Shih Tzu Puppy Training: Socializing your Puppy
Have you ever been at a friend whose dog invites himself to the dining room table, look in your eyes the whole time and beg for food? Or have you seen the dog in the park that growls and barks at everything and everyone going by. Just imagine owning a dog like that. What an absolute nightmare.
Dont take the puppy away from the mother too early
Fortunately you do not have to own a dog like that…. But you have to teach your Shih Tzu certain social skills from a very early age. In fact, it is best if the breeder can start by touching and gently stroking the dogs from the day they are born. This way the puppy will become familiar to the contact of a human being; by the time the puppy open his eyes, he will associate humans with a pleasant experience.
Also do not to take the puppy away from his mother at too young an age, as the mother teaches her puppies social skills they will need later in life. By playing with his siblings a puppy will learn the importance of pack order and bad behavior will also not be tolerated for too long.
A puppy will generally only be with his mother and siblings for a short while, but the training he receives in that period is of vital importance…
At home
Your home is the place where your Shih Tzu puppy will spend most of his time. You and your family therefore play a vital part in his social development. His training will start on the first day he arrives at your home. Your first job is to introduce your puppy to his new home in a manner that will make him feel welcome and put him at ease. Lock your other pets away when the puppy arrives; allow your puppy to explore his new home for a few minutes before you introduce him to your kids or family. If at all possible, introduce the puppy to your family members one at a time. Call in the kids one at a time and allow the kids to gently touch and stroke the puppy and at the same time allow the puppy to sniff the kid. You will find that most Shih Tzu make friends very easily, but it is still important to keep these sessions short otherwise your puppy can feel overwhelmed by all the attention..
Once your family has met the puppy you can introduce the puppy to the other pets, but I recommend a rest between sessions. Always be present and choose a neutral room. If you choose your pet’s favorite couch to do the introduction, he will see the puppy as a threat and that may lead to aggression and jealousy. You may need the help of another person to do the introduction as the resident dog needs to be on a leash. Be on the lookout for signs of aggressive behavior from either animal and immediately separate the animals when they show any signs of aggression.
The big wide world
Next you need to introduce your puppy to the environment. Take him out for short strolls at first and allow him to explore the environment. He will most likely attract plenty of attention and it is important that you allow him to interact with other people or animals. If he shows any signs of fear talk to him in a gentle voice and assure him everything is going to be alright. He will quickly realize that he has got nothing to be afraid of.
Another option is to take your Shih Tzu to dog training classes. There he has plenty of opportunity to interact with other dogs and people in a controlled environment.
The good news is that Shih Tzu are bred for companionship and that they make friends easily. Your Shih Tzu should have no problem in this regard.
P.S.
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