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5 Big Reasons to Crate Train your Dog
Are you frustrated with your dog?
Does he chew everything in sight? Does he leave puddles and
piles everywhere? Is a car ride with your dog synonym of a
nightmare?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, I have a simple
solution...
Allergies in Dogs
Does your dog have allergies? It is interesting how dogs experience many of the health issues that humans do, including allergies.
Dog allergies can include skin allergies, dog food allergies (particularly corn and soy), house dust and dust mites,...
An Introduction to Dog Beds
Some people are so attached to their pets that they wouldn’t dream of asking them to simply curl up on the floor to go to sleep. Pet owners, especially dog owners, have created an industry for dog beds that rivals the bedding industry for humans in...
Dealing with house training your dog
House training is one of those issues that every dog owner must
grapple with. In most cases house training is the first major
milestone in the relationship between owner and dog, and it can
sometimes be difficult and confusing for owner and dog...
General information on Snake and Reptile Cages
If you are new to keeping snakes then I suggest you talk to snake keepers, pets shops that specialize in reptiles and read as much as possible. You should also understand that it will cost money to set yourself up properly to care for your reptile....
Intestinal Parasites In Dogs
Dogs (and cats) often fall victim to several common intestinal parasites known as worms. There are a large number of different types of intestinal worms, but dogs are most commonly affected by tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. These...
My Dog Wouldn't Do That!
What’s the world comin’ to? I know that’s not the typical opening to one of my columns, but this one is different because I’m having a real hard time writing it. I’m in pain. Real physical pain. There are two holes in the back left knee of my...
Soft Or Hard Dog Food - Which Is Best?
Sometimes dog owners are faced with a dilemma regarding what type pf dog food to provide their dogs. Dogs themselves tend to prefer the moist, canned types of food. They are more aromatic and naturally tempting to the dog's palate than the dry...
West Highland White Terriers- Fascinating Facts
West Highland White Terriers began their history as the undesirable white offspring of the dark-colored Cairn Terrier. With the dog's popularity today, it is hard to believe that the early Westies were usually drowned or shot. One breeder, though,...
Westie - West Highland White Terrier Puppies - Fragile and Needful Of Protection
Have you ever held any Westie puppies? These tiny creatures are cuddly and white furry balls, at least 12-15 inches tall, possessing a pair of coal black eyes and snubbed nose. They look fragile and needful of your protection and care. This is...
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Shih Tzu - The Importance Of Reward During Obedience Training
Rewards just may be the single most important motivator in shih
tzu training. Obedience training through the use of rewards and
other positive reinforcements has long been recognized as the
most effective method of reaching most dogs and getting the best
possible results.
Making obedience training fun, and even making it a bit of a
game, can be very important to keeping both the shih tzu and the
handler motivated and willing to learn. Incorporating a period
of playtime at the beginning and end of every training session
will make sure that every session begins and ends on a good note.
The most basic of all obedience commands is heeling, or walking
with the handler on a loose lead. This is usually the first
obedience behavior that is taught, and it is an easy one to
teach through reward training. Begin by fitting the shih tzu
with a quality, properly fitted training lead and training
collar. If you are unsure of how to fit the training collar, be
sure to ask a dog trainer, or the manager at the store where the
equipment is purchased.
Start walking with the shih tzu, always being cognizant of the
shih tzu's position relative to your own. If the shih tzu begins
to forge ahead, gently pull on the leash. This will engage the
training collar and give the shih tzu a gentle reminder to slow
down. It may be necessary to apply greater pressure at first
until the shih tzu learns to accept the correction.
If the dog begins to fall behind, slow down and gently urge the
shih tzu forward. The use of a lure, or a favorite toy, can be
very useful when teaching the shih tzu to walk at your side. By
keeping the lure at the desired position for the shih tzu, he or
she should quickly learn the desired location.
Always be sure to provide plenty of praise, treats, toys and
other rewards when the shih tzu does what is expected of him.
Shih Tzu learn best by positive reinforcement. Positive
reinforcement means that when the animal does what the handler
wants, it receives a reward, which can be anything from a pat on
the head to a treat to a
favorite toy. At the beginning of
training, even the slightest attempts to please the owner should
be rewarded.
Training by using reprimands and punishment is not nearly as
effective as training by using rewards. Dogs can become
discouraged and confused by excessive amounts of punishment and
reprimands. Reprimands may be required from time to time, to
correct potentially dangerous behaviors like chasing or biting,
for instance, but reprimands should be short and directly
attributed to the problem behavior at hand. After the immediate
danger has passed, the training should continue with reward
based training and positive reinforcement.
For instance, if you come home and your shih tzu is chewing the
furniture or other inappropriate item, immediately give the shih
tzu a sharp "No" or "Off" and take the item away. Then
immediately give the shih tzu one of his toys or other items
that he is allowed to chew on, and praise the shih tzu
enthusiastically when he takes the toy and begins to chew it.
This will teach the shih tzu to associate chewing some items,
like his toys, with praise, and chewing inappropriate items with
reprimand.
It is very important for the shih tzu to make these
associations, since it is very hard to change negative
associations once they have formed. It is always much easier to
train proper obedience behaviors the first time than it is to go
back and retrain a problem shih tzu later on. That does not of
course mean that retraining is impossible, it simply means that
it is more difficult.
Teaching a shih tzu puppy, or an older shih tzu, to associate
the behaviors you value, such as coming when called, sitting on
command, walking at your side, chewing only on toys, etc. with
happy, fun times is the basis of all successful shih tzu
training.
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
subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com
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