Introduction — Yes, You Can Train a Stubborn Shih Tzu Puppy
If you’ve ever asked, “How to train a stubborn Shih Tzu puppy?” — welcome to the club. These little dogs are charming, clever, and occasionally strong-willed. But stubborn doesn’t mean untrainable. With short sessions, the right motivation, and consistent steps, even the most independent Shih Tzu puppy can learn good manners and useful commands. I’ve trained a picky little Shih Tzu myself — Bella — and what worked was patience, tasty treats, and celebrating tiny wins.
Why Shih Tzus Can Be Stubborn (Quick Reality Check)
Shih Tzus were bred as companion dogs. That means they often prefer human company to following orders. Add a sensitive brachycephalic (short-nosed) face that gets tired faster, and you’ve got a pup that may seem stubborn simply because it’s tired or easily distracted. The good news: most vets and certified trainers agree that positive, reward-based training works best for small, independent breeds.
Step-by-Step: How to Train a Stubborn Shih Tzu Puppy (7 Proven Steps)
Step 1 — Build Trust First (Foundation Work)
Before commands, build a bond. A puppy that trusts you will try for you.
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Spend calm, play-free time together (cuddles, gentle brushing).
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Use a soft voice — shouting scares small dogs.
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Give small treats randomly during daily life to link you with good things.
Why it matters: A Shih Tzu who likes you will be far more likely to cooperate during training sessions.
Step 2 — Start with Tiny, Frequent Sessions
Short attention spans = short sessions.
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Aim for 5–7 minutes per session, 3–5 times a day.
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End every session on a success (even a tiny one) so your pup learns training = reward.
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Keep training in low-distraction areas at first.
Pro tip: Use a timer and a training pouch so you’re always ready when your pup is.
Step 3 — Teach One Command at a Time (Basic Obedience)
Focus on the essentials: Sit, Come, Leave It, and Down.
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Sit: Hold a treat above the nose, move it back over the head — when the pup sits, mark with “Yes!” or a click and reward.
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Come: Start with 2–3 feet distance, crouch down, use a happy tone. Reward big for coming.
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Leave It: Useful for stubborn pups who grab things. Present a treat in a closed fist; when they stop trying, reward.
Small, clear cues and predictable rewards beat long lectures.
Step 4 — Potty & Crate Training (Consistency Wins)
Stubbornness often shows in house training — stick to a plan.
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Create a schedule (after waking, after play, after meals).
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Use a crate that’s just big enough — pups avoid soiling their sleep space.
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Praise immediately when they potty outside. A short walk or a play minute is a great reward.
If accidents happen: clean with enzyme cleaner, avoid punishment — it confuses dogs.
Step 5 — Leash Manners & Recall (Outdoors Are Full of Temptations)
Leash pulling or ignoring recall is common. Train it stepwise.
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Use a well-fitting harness (front-clip works well for small breeds).
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Practice loose-leash walking in the hallway first. Stop when the pup pulls and resume when slack returns.
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For recall, use high-value treats or a favorite toy and make coming to you the best thing ever.
Safety note: Keep outdoor sessions short in hot weather — Shih Tzus overheat easily.
Step 6 — Socialization & Handling Practice
A confident pup is a cooperative pup.
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Expose your Shih Tzu puppy to different people, gentle dogs, sounds, and surfaces — slowly and positively.
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Practice being handled: paws, ears, mouth — reward calm behavior.
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Arrange short playdates or puppy social classes (vaccination-status dependent).
Socialization reduces fear, which often looks like stubborn refusal.
Step 7 — Manage Problem Behaviors (Calm, Clear, Consistent)
Stubborn behavior often stems from boredom, fear, or unclear leadership.
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For jumping: turn away and ignore until all four paws are down, then reward.
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For resource guarding: teach “drop it” and trade for higher-value treat.
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For separation anxiety: practice leaving for 30–60 seconds and gradually increase time.
If a behavior persists or worsens, consult a positive-reinforcement trainer or your vet to rule out medical causes.
Tools, Treats & Toys That Make Training Easier
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Small, soft, high-value treats (tiny pieces of chicken, cheese, or kibble).
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Clicker (optional) for precise marker training.
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Treat pouch for quick reward access.
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Front-clip harness for leash training.
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Puzzle toys to burn mental energy.
Avoid large, hard treats — Shih Tzu teeth are small and sometimes fragile.
Sample 7-Day Beginner Training Plan (Short & Realistic)
Day 1: Bond + 3 × 5-minute “sit” sessions.
Day 2: Add “come” practice in the house.
Day 3: Crate for 10–15 minutes while you’re home. Reward calmness.
Day 4: Leash practice in hallway; 3 × 5-minute sessions.
Day 5: Introduce “leave it” with low-value items.
Day 6: Short socialization walk with a friend’s vaccinated dog.
Day 7: Review all cues; increase distractions slightly.
Repeat the cycle, slowly increasing difficulty and distractions.
Do’s & Don’ts — Quick Cheatsheet
Do:
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Use praise, treats, and toys as rewards.
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Keep sessions short and consistent.
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Reward desired behavior immediately.
Don’t:
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Don’t use harsh punishment, choke chains, or physical force.
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Don’t expect long focus from a young pup.
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Don’t change rules midstream — everyone in the house must be consistent.
Most vets and behaviorists recommend reward-based methods — they create trust and lasting results.
When to Call a Professional
Seek help if:
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Aggression or severe fear shows up.
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House training fails despite consistent effort.
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You’re overwhelmed or the behavior is dangerous.
Look for trainers certified by reputable organizations (positive reinforcement-focused) or consult a veterinary behaviorist if medical issues are suspected.
FAQ — How to Train a Stubborn Shih Tzu Puppy
Q: How long will it take to train my stubborn Shih Tzu puppy?
A: Small, consistent steps produce fast results. Basic cues often take 2–4 weeks; reliable obedience in distracting environments can take months.
Q: Can I train a Shih Tzu without treats?
A: Yes, with praise and toys, but food rewards speed learning — especially for stubborn pups.
Q: Is crate training cruel?
A: No — when used correctly, crates offer comfort and safety. Never use a crate for punishment.
Q: My Shih Tzu ignores me outside. What now?
A: Practise recall with very high-value rewards at home first. Use a long line for safety, and make coming to you always rewarding.
Conclusion — Small Steps, Big Wins
“Stubborn” is often shorthand for “independent” or “easily distracted.” If you follow these 7 proven steps for how to train a stubborn Shih Tzu puppy, you’ll build trust, teach essential skills, and enjoy a happier, better-behaved companion. Keep sessions short, be consistent, reward generously, and when in doubt, get support from a positive-reinforcement trainer._
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