Unfortunately, eliminating problem behaviors is one thing that most dog owners eventually face. This article will focus on a few of the most commonly encountered behavior problems.

Problem #1 - Jumping up on people

One of the most frequently cited problems with dogs is that of jumping up on people. Unfortunately, this is one of those behaviors that is often inadvertently encouraged by well meaning owners. After all, it is cute and adorable when that little 3 pound shih tzu puppy jumps up on you, your family members and your friends. Many people reward this behavior on the part of a small shih tzu puppy with kisses and treats.

This is a huge mistake, however, since that cute little shih tzu puppy may soon become a full grown shih tzu dog. Suddenly that cute jumping behavior is no longer quite so cute.

In addition to being annoying, jumping up on people can be dangerous as well. A large, heavy dog, jumping enthusiastically, can easily knock over a child or an older or handicapped adult. In today’s litigious society, such an incident could easily make you, as the shih tzu dog’s owner, the subject of an unwanted lawsuit.

The time to teach a shih tzu dog that jumping up on people is unacceptable is when he is still young and easy to handle. Retraining a shih tzu dog that has been allowed to jump up on people can be difficult for the owner, and confusing for the shih tzu dog.

When the shih tzu puppy tries to jump on you or another member of your family, gently but firmly place the shih tzu puppy’s feet back on the floor. After the shih tzu puppy is standing firmly on the floor, be sure to reward and praise him.

It is important for every member of the family, as well as frequently visiting friends, to understand this rule and follow it religiously. If one member of the family reprimands the shih tzu dog for jumping and another praises him, the shih tzu dog will be understandably confused. As with other dog training issues, consistency is the key to teaching the dog that jumping is always inappropriate.

When praising and rewarding the shih tzu dog for staying down, it is important for the trainer to get down on the shih tzu’s level. Giving affection and praise at eye level with the shih tzu puppy is a great way to reinforce the lesson.

Problem #2 - Pulling and tugging at the leash

Pulling on the leash is another problem trait that many shih tzu puppies pick up. Unfortunately, this behavior is also one that is sometimes encouraged by well meaning owners. Playing games like tug of war with the leash, or even with a rope (that can look like the leash to the dog) can unwittingly encourage a problem behavior.

The use of a quality body harness can be a big help when training a puppy not to pull, or retraining a shih tzu dog that has picked up the habit of pulling on the leash. Try training the shih tzu puppy to accept the body harness the same way it accepts the regular buckle collar.

When walking with your shih tzu dog, try using a lure or toy to encourage the shih tzu dog to remain at your side. A training collar, when properly used, can also be a good training tool for a problem dog. When using a training collar or choke chain, however, it is very important to fit it correctly, and to use a size that is neither too big nor too small for your shih tzu dog.

When walking with your shih tzu puppy, it is important to keep the leash loose at all times. If the shih tzu puppy begins to pull ahead, the handler should quickly change directions so that the shih tzu puppy fast finds itself falling behind. It is important to reverse directions before the shih tzu puppy has reached the end of the leash. The leash should stay loose except for the split second it takes the handler to reverse direction. It is important to use a quick tug, followed by an immediate slackening of the leash.

When training a shih tzu puppy, it is important to never let the shih tzu puppy pull you around. Training the shih tzu puppy to walk properly while he or she is still small enough to handle.

It is important not to yank or pull on the shih tzu puppy’s neck when correcting him. A gentle, steady pressure will work much better than a hard yank. The best strategy is to use the least amount of pressure possible to achieve the desired result.

Connie Limon is a shih tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com