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Positive training · From eight weeks

Shih Tzu Puppy Training Manual

From 8 Weeks

Shih Tzu: offer the brush, pause often and build cooperative grooming through consent.

29 chapters · English / 中文

Watercolour illustration of a Shih Tzu puppy sitting on a grooming mat while a human offers a brush for cooperative grooming
Shih Tzu: offer the brush, pause often and build cooperative grooming through consent.

Breed profile

Training group
Toy and companion dogs
Origin
The Shih Tzu originated in China as a court companion dog.
Weight
4–7 kg
Coat
Long double coat
Coat care
Condition brushing, combing and eye-area handling through small voluntary steps so coat care and cleaning do not become recurring forced conflict.
Drive keywords
Living closely with people · Sensitivity · Playful engagement
Handling practice
Separate long-double-coat care into presentation of the tool, body-area touch and one easy brush or comb stroke, followed by a marker, reward and release. · Condition eye-area handling without restraint: approach, brief touch or cleaning motion, marker, reward and release before the puppy turns away; consult a veterinarian about any health concern.

General reference range only; individual dogs vary considerably.

Teach the equipment before the walk

Lead skills & going outside

The first month is not about reaching the park. It is about making the equipment comfortable and teaching that a loose lead makes the world move.

Begin indoors in three steps

  1. Desensitise the fit Put the harness on, immediately deliver food, and remove it after five seconds.
  2. Drag the lead under supervision Let the puppy move indoors with the lead attached while an adult watches continuously to prevent tangling.
  3. Play the follow game Walk a few steps and mark whenever the puppy chooses to follow beside you.
Watercolour comparison of a loose lead and a tight lead
LOOSE LEASH = a relaxed J-shaped lead and continued movement; TIGHT LEASH = pulling and forward movement stops.

Go out safely before vaccination is complete

Ask your veterinarian which locations and ground surfaces are appropriate for current local disease conditions.

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