog becomes more proficient at responding to your command. Always make sure to keep your dog under control and safe during these exercises.
4	Practice in different locations with varying levels of difficulty, like a busy street or crowded park. Gradually increase the level of distraction as your dog becomes more confident and reliable in their ability to obey your command.

Remember to always use positive reinforcement and rewards to encourage your Shih Poo to come when called, even in distracting environments. With patience and consistency, your furry friend will become a reliable and obedient companion.

Practice in Different Settings

To ensure that your Shih Poo truly understands the “come” command, it’s essential to practice in different settings. This will help your pet become accustomed to different environments and distractions. Training your Shih Poo in various environments can also help improve their recall response in the long run. Below is a table that lists different settings in which you can train your Shih Poo to come when called:

Setting	What to Consider
Park or Open Field	Practice in an area with low foot traffic, varying weather conditions, and different times of day. Use a long leash for safety.
Indoor Environment	Practice in a room with different obstacles or furniture, and gradually increase the distance between you and your Shih Poo.
Busy Street	Make sure your Shih Poo is on a leash and practice during quiet times like early mornings or late evenings. Gradually expose your pet to different sounds and sights.
Backyard	Practice during different activities and distractions like playing with toys or other pets. Gradually increase the distance between you and your Shih Poo and always supervise for safety.

Remember to always prioritize your Shih Poo’s safety when practicing in different environments. Ensure they are on a leash and gradually increase the level of distraction and distance between you and your pet. Practicing in different settings will help your Shih Poo master the “come” command and respond consistently, no matter where they are.

Associate Coming When Called with Rewards

One of the most effective ways to train your Shih Poo to come when called is to associate that behavior with rewards. By consistently providing positive reinforcement, your dog will learn to come when called with enthusiasm, knowing that there’s something good waiting for them when they do.

Step 1: Choose a reward that your Shih Poo loves, such as small, tasty treats, or a favorite toy.

Step 2: Whenever your dog comes when called, immediately offer the reward and praise them enthusiastically. This will help your dog understand that coming when called is a desirable behavior.

Step 3: Once your dog consistently responds to the command, you can begin to phase out the treats or toys gradually. But it’s important to continue to praise and reward your Shih Poo, even if it’s just with verbal encouragement.

To help you keep track of your dog’s progress, you may want to keep a record of every time you practice the “come” command, including the date, location, and how far away your Shih Poo was. This can help you identify any patterns or problem areas and adjust your training accordingly.

Remember, consistency and positive reinforcement are the keys to successfully training your Shih Poo to come when called. With time, patience, and plenty of practice, your dog will learn to come when called reliably, making walks, trips to the dog park, and other outings more enjoyable and stress-free for you both.

Step	Description
Step 1	Choose a reward that your Shih Poo loves.
Step 2	Immediately offer the reward and praise them enthusiastically when they come when called.
Step 3	Gradually phase out treats or toys, but continue to praise and reward your dog.

What to Do if Your Shih Poo Does Not Come When Called

Calling your Shih Poo and watching them ignore you can be frustrating, especially after spending so much time and effort training them. It’s a common problem many pet owners face, but it’s important not to get discouraged. There are several reasons why your Shih Poo may not come when called, including distractions, fear, or lack of proper training. In this section, we will discuss helpful tips on what to do if your Shih Poo does not come when called, to help you strengthen your bond and improve your furry friend’s obedience.

Remain Calm and Patient

In the event that your Shih Poo does not come when called, it is important to remain calm and patient. Losing your temper or getting frustrated may lead to your dog being afraid to come to you in the future. Here are some tips on how to stay calm:

Take a deep breath: When you feel yourself getting frustrated, take a moment to breathe deeply and calm down.
Use a gentle tone: When you call your dog, use a kind and reassuring tone, rather than a harsh or angry one.
Don’t yell: Yelling will only scare your dog and make them less likely to want to come to you.
Try a different approach: If your dog is consistently not responding to your calls, try a different approach or training technique. Sometimes a change in strategy can make all the difference.

Remember, teaching your dog to come when called takes time and patience. Keep working with your Shih Poo and celebrate small victories along the way. And if you do hit a roadblock, don’t give up. Remain calm and patient, and keep trying different methods until you find what works best for you and your furry friend.

Avoid Chasing Your Shih Poo

When your Shih Poo doesn’t come when called, it can be tempting to chase them. However, chasing your dog can reinforce negative behavior and make it more difficult to train them. This is because chasing your Shih Poo can turn it into a game of keep-away or tag, and they may think you’re just having fun rather than trying to get them to come to you.

Additionally, chasing your Shih Poo can create anxiety or fear, especially if they view you as a dominant figure. This can strain the relationship between you and your dog and make them less likely to come when called in the future.

Instead of chasing your Shih Poo, try walking in the opposite direction or out of sight. This may prompt your dog to follow you, especially if you use a positive and excited tone of voice. You can also try using a toy or treat to lure them towards you.

Remember, consistency is key when teaching your Shih Poo to come when called. Stick to your training techniques and avoid using punishment or negative reinforcement. With patience and positivity, your Shih Poo can learn to come when called and form a deeper bond with you.

Do	Don’t
Walk in the opposite direction to encourage your dog to follow you	Chase your dog if they don’t come when called
Use a positive and excited tone of voice to encourage your dog to come	Use punishment or negative reinforcement to compel your dog to follow you
Use a toy or treat to lure your dog towards you	Yell or scream at your dog if they don’t come when called

Never Punish Your Shih Poo

It is crucial to never punish your Shih Poo while training them to come when called. Punishment can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression in dogs. It is important to use positive reinforcement techniques instead.

Here are some reasons why punishment should be avoided when training your Shih Poo to come when called:

Punishment can damage the bond with your Shih Poo: Dogs thrive on positive human interaction. If you punish your Shih Poo for not coming when called, they may start to associate you with negativity and punishment. This can damage the bond you have with your pet.
Punishment can increase anxiety and fear: Dogs can develop anxiety and fear from punishment, which can make them less likely to obey commands in the future. This can make training more difficult and may even worsen the behavior you are trying to correct.
Punishment can lead to aggression: Using punishment while training your Shih Poo can cause them to become aggressive. This can be dangerous for both you and your pet.

Instead of punishment, use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and playtime to reinforce good behavior. This will encourage your Shih Poo to obey your commands and create a positive association with coming when called.

Remember to be patient and consistent in your training techniques. Dogs require repetition and consistency to learn new behaviors. With positive reinforcement and consistent training, your Shih Poo will learn to come when called in no time!

Re-Evaluate Your Training Techniques

If you find that your Shih Poo still does not come when called despite following all of the steps outlined above, it may be time to re-evaluate your training techniques. Here are some things you can try:

Vary your rewards: Your Shih Poo may be getting bored with the same rewards. Mix things up by using different treats or toys as rewards.
Change up your command word: Your Shih Poo may be associating the command word you chose with something negative. Try using a different command word and see if that makes a difference.
Get professional help: If you are still having trouble, consider enrolling your Shih Poo in obedience training classes. A professional trainer may be able to pinpoint the problem and provide guidance on how to resolve it.

Remember to remain patient with your Shih Poo and keep training sessions positive and fun. With persistence and the right techniques, your furry friend will soon come when called every time!

Conclusion

In conclusion, teaching your Shih Poo to come when called is essential for their safety and your peace of mind. By using positive reinforcement and consistency in training, you can create a strong bond with your furry friend while also ensuring they listen and obey your commands. Remember to keep training sessions short, fun, and gradually increase the level of distractions to build up your Shih Poo’s focus and obedience.

If your Shih Poo struggles with coming when called, it’s crucial to remain calm and patient. Avoid punishing or chasing them as it will only create negative associations with the training process. Instead, re-evaluate your training techniques and perhaps seek the advice of a professional dog trainer to help you and your furry friend better communicate and understand each other.

In the end, teaching your Shih Poo to come when called requires consistency, patience, and a lot of love. But the rewards of having an obedient and well-trained furry companion are immeasurable. So start the training process today, and together you and your Shih Poo can create a bond built on trust, respect, and loyalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Age Can You Start Training a Shih Poo to Come When Called?

You can start training your Shih Poo to come when called as early as 8-10 weeks old.

Can Every Shih Poo Learn to Come When Called?

Yes, every Shih Poo can learn to come when called. It may take some dogs longer to learn than others, but with patience and consistency, every dog can learn this important skill.

What Should I Do if My Shih Poo Runs Away When I Call Him?

If your Shih Poo runs away when you call him, it’s important to remain calm and avoid chasing him. Instead, try to entice him back to you with treats or toys, and consider using a long line or leash to prevent him from running away in the future.

How Long Does it Take to Teach a Shih Poo to Come When Called?

Teaching a Shih Poo to come when called can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the dog’s age, temperament, and previous training experience. Consistency and patience are key.

What Mistakes Should I Avoid When Training My Shih Poo to Come When Called?

Avoid punishing or scolding your Shih Poo if he doesn’t come when called, as this can cause him to fear you or become hesitant to come in the future. Additionally, avoid using his name in a negative context or only calling him when it’s time to go home or end playtime.

Can I Train My Shih Poo to Come When Called Without Treats?

While treats can be a helpful tool in training your Shih Poo to come when called, they are not the be-all and end-all of training. Consistency, patience, positive reinforcement, and plenty of praise can also be effective in teaching your dog to come when called.

What if My Shih Poo Only Comes When He Feels Like It?

If your Shih Poo only comes when he feels like it, it may be helpful to make coming when called more engaging and rewarding for him. Try using a high-value treat or toy, and only use the command when you know he is likely to respond.

What Can I Do to Make My Shih Poo’s Training Sessions More Fun?

To make your Shih Poo’s training sessions more fun, try incorporating games and play into your training routine. You can also switch up the location and settings of your training sessions to keep things interesting for your dog.

Is It Possible to Train My Shih Poo to Come When Called Off-Leash?

Yes, it is possible to train your Shih Poo to come when called off-leash. However, this takes a significant amount of training and should only be attempted in safe and secure areas where your dog cannot run away or get into trouble.

Can I Train My Shih Poo to Come When Called if He Has Already Learned Bad Habits?

Yes, you can train your Shih Poo to come when called even if he has already learned bad habits. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key, and it may take longer for your dog to unlearn bad habits and replace them with good ones.