Are Shih Tzus easy to train?

How easy are Shih Tzus to train?

Shih Tzus are honest work to train. They were not bred to take directions from humans — they were bred to think independently and act on their own judgement. That history makes them capable and impressive dogs, but not naturally inclined toward the kind of constant deference that makes training simple.

Shih Tzus can be trained — with the right approach, they absolutely can be. You just can't rely on the dog to meet you halfway. The training methodology matters as much as the effort you put in.

Outgoing dogs perform well around distractions once they've learned focus. The sociability that creates distraction early on becomes less of a factor as training progresses. Playfulness is an asset when training sessions are designed around it. Games and movement keep these dogs engaged. Formal, repetitive drilling doesn't.

Energy level and training sessions

The Shih Tzu's calmer energy level means they can focus for slightly longer sessions — though all dogs benefit from keeping sessions under 15 minutes and ending on a success. The upside is you don't need to burn them out with exercise before they'll settle to learn. The potential pitfall: low-energy dogs can sometimes look like they're disengaged when they're actually just processing at their own pace. Give commands a moment to land before repeating.

Size, weight, and why training matters physically

At 8kg, the Shih Tzu is on the smaller side — physical control is rarely the issue. The practical stakes of not training are lower than with larger breeds, but a poorly trained small dog is still an unpleasant experience for everyone around them. The habits you build (or don't build) early will define how enjoyable this dog is for the next decade or more.

Training tips specific to Shih Tzus

• High-value treats only. Dry kibble doesn't cut it with a breed that has strong independent instincts. Use real chicken, cheese, or liver treats. The reward needs to be worth more than whatever else is competing for their attention.
• Short sessions, always ending positively — 5–10 minutes maximum. If a session isn't going well, step back to something the dog knows and end on a success. Never end on a failed command.
• Make it their idea — Shih Tzus respond better when training feels like their choice rather than a demand. Capturing behaviour (rewarding something the dog does naturally) is often more effective than repeated command drilling.
• Puppy classes are strongly recommended. Not optional with this breed. A good trainer who understands the breed's independent nature will give you techniques that actually work.
• Patience over persistence — pushing harder when a Shih Tzu resists rarely works. Step back, try a different approach, and come back to it another day.

What Shih Tzus find easiest and hardest to learn