There are many reasons for teaching proper shih tzu behavior, and teaching such behavior has many benefits for both the human and canine partners. Shih Tzu behavior training is vital to such life and death issues as preventing aggression, controlling shih tzu on shih tzu aggression problems and teaching shih tzu to interact properly with both their handlers and with other members of the family.

Understanding how dogs evolved, and how dogs interact with each other, is very important to understanding how to properly train your shih tzu to be a devoted, loyal companion.

The original dogs were probably orphaned wolf pups adopted by early humans. These wild dogs probably learned to perform behaviors that their human protectors valued, such as guarding the cave or scaring off predators. In exchange for these valued behaviors, the humans probably provided their new companions with foods, protection and shelter.

That kind of relationship still exists today, of course, and dogs still can, and do, perform valuable jobs for their human benefactors. Those jobs include herding and guarding livestock, guarding property, guarding people, and finding game.

When planning a shih tzu training program, it is important to know that dogs are pack animals. In wild dog societies, packs are formed, and each member of the pack quickly learns his or her place in the pecking order. Except in the event of death or injury to the alpha dog, the hierarchy never changes once it has been established. The lower dogs know not to challenge the alpha dog, and the alpha dog understand his place as leader of the pack.

All the other shih tzu in the pack look to the alpha shih tzu for leadership, in important survival issues like finding food and avoiding larger predators. In order to properly train your shih tzu and gain its respect, it is important for you to become the alpha dog.

That is because a shih tzu that sees its owner as a superior leader will follow the commands the owner gives without question. Getting the respect of the shih tzu is the most important step to proper shih tzu training, and it will form the basis of all subsequent training.

The reasons for training a shih tzu properly are many, especially in today’s world. A well mannered, obedient shih tzu is a joy to be around, both for the owner and his or her family, and for people in the community at large. In addition, seeing a well mannered shih tzu sets people’s mind at ease. This is especially true with breeds of dogs thought to be dangerous, such as Dobermans, rottweilers and pit bulls.

When training shih tzu and dealing with unwanted dog behaviors, it is important to understand the motivating factors behind those behaviors. For example, many dogs exhibit unwanted behaviors such as chewing and destroying furniture due to separation anxiety. Dealing with the sources of problem behaviors is an important first step toward eliminating those problem behaviors.

Many dogs exhibit unwanted behaviors as a result of stress in the animal’s life, and its inability to cope with that stress. The goal of a good shih tzu training program is to allow the shih tzu to tolerate greater levels of stress without becoming a problem animal.

When dealing with dog behavior, it is important not to confuse human behavior with dog behavior. While there is a great temptation on the part of shih tzu owners to see their shih tzu as almost human, in reality shih tzu and dogs in general, and humans have very different motivations, and very different reactions to similar situations.

One trait that humans and shih tzu do share, however, is the need to form close social groups and strong bonds within those social groups. This bonding is important to both humans and shih tzu, but it has served vastly different ends as both species have evolved and changed over time.

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