Training Shih Tzu Stop Barking: Tips and Tricks for a Quiet Home
Shih Tzus are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. However, like many small breeds, Shih Tzus can be prone to excessive barking. While barking is a natural behavior for dogs, excessive barking can become a problem for both you and your neighbors. In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons why Shih Tzus bark and provide some tips and training methods for managing and reducing excessive barking.
Understanding Why Shih Tzus Bark
Before we can address excessive barking, it’s important to understand why Shih Tzus bark in the first place. Shih Tzus may bark for a variety of reasons, including:
Alerting
Shih Tzus may bark to alert their owners of potential dangers, such as strangers approaching the home or other animals in the yard.
Boredom
Shih Tzus that are left alone for long periods of time may bark out of boredom or frustration.
Excitement
Shih Tzus may bark excitedly when they see their owner, when they’re playing, or when they’re expecting a treat or toy.
Fear
Shih Tzus may bark out of fear, such as when they’re in a new environment or when they hear loud noises.
Separation Anxiety
Shih Tzus that suffer from separation anxiety may bark excessively when their owner is not present.
Training Shih Tzu to Stop Barking
Now that we understand some of the reasons why Shih Tzus bark, let’s discuss some training methods for managing and reducing excessive barking:
Desensitization
If your Shih Tzu barks at specific triggers, such as strangers or other animals, you can use desensitization training to help reduce their reactivity. This involves gradually exposing your Shih Tzu to the trigger at a low intensity, and then gradually increasing the intensity as they become more comfortable.
Distraction
If your Shih Tzu is barking out of boredom or excitement, you can distract them with a toy or a game. This can help to redirect their focus and reduce excessive barking.
Exercise
Shih Tzus that have excess energy may bark excessively. Providing your Shih Tzu with regular exercise can help to reduce excessive barking.
Ignoring
If your Shih Tzu is barking for attention, ignoring them can help to reduce the behavior. This means not looking at them, not talking to them, and not touching them until they stop barking.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement training involves rewarding your Shih Tzu for good behavior, such as not barking when triggered. This can help to reinforce the behavior you want and reduce excessive barking.
Socalization
Socializing your Shih Tzu with other dogs and people can help to reduce their fear and anxiety, which can in turn reduce excessive barking.
Teaching a Quiet Command
Teaching your Shih Tzu a quiet command can help to reduce excessive barking. This involves teaching your Shih Tzu to stop barking on command, and then rewarding them for being quiet.
Managing Excessive Barking
In addition to training methods, there are also some management strategies you can use to help manage excessive barking:
Create a Quiet Environment
Creating a quiet environment can help to reduce excessive barking. This means reducing background noise, such as TV or radio, and providing a quiet space for your Shih Tzu to retreat to.
Keep Your Shih Tzu Engaged
Keeping your Shih Tzu engaged can help to reduce excessive barking. This means providing them with toys, puzzles, and activities to keep them occupied.
Limit Exposure to Triggers
Limiting your Shih Tzu’s exposure to triggers can help to reduce excessive barking. This means avoiding situations that may trigger excessive barking, such as taking your Shih Tzu to a dog park during peak hours.
Manage Separation Anxiety
If your Shih Tzu suffers from separation anxiety, managing the anxiety can help to reduce excessive barking. This may involve providing your Shih Tzu with a safe and comfortable space when you’re not home, or using calming aids such as music or aromatherapy.
Provide Plenty of Exercise
Providing your Shih Tzu with plenty of exercise can help to reduce excessive barking. This means providing your Shih Tzu with regular walks, playtime, and other forms of exercise.
Are you struggling with training your Shih Tzu to stop barking? Check out our articles on teaching Shih Tzus to stop biting, training Shih Poos to stop barking, crate training for Shih Tzus, importance of leash training for Shih Tzus, and starting obedience training for Shih Tzus for helpful tips and techniques!
Conclusion
Excessive barking can be a problem for both you and your neighbors, but with the right training and management strategies, you can help to reduce your Shih Tzu’s barking. Remember to understand why your Shih Tzu is barking, and then use the appropriate training method to address the behavior. Providing your Shih Tzu with a quiet environment, keeping them engaged, limiting exposure to triggers, managing separation anxiety, and providing plenty of exercise can also help to reduce excessive barking. With patience and consistency, you can help your Shih Tzu to be a happy and well-behaved member of the family.
Britta Thygesen
A passionate dog owner and a full-time certified dog trainer. Aspires to make DogCareHacks a go-to place for all the doggo info. Shares personal experience and professional knowledge.
