Shih Tzu Puppy Training – First Weeks
Shih Tzu Puppy Training – Manual?
Shih Tzu puppy training manual? So, you have chosen the adorable Shih Tzu puppy of your dreams and you get to take him home flushed with the initial excitement of welcoming a new family member. But once you have both settled there may be a realisation that your beloved pooch did not come with a basic Shih Tzu Puppy training manual to help to raise him.
Shih Tzu Puppy Training – The First Night
The first night can be a difficult time as your puppy will naturally begin to miss his mother and other siblings. The chances are that your little one may cry or whine throughout the night but that is just a natural reaction that he will overcome in no time. After all, he can hardly be blamed for his actions.
Your puppy will need a soft, dry, and safe place to sleep. It can also be comforting to perhaps throw in a cloth or toy that has his mothers or siblings scent on it. However difficult you may find it don’t run to him every time he cries otherwise you will be reinforcing the habit. This is one of the first ‘rules’ of Shih Tzu puppy training. You may also try placing a sheet over his box or crate as this will get him used to going to sleep at that time.
Your adorable puppy will be mischievous by nature, and like any small child will be inquisitive trying to get into everything. So you will need to make sure that hazardous items like marbles, wires, rocks, and any type of harmful plants are not within your puppy’s reach.
Whilst Shih Tzu puppy training be mindful that scolding your pup should be just like telling a child ‘NO’. However, when you tell him NO, you must also show him the correct behaviour expected. For example, if he is chewing up the newspaper, take it away and replace it with one of his toys and praise him for chewing his toy. Reprimands should be sharp and short. Hitting or spanking your puppy is a ‘no no’ as this may create more problems further down the road. It may cause your puppy to become fearful, shy, or even aggressive. Always reward your puppy for good behaviour. Treats obviously make a great reinforcer when Shih Tzu puppy training but so does a loving hug or even a simple scratch between the ears.
Shih Tzu Puppy Training – Initial Feeding
Initially feed your new puppy with a dry food especially made for puppies. Watch out for very high protein and extra vitamins as they may be harmful to your growing puppy. Feed your puppy two or three times a day. You will find that usually after about fifteen minutes your puppy will have eaten all they want so you can remove the dish. As your puppy continues to grow, after ten to twelve weeks of age, you can reduce the feeding interval to once in the morning and once at night.
All of these Shih Tzu puppy training tips should help your new puppy get through those first, often traumatic, weeks away from his family. The wonderful bond that will form between you and your Shih Tzu puppy will last a lifetime.
Click here for the Ultimate Guide to Shih Tzu Puppy Training
Lady Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu Puppy Training