Training & Behavior

Shih Tzu training and behavior improves when owners use clear routines, patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. The breed was developed primarily as a companion, but that does not mean a Shih Tzu automatically understands house rules, leash manners, recall, or how to behave calmly around people and other dogs.

This section covers house training, barking, puppy biting, chewing, basic commands, leash walking, crate training, socialization, separation-related behavior, attention seeking, stubborn moments, and common habits owners want to change. We’ll focus on practical training steps while separating normal individual variation from claims that every Shih Tzu behaves the same way.

To understand the breed before working on specific behaviors, read our Shih Tzu facts and Shih Tzu origin guides, then browse the training articles below for individual problems and skills.