Most people don't teach their small breed dogs basic manners.The good news is that small breed dogs are trainable, you just may need to use different methods to get your shih tzu to do what the neighbor's German shepherd can.While there are quite a few basic commands that are useful to teach your dog, none seem to be as versatile as the simple "drop" or "lay down" command.It is important to manage your dog in public.If you can teach your dog to lay down on command, they can lay quietly under your chair or in the corner.Small dogs can be hurt very badly if they are stepped on or kicked, so you can understand the importance of keeping them out of harm's way.Due to their short legs, it can be difficult to teach this command.
Step 1: Make sure your dog is facing you by kneeling on the ground.
Step 2: Don't let your dog eat the lure yet, but hold it in front of his nose.
).His nose follows it if it is pushed down towards his chest.The dog should rock back into a "laying" position after a few tries.Give your dog a treat when he is laying down.
Step 3: When you move the treat towards his chest/between his front legs, your dog will understand.
You can add the command once he is doing this easily."drop", "down" or "lay" is the command you want to use when he is laying down.
Step 4: Try again with a different treat.
If your dog is comfortable laying down while following the treat in your hand, you can try to hold it in his other hand or not at all, but still tell him to lay down.Once he is all the way down, you can give him a treat.
Step 5: Continue practicing.
You should eventually be able to tell your dog your commands."drop!"He will lay down in the laying position.You should treat him immediately, but as he gets more confident in the command, you should hold off a little longer and give him something to eat.
Step 6: It's a good idea to find a chair or box that your dog can comfortably stand in.
If your dog hops off, it's a good idea to practice on a carpeted floor or in the grass.You can use the top of the stairs if you don't want to use a chair or box.You need a ledge that you can pass the treat under to encourage your dog to lay down.
Step 7: Take your dog for a walk on the box, chair, or stairs.
Instead of giving the treat to his chest, hold it in front of his nose and bring it down over the edge of the chair.He should try to follow it with his nose.
Step 8: Give him his reward when he lays down.
You should follow the General Method to complete his training.
Step 9: Some little dogs will be too stubborn or confused to lay down on their own without help.
This method is used by some dogs to learn quickly.
Step 10: Put your hand on the shoulder blades of your dog.
While holding the treat in front of his nose pull it down towards the ground and exert gentle pressure on his shoulder blades.He should lay all the way down.
Step 11: Continue until he grasps the concept.
He should lay down when you pass your hand over his head and place it on his shoulder blades.You can teach him again once he is at this point.