Mastering Shih Poo Commands: Essential Training Tips for Your Shih Poo
Shih Poos, also known as Shih Tzu Poodle mix, are popular crossbreed dogs known for their adorable appearance and friendly personalities. Training a Shih Poo can be a rewarding experience, but it requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. In this blog post, we will discuss some basic Shih Poo commands that can help you train your furry friend.
Basic Commands
Sit
Teaching your Shih Poo to sit is one of the first commands you should teach them. Start by holding a treat close to their nose and slowly moving it upwards and backwards while saying “sit.” As they lift their head to follow the treat, their bottom should naturally lower to the ground. Once they are in a sitting position, reward them with the treat and praise them with an enthusiastic “yes!” or “good girl/boy!” Repeat this process several times a day until your Shih Poo masters the sitting command.
Stay
Once your Shih Poo has mastered the sitting command, you can move on to teaching them to stay. Start by having them sit, then hold your hand up in a “stop” motion while saying “stay.” Take a few steps back and wait for a few seconds before returning to your Shih Poo and rewarding them with a treat. Gradually increase the amount of time and distance you are away from your Shih Poo before rewarding them. It’s important to be patient and consistent with this command, as it can take time for your Shih Poo to understand.
Come
Teaching your Shih Poo to come when called is crucial for their safety and your peace of mind. Start by having your Shih Poo on a leash in a distraction-free area. Call their name and say “come” in an enthusiastic tone of voice. Once they come to you, reward them with a treat and praise. Gradually increase the distance and distractions as your Shih Poo becomes more reliable with this command.
Lie Down
Teaching your Shih Poo to lie down is another important command that can help them relax and settle down when needed. Start by having your Shih Poo sit, then hold a treat close to their nose and slowly move it downwards towards the ground while saying “lie down.” As they follow the treat, their body should naturally lower to the ground. Once they are lying down, reward them with the treat and praise. Repeat this process several times a day until your Shih Poo masters the lying down command.
Advanced Commands
Heel
Teaching your Shih Poo to heel is an advanced command that can help you maintain control while walking on a leash. Start by having your Shih Poo sit next to you on your left side. Hold the leash in your left hand and a treat in your right hand. Say “heel” and take a few steps forward while keeping the treat close to your Shih Poo’s nose. If they start to pull ahead, stop walking and say “heel” again while gently guiding them back to your side. Once they are walking nicely by your side, reward them with the treat and praise. Gradually increase the distance and distractions as your Shih Poo becomes more reliable with this command.
Leave It
Teaching your Shih Poo to leave something alone when told can prevent them from getting into dangerous or harmful situations. Start by having your Shih Poo sit in front of you while holding a treat in both hands. Show them one closed fist with the treat inside and say “leave it.” Ignore any attempts they make to get the treat and wait for them to stop trying. Once they do, reward them with the treat from the other hand and praise them with an enthusiastic “yes!” or “good girl/boy!” Repeat this process several times a day until your Shih Poo masters the leave it command.
Wait
Teaching your Shih Poo to wait before going through doors can prevent accidents and escapes. Start by having your Shih Poo sit by a door while you hold it open. Say “wait” and take a few steps back. If your Shih Poo tries to follow you, say “no” and guide them back to the sitting position. Once they have waited for several seconds, reward them with a treat and praise before allowing them to go through the door. Gradually increase the amount of time your Shih Poo has to wait before allowing them to go through the door.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Barking
Excessive barking can be a common problem in Shih Poos, but it can be addressed with training and management. Start by identifying the triggers for your Shih Poo’s barking and removing them when possible. For example, if your Shih Poo barks at people walking by the window, close the curtains or move them to a different room. When your Shih Poo does bark, wait for a pause in the barking and reward them with a treat and praise. Gradually increase the duration of the pauses between rewards until your Shih Poo learns to bark less frequently.
Pulling on the Leash
Pulling on the leash can be frustrating for both you and your Shih Poo. Start by using a harness or a front-clip leash to reduce the pressure on your Shih Poo’s neck. When your Shih Poo starts to pull, stop walking and say “no” or “let’s go.” Once they stop pulling and turn towards you, reward them with a treat and praise. Gradually increase the amount of time your Shih Poo can walk without pulling before rewarding them.
Maintaining Training
Training your Shih Poo is an ongoing process that requires consistency and patience. Make sure to practice the commands regularly and reward your Shih Poo for good behavior. Keep training sessions short and fun to prevent boredom and frustration. Remember that positive reinforcement is the key to successful training, so always reward your Shih Poo for their efforts and accomplishments.
Looking to learn more about Shih Poos? Explore articles on Shih Poo timeline, training issues, positive reinforcement for obedience, characteristics, and temperament to enhance your understanding of these adorable mixed breed dogs!
Conclusion
Training your Shih Poo with basic and advanced commands can be a rewarding experience for both of you. By being patient, consistent, and using positive reinforcement, you can help your Shih Poo become a well-behaved and happy member of your family. Remember to address any common problems with training and management, and to maintain training by practicing the commands regularly. With time, your Shih Poo will become a well-trained and obedient companion.
