Are Shih Tzu Puppies The Hardest Dog To Train?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Shih Tzus are friendly, social lapdogs who are less prone to excessive barking than other small dog breeds. They are also, however, notoriously stubborn and difficult to housebreak .

Are Shih Tzu puppies stubborn?

Shih Tzus are smart dogs and they love to learn. As they learn, they do so develop their own identity. On top of that, Shih Tzus have a propensity to be stubborn . If you're going to teach your dog obedience on your own, then you might be in for a bit of a ride.

Are Shih Tzus easy to train?

Sweet, affectionate and full of personality, Shih Tzus are readily trainable with positive training methods that focus on rewards. Training your Shih Tzu to stay is no exception. Teaching the basics is easy! Just be consistent and practice often to make sure this behavior is there when you need it.

What dog breed is easiest to train as a puppy?

  • Border Collie. Prized for its instincts and working ability, the Border Collie is thought to be the most intelligent and easy to train dog. ...
  • Poodle. ...
  • Miniature Schnauzer. ...
  • Labrador Retriever. ...
  • German Shepherd. ...
  • Bearded Collie.

What are the hardest months with a puppy?

Most puppies will go through a very trying stage when they turn about 5 months of age. Dogs often don't out grow that teenager phase for 2-3 years depending upon the breed. Many experts agree that the most challenging time is between the ages of 8 months to about 18 months .

What is the stupidest dog breed?

  1. Afghan Hound. The Afghan Hound is the “dumbest” dog. ...
  2. Basenji. Basenjis also make the list of dumbest dog breeds. ...
  3. Bulldog. Bulldogs are known for their stubbornness. ...
  4. Chow Chow. Chow Chows can also be difficult to train. ...
  5. Borzoi. ...
  6. Bloodhound. ...
  7. Pekingese. ...
  8. Beagle.

Why are Shih Tzu so hard to train?

House training is one of the most difficult obstacles owners of Shih Tzus face, because these dogs have small bladders and are prone to anxiety . To properly house train your dog, begin as soon as you bring your home. Take them outside every two to three hours, after eating, after a nap and after play sessions.

What is the best age to breed a Shih Tzu?

The AKC states that a dam must not be younger than 8 months and the sire not less than 7 months. We recommend that a female Shih Tzu should be at least 2-years-old ; she will be physically mature yet still have enough youthful flexibility.

Why you should not get a Shih Tzu?

Are Shih Poo hard to train?

A Shihpoo is a mix between a Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle. These little dogs are playful, energetic, and love to have fun. They are also very bright and eager to please, which can make training them easy. However, Shihpoos can also be stubborn, which could turn training into a challenge .

How do you discipline a Shih Tzu puppy?

Place your Shih Tzu on the floor, and walk away a few steps and wait. When your Shih Tzu comes over to you, click and treat, say “come”. Repeat frequently until your Shih Tzu responds to the command “come”. Gradually remove clicker and treat.

What is the best way to train a Shih Tzu?

Train your Shih Tzu to sit and lie down .

They provide the foundation for solid training. To teach your Shih Tzu to sit, at first you should stand before her and say “sit.” Then, use a treat and draw an arc over the puppy' s head so that as his head goes up his bottom goes down.

What dogs are calmest?

  • English Bulldogs. It's easy to write these hefty pups off as lazy, but English Bulldogs welcome the frequent exercise they need in order to stay trim. ...
  • Great Pyrenees. ...
  • French Bulldogs. ...
  • Bichon Frises. ...
  • Greyhounds. ...
  • Scottish Deerhound. ...
  • Golden Retriever.

What is the hardest dog to house train?

Jack Russell Terrier

“Of all of the terrier breeds, the Jack Russell is, hands down, the most difficult to housetrain,” according to MedNet Direct, who says, “Jack Russells can be some of the most stubborn dogs out there.”

What is the most difficult dog to own?

  • Rottweiler. The first impression you get with a Rottweiler is their sheer size. ...
  • American Pit Bull Terrier. ...
  • Siberian Husky. ...
  • Bullmastiff. ...
  • Chinese Shar-Pei. ...
  • Afghan Hound. ...
  • Basset Hound. ...
  • Beagle.

Is raising a puppy harder than a baby?

Here's the thing, though — when it comes to raising cute, helpless and needy creatures, raising a puppy is way harder than raising a baby .

At what age do puppies get easier?

Opinions vary, but on average, you should expect things to ease up in between six and twelve months . The truth is, there isn't a set age for when pups get easier. It depends on the dog breed and each pup's character and personality.

What age is a puppy worse behaved?

As puppies age, they grow more independent, and by 6-12 months you may notice your once obedient pup is developing some unwanted behaviors. Don't worry, some simple training tips will help you both get through these growing pains.

What is the most loyal dog?

  • #8: Yorkshire Terrier. ...
  • #7: Dobermann Pinscher. ...
  • #6: German Shepherd. ...
  • #5: Golden Retriever. ...
  • #4: Staffordshire Bull Terrier. ...
  • #3: Labrador Retriever. ...
  • #2: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. ...
  • #1: Xoloitzcuintli.

Is Shih Tzu smart?

Shih Tzus are typically considered to be smart dogs and have even been to assist farmers and tradesmen in the past. However, Shih Tzus can also be stubborn at times. Shih Tzu's intelligence varies from individual to individual, but most people agree they are pretty good problem solvers.

Are Shih Tzus smart or dumb?

Shih Tzus are not the smartest dogs . According to Stanley Coren, the Shih Tzu has the lowest degree of obedience & working intelligence. Out of 138 dogs, they're ranked the 128th breed. However, their ability to adapt and understand human emotions is what makes them intelligent.

Are male Shih Tzu hard to potty train?

Shih Tzu puppies are notoriously difficult to housebreak . However, with a little time and consistency, you can train your puppy to use the bathroom correctly. Create a set routine, feed it at the same times each day, and make frequent trips to a consistent potty spot.

Can you house train a Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzus are highly trainable dogs, but it may take a few weeks for your dog to be successfully house-trained . If you're working with an older Shih Tzu, training can take longer. However, consistent training over a long period of time will eventually pay off.

Is Shih Tzu a good dog?

Shih tzu are renowned for their perky, happy temperaments . They are lively and friendly. Shih tzu tend to get along well with people of all ages and with other dogs as well as other pets of different species. Rarely you will find a snippy shih tzu, but most are very sweet.

How many times should you breed a Shih Tzu?

It is generally recommended that a Shih Tzu only have a litter of puppies once every other year . Pregnancy and birth are hard and dangerous. Shih Tzus need time to rest and recover from birth and maintain their health to prepare for having another litter in two years.

How long does a Shih Tzu live?

10 – 16 years

At what age does a female Shih Tzu go into heat?

A female Shih Tzu can go into heat as young as four months old , which for most dogs is quite early. This might seem quite early as your Shih Tzu will still be a puppy but they are capable of having puppies at quite a young age but not recommended.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.