(Category: Animal Care)Does Your Shih Tzu Require Professional Obedience Training?by Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com)

We've all encountered them at some point, ill-mannered Shih Tzu. We've even seen their owners yelling at them, tugging at their leashes trying to make them behave. What is sad is that you can't blame the Shih Tzu for the owner's irresponsibility. This type of behavior could have been avoided with obedience training.

Obedience training is a platform for the Shih Tzu and the owner to learn how to effectively communicate with one another. Can you conduct obedience training on your own? This is a question that has long been debated by the experts. One school of thought is that it would be better if a professional does the training, while others feel the owner can do it if they feel competent. The truth is that a combination of trainer and owner is probably the most effective.

Find an obedience school in your area. You will probably be told that they recommend a series of lessons that include both the Shih Tzu AND the owner. Sometimes the classes can be arranged where trainer comes to your home. Some trainers feel that training where the surroundings are familiar is helpful where some prefer their own location. However, whether the obedience training is done at home, by a professional trainer, or in an obedience school, there are things that must be considered when incorporating this kind of training. Here is a list of the things that should be taken into account.

1. Fun Obedience training does not necessarily mean that strict rules should be imposed. This is because the Shih Tzu is not aware of the reasons why he should be trained. Therefore, for him to respond to the commands, the training must be done in such a way that the Shih Tzu sees the activity as something that is fun. The Shih Tzu should be praised when he exhibits proper behavior. Some trainers also recommend treats and some do not. That should be discussed with your trainer.

2. Consistency During the course of obedience training, it is very important to have consistency in the training. For example, if a Shih Tzu was allowed to sit on the rug the other day and when the Shih Tzu tried to sit on the rug today, he was scolded. Things like this should not be taken for granted. It is extremely important to teach the Shih Tzu what he should and should not do and stick to it. Confusion will only make the matters worst.

3. Obedience training instructor/trainer When people choose to enroll their Shih Tzu in an obedience class, it is important to analyze the trainer before the owner leaves his Shih Tzu. The character and personality of the trainer is extremely important. They should be professional enough to know how to handle the Shih Tzu's behavior and how to train them properly. Again, you might want to find a trainer that works with both you AND your Shih Tzu.

4. Referrals It is best not to try new and unfamiliar obedience training schools. This could be really risky both for you and for your Shih Tzu. It would be better if Shih Tzu owners will ask for some referrals from their veterinarians, Shih Tzu dog breeders, or other people who can give their honest opinions.

5. Charges Not all obedience training schools are created equal. They vary depending on the kind of services they offer. It is best to consider their fees and what services they offer at that rate. This is one area where you don't want to scrimp so cheapest isn't always the best. Also, make certain you are dealing with a trainer that will work with both you AND your Shih Tzu.

6. Methods used in the training It is highly recommended that Shih Tzu owners ask about the methods being used in the training. Make sure the terms are spelled out clearly. Shop for the best training you can find for the money. Don't make a decision quickly. If you don't feel comfortable with one individual, by all means keep looking. There is some Shih Tzu that just seems to follow directions with little or no effort with never a session of profession training. Unfortunately, these examples are few and far between. Invest in obedience training and you can look at a long and healthy relationship with a loving companion. With obedience training, Shih Tzu will surely be on their way to happier and more enjoyable stay with their masters and the people around them.

Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies from top champion bloodlines in many different colors of blues, reds, chocolates, blacks. We have the small AKC standards, imperials and teacups at reasonable prices. We offer you educational material, dog bows and dog clothes. Visit us online at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our FREE newsletter.
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