Shih Tzu - Train Your Shih Tzu Not To Chase Joggers And Other Moving Objects
Dogs, including shih tzu, by nature are predatory animals, and
all predatory animals share the motivation to chase fleeing
objects. While this may be a natural instinct, it is not
appropriate when those fleeing objects are joggers, bicyclists
or the mailman.
Training the shih tzu not to chase people and bicycles is an
important thing to do, and it is best to start that training as
early as possible. Starting when the shih tzu is still small and
non-threatening is important, but particularly with breeds that
grow very large, or with breeds that have a reputation for being
very aggressive. Many people respond to being chased by a dog,
especially a large dog, with understandable fear, and it is best
for yourself and your shih tzu that he be trained not to chase.
Shih Tzu are probably easier to train away from chasing than
others. Breeds that have been used for hunting or herding often
retain much more of their chasing instincts than other types of
dogs.
No matter what breed of dog you are working with, however, it is
important to not allow him off the leash until his chasing
behavior has been curbed. Allowing an untrained dog off the
leash is dangerous, irresponsible and illegal.
Before you expose your shih tzu to a situation where he will
want to chase someone or something, be sure to train him in a
safe, controlled area like a fenced in yard. It is important for
the shih tzu to be able to focus and concentrate on you, and for
him to understand what behavior you want. The shih tzu must be
given the opportunity to repeatedly perform the behavior you
want while in this controlled setting.
The training session should be started indoors in the shih tzu's
home. The shih tzu should be put on a leash and the owner and
the shih tzu should stand at one end of a hallway or a room. The
owner then waves a tennis ball in front of the shih tzu but does
not allow him to touch it. After that, the tennis ball is rolled
to the other end of the hallway or the room, and the command
"Off" is used to tell the shih tzu not to chase the ball. If the
shih tzu starts out after the ball, use the command "Off" once
again and give a firm tug on the leash.
When doing this type of training, it is vital that the shih tzu
not be allowed to touch the ball. If he actually reaches the
ball, he may think that "Off" means to get the ball. This
exercise should be repeated several times, until the shih tzu
has learned the meaning of the "Off" command. When the shih tzu
responds correctly by not chasing the ball, he should be
rewarded with a special treat.
After the shih tzu seems to understand his new game, move to
another room and try the same thing. Repeat the exercise in
several rooms of the house, in the garage, etc. After the shih
tzu has seemingly mastered the game and learned the meaning of
the "Off" command, you can work with him without the leash, but
still only in a safe area like your own home or a fenced in
yard. It may take some time for the shih tzu to fully master
control of his chasing instinct, and it is important not to rush
the process, or to leave the shih tzu off leash until you are
sure he is fully trained.
To test the training in the real world, enlist the assistance of
a friend to pose as a jogger. It is important that the shih tzu
does not see and recognize this person; he has to assume that it
is a stranger in order for the test to be valid. Stand with the
shih tzu on his leash and have your friend jog by a couple of
times while you do the "Off" exercise. If the shih tzu does as
he is asked, be sure to provide lots of praise and treats. If he
starts after the "jogger", give a firm reminder by tugging on
the leash.
About the author:
Connie Limon is a shih tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly
newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health
and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to
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