How to Train a Shih Poo

As a proud owner of a Shih Poo, you’re probably wondering how to train your furry friend to be the best companion possible. Whether you’re a first-time owner or have had dogs in the past, training can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. But fear not! With a little patience and persistence, you can teach your Shih Poo new tricks and establish a loving bond. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of training your Shih Poo, from housebreaking to advanced agility courses. We’ll also provide tips for troubleshooting any issues that may arise, such as nervousness or aggression. So, get ready to unleash your inner trainer and let’s get started!

Understanding Your Shih Poo

As a dog owner, it’s important to understand your furry friend’s unique characteristics and needs, especially if you want to train them effectively. When it comes to Shih Poos, a crossbreed between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle, there are certain traits you should keep in mind. From their playful and affectionate temperament to their exercise requirements and potential health concerns, there are several factors that can affect how you approach their training. To help you get started, let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about Shih Poos. For more information on Shih Poo characteristics, click here.

Characteristics of Shih Poo

Shih Poo is a crossbreed that combines the characteristics of a Shih Tzu and a Poodle. These little dogs are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them great companions for families, individuals, and seniors alike. Here are some of the key characteristics of a Shih Poo:

• Size: Shih Poos are small dogs that typically weigh between 8 and 18 pounds.
• Coat: Their coat is typically soft, fluffy, and curly or wavy. They come in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, cream, and gray.
• Temperament: Shih Poos are affectionate, playful, and sociable dogs that love to be around people. They are intelligent and easy to train, and they are great with kids.
• Activity Level: Although they are small, Shih Poos require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy taking walks, playing in the park, and engaging in interactive playtime.
• Health: Shih Poos are generally healthy dogs, but they may be prone to some health issues that are common in both the Shih Tzu and Poodle breeds. These may include dental issues, eye problems, and respiratory issues. It is crucial to provide them with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and routine vet check-ups.
• Lifespan: The Shih Poos have a long lifespan of 12-15 years if properly taken care of, which makes them great companions for individuals and families looking for a long-term pet commitment.

It is important to understand the characteristics of these cute and friendly dogs before starting their training. Identifying the unique traits of Shih Poos will help you tailor their training according to their personalities and behavior patterns. Read up on their health tips and dietary habits, socialization needs, and temperaments before beginning any training routine.

For more details on Shih Poo characteristics, you can check out our article on Shih Poo Temperaments, Shih Poo Lifespan and Health Tips, and Best Diet for Shih Poo.

What to Consider Before Training

Before you start training your Shih Poo, it is essential to consider a few things to ensure that your training sessions are productive and constructive. Here are some factors to consider:

It’s essential to have an understanding of these various factors so that you can tailor your training sessions to meet the needs of your Shih Poo. By considering these factors, your training sessions will be more productive, and you can establish a positive relationship with your furry friend. Additionally, here are some tips to help you establish a connection with your dog.

– Spend quality time with your Shih Poo
– Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward good behavior
– Avoid scolding or punishment
– Learn more about how to socialize Shih Poo dogs here.

Establishing a Connection with Your Dog

Establishing a Connection with Your Dog is crucial before starting any training program. It helps in creating a positive and respectful relationship between you and your Shih Poo, which is vital for effective training. Here are some tips to help you achieve a strong bond with your furry friend:

Following these tips will help your Shih Poo develop a bonding with you, which will create a healthy and successful learning environment. These tips will help you establish a good connection with your furry friend that will make training easier and more fun.

Basic Training

When it comes to training your Shih Poo, starting with the basics is essential. The foundation of any successful training program is rooted in teaching housebreaking and leash training. As you progress, you can introduce commands like sit, stay, come, and down, and use positive reinforcement techniques to reinforce good behavior. Clicker training is a fun and effective approach that can also help solidify the bond between you and your Shih Poo. Let’s delve into these fundamental training techniques and get your furry friend on the right track.

Housebreaking

Housebreaking your Shih Poo may take time and patience, but it’s an important step in your pup’s training. Here are some tips to help make the process easier:

• Create a routine: Take your Shih Poo outside at the same time every day, preferably after meals and naps. This will help establish a routine for your pup and make it easier to predict when they need to go.
• Choose a designated spot: Pick a specific spot in your yard where you want your Shih Poo to do their business. Use the same spot consistently so they associate that area with going potty.
• Use positive reinforcement: When your Shih Poo goes potty outside, praise and reward them with a treat. This will reinforce the behavior and encourage them to continue going outside.
• Watch for signs: Keep an eye out for signs that your Shih Poo needs to go, such as sniffing around or circling. When you see these behaviors, take them outside right away.
• Be patient: Accidents will happen, especially in the beginning. If you catch your Shih Poo in the act of going inside, interrupt them with a clap or loud noise and take them outside immediately.
• Consistency is key: Stick to your routine and continue to use positive reinforcement. With time and patience, your Shih Poo will learn to go potty outside consistently.

Keep in mind that every pup is different and may pick up on housebreaking at their own pace. Stay positive and be patient, and don’t forget to reward good behavior!

Leash Training

Teaching your Shih Poo to walk properly on a leash is essential for their safety and your peace of mind. Here are some tips to make the process easier:

• Start by introducing the leash to your dog gradually. Let them sniff it and get used to it being near them before attaching it to their collar.
• Once the leash is attached, allow your dog to adjust to the weight and length. Let them drag it around a little while supervised, so they don’t become frightened or overwhelmed.
• When you’re ready to start walking, begin in a quiet and familiar environment, such as your garden or a nearby park with few distractions.
• Use positive reinforcement to reward your Shih Poo every time they walk without pulling on the leash. Treats, praise, and affection are all great motivators that will encourage them to stay by your side.
• If your dog pulls on the leash, stop walking and wait for them to calm down. Avoid yanking or pulling them back, as this can be confusing and uncomfortable for your pooch.
• Teach your Shih Poo to walk on a loose leash by using the ‘stop and go’ technique. Every time they start pulling, stop walking and wait until they come back to your side. Reward them with a treat and continue walking.
• Practice leash training as often as possible, gradually increasing the distance and duration of your walks. Remember to always use positive reinforcement to keep them engaged and motivated.

With time, patience, and consistency, leash training your Shih Poo can be a rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. Keep in mind that every dog is unique, and you may need to adjust your training techniques to suit your dog’s individual needs.

Commands – Sit, Stay, Come, Down

Teaching your Shih Poo basic obedience commands is one of the most important aspects of their training regimen. These commands will not only provide structure and consistency for your dog, but will also ensure their safety and well-being. Here are the steps to teach your Shih Poo four essential commands – Sit, Stay, Come, and Down:

1. Sit: Start by holding a treat above your dog’s nose and slowly moving it back towards their ears. As their head follows the treat, their bottom will naturally lower onto the ground. Once they sit, say “sit” and give them the treat. Repeat this several times until they start recognizing the command without the treat.
2. Stay: After your dog has mastered the “sit” command, stand in front of them with your hand up (like a stop sign) and say “stay”. Then, take a step back. If they stay in place, reward them with a treat and praise. Slowly increase the distance and duration of each “stay” attempt, until they can stay in place for several minutes.
3. Come: Start with your dog on a leash and move a few steps away from them. Say “come” in a friendly tone, and gently pull on the leash to guide them towards you. Once they reach you, reward them with a treat and affection. Gradually increase the distance of each “come” attempt until they can come when called from across the room or yard.
4. Down: Start with your dog in a sitting position. Hold a treat in front of them, then move your hand down to the ground. As they follow the treat, their body will naturally lower to the ground. Once they are in a down position, say “down” and give them the treat. Repeat this several times until they start recognizing the command without the treat.

Remember that consistency and patience are key when training your Shih Poo. Practice these basic commands regularly and always use positive reinforcement techniques to keep them motivated and engaged. With time and effort, your Shih Poo will master these commands and become a well-behaved and obedient companion.

Clicker Training

Clicker Training is a popular and effective method of training that involves using a distinct clicking sound to reinforce positive behavior in your Shih Poo. Here are the steps you can follow to get started with clicker training:

1. Get a Clicker: Clickers are inexpensive and easy to find at your local pet store. Make sure to get a clicker that is comfortable to hold and has a distinct, consistent sound.
2. Charge the Clicker: Before using the clicker with your Shih Poo, you need to “charge” it by repeatedly clicking and treating your dog without asking for any behavior. This will help your dog associate the sound of the clicker with a positive outcome.
3. Select a Behavior: Decide on a specific behavior that you want to train your Shih Poo to do, such as sitting or coming when called.
4. Click and Treat: When your Shih Poo performs the desired behavior, immediately click the clicker and give your dog a treat. Make sure to click immediately after the behavior occurs so that your dog associates the sound of the clicker with the behavior.
5. Repeat: Continue to click and treat every time your Shih Poo performs the desired behavior. After a while, your dog will start to associate the behavior with the reward, and you can gradually phase out the clicker and rely solely on verbal commands and treats.

Remember to be patient and consistent when clicker training your Shih Poo. It may take several sessions for your dog to understand what behavior you are trying to reinforce, so don’t get discouraged if progress is slow. With persistence and positive reinforcement, clicker training can be an effective tool for training your Shih Poo.

Positive Reinforcement Techniques

Positive reinforcement techniques are highly effective in training your Shih Poo. Here are some techniques that you can use to encourage good behavior:

• Clicker Training: Clicker training involves making a clicking sound every time your dog behaves well. The sound helps communicate that the behavior was desirable and will be rewarded.
• Treats: Treats are a great way to incentivize good behavior. Whenever your dog does something that you want it to, give it a treat. You can also use treats to lure your dog to new behaviors or actions that you want it to perform.
• Praise: Praising your dog is an important positive reinforcement technique. When your dog does something right, tell it! Offer plenty of verbal compliments and physical affection. This encourages your dog to repeat the behavior and strengthens your bond.
• Playtime: Playtime is a great way to reward your dog for good behavior. After a training session, spend some time playing with your dog with its favorite toy. This will make training a more enjoyable experience for your dog and help solidify the new behaviors.

It’s important to remember that positive reinforcement techniques work by rewarding good behavior, not punishing bad behavior. Punishing your Shih Poo can lead to negative consequences, such as fear and aggression. So, always stick to positive reinforcement techniques and avoid negative ones. With patience and consistency, you’ll soon have a well-trained and happy Shih Poo!

Advanced Training

As your Shih Poo progresses through basic training, you may find yourself wanting to challenge them further with more advanced techniques. These training methods will not only establish a deeper bond between you and your furry companion but will also help them become more well-rounded and confident. Take your training to the next level with these advanced dog training techniques.

Barking and Growling Control

As a Shih Poo owner, you might notice that your furry companion can bark and growl excessively. While these behaviors can be natural, they can also become problematic if not managed appropriately. Here are some tips on how to train your Shih Poo to control barking and growling.

Remember, training your Shih Poo to control barking and growling will take time and patience. By following these tips and remaining consistent, you can help your furry companion become a well-behaved and happy member of your household.

Crate Training

Crate training is an excellent way to help your Shih Poo feel secure and comfortable while you are away. Using a crate will also assist in potty training and prevent destructive behavior in your absence. Here are some tips for successful crate training:

• Get the Right Size Crate: It’s essential to choose a crate that is the right size for your Shih Poo. The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lay down in comfortably. If you choose a crate that is too big, your dog may use one end as a bathroom and the other end as a sleeping area.
• Make It Comfortable: Ensure the crate is comfortable by lining it with a soft blanket or bed. You can also leave your dog’s favorite toy or a chew for entertainment purposes. This will help your dog connect the crate with something pleasant and positive.
• Introduce the Crate Slowly: Start by just placing the crate in the room where your Shih Poo spends much of its time. Encourage your Shih Poo to go inside with treats or by throwing toys inside. Gradually shut the door for short periods, increasing the amount of time over several days. Always praise and reward your dog for going inside the crate.
• Don’t Use It as Punishment: Never use the crate as punishment for your dog. This can create negative associations with the crate and impede your progress. It should always be a positive and comfortable place for your Shih Poo to enjoy.
• Practice Departures and Returns: Practice leaving the house for short periods and returning calmly. This will help your Shih Poo learn that you will always return, creating a sense of security and comfort.

Remember, crate training takes time, patience, and consistency. If you follow these tips, your Shih Poo will eventually view the crate as a secure and comfortable area.

Teaching Tricks

Teaching your Shih Poo tricks is a fun and engaging way to bond with your furry friend while also keeping his mind stimulated. Many Shih Poos love to learn and are eager to please their owners, making them perfect candidates for trick training. Here are some tricks you can teach your Shih Poo:

Remember: Keep training sessions short and full of positive reinforcement. Use treats, praise, and affection to communicate with your pup and let him know when he’s done well. With patience and consistency, your Shih Poo will be performing impressive tricks in no time!

Teaching Agility and Obstacle Courses

To train your Shih Poo in agility and obstacle courses, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment and a lot of patience. First, set up a designated area for your training. Use cones, jumps, and tunnels to create a course for your dog to navigate. You should also invest in some agility-specific equipment like weave poles.

The Basics of Agility Training

Before diving into the course, make sure your Shih Poo is comfortable with each piece of equipment. For example, encourage them to jump over a singular jump by placing treats on the other side. Once they become comfortable, add additional equipment and repeat the process.

Building the Course

When designing the course, start with the basics and work your way up to more difficult obstacles. Shih Poos are small dogs, so make sure the jumps are at an appropriate height for their size. Place the weave poles in a straight line first and once your dog is able to navigate them, begin to space them out.

Training Techniques

Use positive reinforcement techniques to train your Shih Poo in the course. Offer treats and praise when they successfully complete an obstacle. You can also use clicker training to signal when they’ve successfully completed a course.

Advanced Techniques

Once your dog is comfortable with the course, you can begin to introduce more advanced techniques such as off-leash training and timed courses. These techniques require a deep level of trust and connection between you and your dog, so make sure to establish a strong bond before attempting.

Remember that training your Shih Poo in agility and obstacle courses takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. Not only will your dog learn new skills, but they will also gain confidence and build a deeper bond with you.

Troubleshooting

As much as we may wish for smooth sailing during our furry friend’s training, inevitably we may encounter some bumps in the road. It’s important to remember that troubleshooting is a normal part of the process, and with patience and persistence, we can overcome any obstacles. Here are some tips and strategies to help address common issues you may face while training your Shih Poo.

Dealing with Nervousness and Anxiety

Dealing with Nervousness and Anxiety in your Shih Poo can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, you can help your furry friend feel calmer and more comfortable. Here are some tips and tricks to help your pup manage their anxiety:

By following these tips and working closely with your Shih Poo, you can help them manage their anxiety and live a happy and healthy life. Remember to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your pup’s behavior or well-being.

Preventing Aggression

Aggression is a serious issue that can arise in any dog, including Shih Poos. As a responsible owner, it’s important to take steps to prevent aggression before it becomes a problem. Here are some ways you can prevent aggression in your Shih Poo:

• Socialize your dog: Early socialization is key to preventing aggression in dogs. Introduce your Shih Poo to a variety of people, dogs, and environments so that they learn to feel comfortable and confident in different situations.
• Train your dog: Training your Shih Poo not only helps you establish a bond with your dog, but it also teaches them what acceptable behavior is. Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward good behavior and discourage bad behavior.
• Be aware of body language: Dogs often give warning signs before displaying aggression, such as growling, barking, or showing their teeth. Learn to recognize your Shih Poo’s body language and take steps to address the situation before it escalates.
• Avoid situations that may trigger aggression: If you know that your Shih Poo gets aggressive around certain people or in certain situations, avoid those triggers as much as possible. For example, if your dog dislikes children, don’t take them to a park where there are likely to be lots of kids.
• Never use physical punishment: Using physical punishment, such as hitting or kicking your dog, can actually increase aggression. It’s never an appropriate way to discipline your Shih Poo.

By implementing these preventative measures, you can help ensure that your Shih Poo is a well-behaved and gentle pet. Remember, aggression is often a result of fear or anxiety, so by providing your dog with lots of love, attention, and positive reinforcement, you can help alleviate any insecurities they may have.

Managing Separation Anxiety

When it comes to separation anxiety, it can be a challenge for both the Shih Poo and its owner. Separation anxiety is a common issue among dogs, and it can lead to destructive behavior and excessive barking. Here are some tips for managing separation anxiety in your Shih Poo:

By following these tips, you can help your Shih Poo feel more comfortable and secure when you’re not home. Remember to be patient and consistent in your approach, as managing separation anxiety can take time and effort.

Conclusion

After following all these tips and tricks, you should have a well-trained and happy Shih Poo. However, it’s important to remember that training is an ongoing process and requires consistency and patience. Keep practicing with your dog regularly and reinforcing positive behavior.

Remember to always use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and playtime to encourage good behavior. Avoid using punishment, as this can lead to fear and anxiety in your dog.

Also, remember to pay attention to your dog’s body language and adjust your training methods accordingly. If your Shih Poo seems anxious or overwhelmed, take a step back and try again later.

Training your Shih Poo can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. By understanding their unique characteristics and needs, establishing a connection with them, and using positive reinforcement techniques, you can successfully train your Shih Poo to be a well-behaved and happy companion.

However, if you encounter any issues with training or your dog’s behavior, don’t hesitate to seek out the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist. They can offer personalized advice and support to ensure that you and your Shih Poo have a harmonious and happy relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Shih Poos be trained easily?

Yes, Shih Poos are known to be quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques.

2. What is the best age to start training a Shih Poo?

It’s best to start training your Shih Poo as early as possible, ideally when they are between 8-12 weeks old.

3. How long does it take to train a Shih Poo?

The duration of training depends on multiple factors, such as consistency and dedication of the owner, the dog’s temperament and individual learning pace. However, with regular training, most Shih Poos can learn basic commands in a few weeks.

4. Is crate training necessary for Shih Poos?

While not necessary, crate training can provide a safe and comfortable spot for your Shih Poo to rest and also aid in housebreaking.

5. Should I use food as a reward during training?

Yes, food can be a highly effective reward during training, but should be used in moderation to avoid overfeeding or digestive issues.

6. Can I train my Shih Poo without a professional trainer?

Yes, you can train your Shih Poo using resources like online training courses, books, or instructional videos. However, enrolling in a class with a professional trainer can be beneficial for both you and your dog.

7. Do Shih Poos require a lot of exercise?

Shih Poos have moderate exercise needs and should have daily walks and playtime, with occasional time spent engaging in more strenuous activities like agility training.

8. Can Shih Poos be aggressive?

Any dog breed can be aggressive, but Shih Poos are generally friendly and social with proper training and socialization.

9. How can I prevent separation anxiety in my Shih Poo?

You can help prevent separation anxiety by gradually increasing the amount of time you spend away from your dog, providing plenty of toys and treats, and developing a consistent routine for departing and returning home.

10. Is it too late to train an older Shih Poo?

It’s never too late to train a dog, although older dogs may require more patience and persistence during training. They can still learn new tricks and commands with consistent training and positive reinforcement techniques.

References

• Shih Poo Potty Training
• How to Housebreak Your Shih Poo – Cuteness
• How to Train Shihpoos: 10 Steps (with Pictures)

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Matthew Farthing

Сontributing author at DoggoLab, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant.

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