Reward training is often seen as the most modern method of training a shih tzu, but reward training is probably much older than other methods of dog training. It is possible that reward training for shih tzu has been around as long as there have been dogs of any breed to train. Early humans probably used some informal kind of reward training when taming the wolf pups that eventually evolved into modern dogs.
Many principles of modern reward training date back many decades. However, what is called reward training today has only enjoyed is remarkable popularity for the past 10 or 15 years.
Many reward training enthusiasts are less enthusiastic about other methods of shih tzu training, such as the traditional leash and collar method. However, the best approach to training any individual shih tzu is often a combination of leash/collar training and reward training.
In addition, a training method that works perfectly for one shih tzu may be totally inappropriate for another, and vice versa. Some shih tzu respond wonderfully to reward training and not at all to leash and collar training, while others respond to leash/collar training and are not at all motivated by reward training. Most shih tzu fall somewhere in the middle of these two extremes.
Clicker training is one of the most popular forms of reward training these days. While clicker training is not the answer for every shih tzu, it can be a remarkably effective method of training many shih tzu. In clicker training, the shih tzu is taught to associate a clicking sound with a reward, like a treat. The trainer clicks the clicker when the shih tzu does something good, followed immediately by a treat. Eventually, the shih tzu learns to respond to the clicker alone.
Most reward training uses some sort of food reward, or a reward that is associated with getting food. In most cases, complex behaviors can only be taught using this kind of positive reinforcement, and you will find that the people who train shih tzu for movies and television use reward training almost exclusively.
Reward training is used in all forms of dog training, including police work and military applications. Most scent detection, tracking and police dogs are trained using some form of reward training. Reward training is also a very effective way to teach many basic obedience commands.
Reward training often incorporates the use of a lure in order to get the shih tzu into the position desired by the trainer. The lure is used to get the shih tzu to perform the desired behavior on his or her own and of his or her own free will.
It makes a great deal of sense to get the shih tzu to perform the desired behavior without any physical intervention on the part of the handler. Getting the shih tzu to perform a behavior without being touched is important.
After the shih tzu has performed the desired behavior, it is given a reward, also called a positive reinforcement. Treats are often used as reinforcers, but praise, such as “good dog?or a pat on the head, can also be effective rewards.
Making a shih tzu that has been reward trained a reliable shih tzu is important, especially when the shih tzu has an important job, like therapy shih tzu. For that reason it is important to get the shih tzu accustomed to working around distractions, and to properly socialize the animal to both people and other animals.
Many shih tzu trainers make the mistake of only training the shih tzu inside the house or back yard, and only when the handler is there. In order to become a reliably trained companion, the shih tzu must be taken outside the confines of its safety zone and introduced to novel situations.
It is also important to teach the shih tzu to pay attention to the handler at all times. Having the attention of the shih tzu means having control of the shih tzu. Reward training is very effective at getting the respect and the attention of the shih tzu when used properly.
Connie Limon is a professional shih tzu breeder in the Midwestern state of 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