Though many people may wonder if it is truly necessary to train a Toy dog, Shih Tzu training is considered to be a vital part of creating a happy and healthy lifestyle and environment for your dog. This is because it allows you to communicate your wishes to your dog in a way that he or she will understand.

Remember that dogs are pack animals, and as such, they always want to know their position in the family and the way in which the other members want them to behave. When they know the rules, they are much happier creatures.

Furthermore, Shih Tzu training can also quickly discourage a number of undesirable behaviors such as aggression and uncontrollable barking. Instead, you'll have a happy, emotionally healthy, and devoted companion and family member.

You will need to have a plan when you decide to begin your Shih Tzu training. This begins by establishing yourself as the "alpha" of your pack and deciding what commands you will be teaching your dog. By showing your dog that you are the leader of the family - or at least above him or her in the ranks - you aren't belittling him or her, and you're not hurting his or her feelings. Instead, you are simply showing that when it comes down to it, you're the one who makes the rules.

When a Shih Tzu recognizes his or her owner as the alpha of the family, then the dog will be much more likely to listen to the commands that are given, and aim to please by trying to behave in a desirable way. This step is truly the foundation to the rest of your Shih Tzu training.

From there, Shih Tzu training consists both of teaching desirable behaviors and commands as well as discouraging unwanted behaviors. This is all accomplished first by deciding on the final goal, and then finding out how to best communicate this goal to your dog.

If you are experienced in Shih Tzu training, then you may wish to simply train your dog yourself from home. Otherwise, you will likely want to sign up for a dog or puppy training course that will give you the instruction you require for properly teaching your dog what you want him or her to learn in an effective and practical way.