If you have a Shih Tzu and you’re looking to introduce them to cats, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll provide you with nine easy steps to train your Shih Tzu and help them learn how to behave around cats.
With the right training and a few simple steps, your pup will be able to safely interact with cats in no time!
Are Shih Tzus Good With Cats
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the personalities of shih tzus and cats will vary greatly. However, in general, most shih tzus are good with cats, and many cats enjoy being around shih tzus.
Shih tzus are often described as being gentle and loving, and they can be great companions for cats.
They are smart and active, and cats often enjoy their company.
If you’re considering adding a shih tzu to your home, be sure to get a cat that is used to being around dogs.
If you’re considering owning a shih tzu, it’s important to be aware of their natural tendencies and how to train them around cats.
Here are nine easy steps to help get your Shih tzu used to the feline friends in your life:
Step 1: Understand the differences between Shih Tzus and cats
There are a few key differences between Shih Tzus and cats that need to be taken into account when training your dog around cats.
For one, Shih Tzus are very passive by nature and may not be as assertive as some other breeds when it comes to defending themselves or their territory.
Secondly, cats are hunters and may view a Shih Tzu as a potential prey item.
Finally, cats are much more active than Shih Tzus and may be faster and more agile than your dog, making them more likely to escape an altercation.
By understanding these differences, you can help train your Shih Tzu to behave around cats in a way that is comfortable for both species.
Start by training your Shih tzu to sit, stay, and come when called.
Once your dog is responding well to these commands, start introducing your cat to the dog one at a time.
Use positive reinforcement when your Shih Tzu is behaving properly and provide plenty of positive reinforcement when your cat is spending time with the dog.
Be patient – it may take some time to get your Shih Tzu to behave around cats but with patience and consistent training, the outcome will be a happy and safe relationship for both you and your
Step 2: Teach your Shih Tzu the “leave it” command
Many people think that Shih Tzus are naturally friendly towards cats, but this is not always the case.
If you want your Shih Tzu to be friendly around cats and not chase them or try to play with them, you need to teach them the “leave it” command.
The “leave it” command is a simple command that your Shih Tzu should be able to understand.
When you give the “leave it” command, you are telling your Shih Tzu to stop whatever it is that it is doing and to leave the area.
If you want to Teach your Shih Tzu the “leave it” command. You first need to make sure that your Shih Tzu is familiar with the cat.
You can do this by putting your Shih Tzu in close proximity to a cat, or by having a cat come over and pet your Shih Tzu.
Once your Shih Tzu is familiar with the cat, you can begin to teach the “leave it” command.
To teach the “leave it” command to your Shih Tzu, you first need to give the command while your Shih Tzu is doing something that you don’t want it to do.
For example, if your Shih Tzu is trying to play with the cat, you should give the “leave it” command while the cat is getting away.
After your Shih Tzu has learned the “leave it” command, you can start to use it in situations where you would normally have to use the “screech” command.
For example, if your Shih Tzu is trying to get closer to the cat, you can give the “leave it” command and the cat will usually back away.
Step 3: Train your Shih Tzu to walk on a leash
Training your Shih Tzu to walk on a leash can be a difficult task, but with a little effort and patience, it can be done.
Follow these easy steps to help get your pup on the right track:
- 1. Start by teaching your Shih Tzu to sit, stay, and come when called. Once he is successful with these commands, you can begin training him to walk on a leash.
- 2. Start by attaching a leash to a sturdy object, like a post or tree, and give your Shih Tzu a command to “Walk.” Guide him in a small circle around the object, and give him a verbal cue (like “Good boy!”) when he is in the correct spot.
- 3. Gradually increase the radius of the circle, and once your Shih Tzu is walking confidently around the object, you can begin training him to walk on a leash around people. Start by attaching the leash to your waist or another sturdy object, and have your Shih Tzu walk next to you. Once he is comfortable walking next to you, have him walk behind you.
- 4. Once your Shih Tzu is walking confidently on a leash around people, you can start training him to walk on a leash around other animals. Start by attaching the leash to a sturdy object, like a post or tree, and have your Shih Tzu walk next to the object. Once he is comfortable walking next to the object, have him walk behind the object.
Step 4: Teach your Shih Tzu to sit, stay, and come when called
If you’re looking to keep your cat safe and your Shih Tzu healthy, it’s important to teach them how to behave around each other.
Here are some easy steps to help get your dog on board:
- 1. Start by teaching your Shih Tzu to sit. When they’re sitting, pets should have their front legs bent and their back legs extended in the air. This position signals that they don’t want to move and should be treated with caution.
- 2. Once your Shih Tzu is sitting, teach them to stay. This involves setting a boundary and ensuring your dog understands that they cannot cross it. Start by putting a Post-It note on the floor in a visible area, and once your Shih Tzu is sitting next to it, say “stay.” If your dog moves, quickly remove the Post-It and give them a treat. After they’ve learned to stay, you can start to introduce cats. Have your dog sit next to the cat and say “stay” before petting the cat. If your dog pulls away, keep rewarding them for sitting next to the cat, but be firmer with future corrections.
- 3. Finally, make sure to train your dog to come when called. This is easiest if you use a voice command like “come.” When your dog is outside and you want them inside, say “come.” If they’re inside and you want them to come out, say “come out.” It’s important to be consistent with your commands, and if your dog doesn’t listen the first time, don’t get discouraged. Simply start over with a new command.
Step 5: Train your Shih Tzu to play fetch
One of the best ways to socialize your Shih Tzu is by playing fetch.
This easy exercise will help the little dog learn how to behave around cats, and develop a healthy relationship.
Simply put a ball in your dog’s mouth and have them chase after it, and you’re on your way to a rewarding game of fetch.
Be sure to reward your dog generously when they catch the ball and give them plenty of verbal praise.
This will help them to learn how to interact with other animals in a positive way.
Step 6: Train your Shih Tzu to be polite around other people and animals
If you’re worried about your shih tzu’s interactions with other people and animals, there are a few easy steps you can take to help improve the situation.
First, make sure your dog is socialized from a young age and understands some basic manners.
This will help it get along better with others and understand what is and isn’t acceptable behavior.
Second, be consistent with your commands and boundaries.
If you’re clear about what is and isn’t allowed, your dog will be much more likely to follow your instructions.
And finally, keep a close eye on your shih tzu when it’s around other people and animals, and be prepared to intervene if necessary
Step 7: Always supervise your Shih Tzu when around cats
Keeping your Shih Tzu safe around cats is easy with a few simple steps.
Always keep a close eye on your Shih tzu when they’re around cats, and make sure they’re properly trained before letting them out into the cat-free world.
There are a few things you can do to help make your Shih Tzu’s interactions with felines the best they can be.
Step 8: Reward your Shih Tzu for good behavior
Many people are curious about how to train their shih tzus to behave around cats.
The answer is not as difficult as one might think. There are a few simple steps that can be followed, and most importantly, rewarding your shih tzu for good behavior is essential.
Start by establishing some basic rules. Make sure your shih tzu knows not to approach or greet any cats, and vice versa.
Be consistent in your rules and warnings, and provide positive reinforcement when your shih tzu follows them.
If your shih tzu does engage in behavior that is unacceptable around cats, be prepared to punish him or her.
For example, if your shih tzu runs toward a cat, give him a loud correction and then take him away from the cat.
In order to make training your shih tzu around cats more fun, provide him with positive reinforcement items such as toys, treats, or playtime with the cat.
This will help to foster a positive association between your shih tzu and the cat, making training easier.
Be sure to monitor your shih tzu’s interactions with cats closely to make sure he is behaving appropriately. If he is not, be prepared to take corrective action.
Step 9: Repeat steps 1-9 as necessary
If you’re looking to train your shih tzu to behave around cats, here are some easy steps to follow.
First, make sure the cats are familiar with each other.
Try to expose the cats to each other several times over a period of several days or weeks, and make sure the shih tzu is well-socialized.
Once the cats are familiar with each other, start by repeating steps 1-9 with your shih tzu present.
Be consistent with your commands, and be patient.
If your shih tzu is showing any aggression or fear towards the cats, take steps to correct the behavior.
Finally, reward your shih tzu for good behavior. This will help to reinforce the good behavior and make it easier to continue.
To remind you! Speak to a professional. If you’re struggling to train your dog around cats, speak to a professional.
They can help you with specific techniques and provide feedback so you can continue to train your dog effectively.
Read more; Are Shih tzus Good Dogs: 10 Good Reasons to Get One
The Pros And Cons Of Owning A Shih Tzu And A Cat
Shih Tzus are adorable little dogs, but they come with a few quirks that may not be ideal for every cat owner.
For one, Shih Tzus are known for being high energy and active, which can be challenging for a cat who prefers to just lounge around all day.
Additionally, Shih Tzus need a lot of attention and exercise, which can be a lot harder to provide when you have a cat who enjoys lounging around.
If you’re considering adding a Shih Tzu to your family, be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
Advice To Those Considering Getting A Shih Tzu And A Cat
This is advice to those considering getting a Shih Tzu and a cat as a pet:
- Consider your lifestyle before getting a pet. Do you have the time to care for both an animal and a house?
- Make sure you are prepared to properly care for both an animal and a house.
- Talk to your veterinarian about whether a Shih Tzu is a good fit for your lifestyle.
- Get a healthy, well-bred Shih Tzu from a reputable breeder.
- Be prepared to spend a lot of money on a Shih Tzu. They are expensive to feed, train and care for.
- Be prepared to have your Shih Tzu taken to the vet regularly. They are susceptible to a lot of diseases and should be checked out at least once a year.
- Make sure your Shih Tzu has a safe place to play. They need a lot of exercises, and a safe place to play is a must.
- Be prepared to be patient with your Shih tzu
In conclusion
If you’ve been considering getting a cat, but you’re worried about how your shih tzu will behave around them, don’t worry!
There are a few easy steps you can take to help your pup get used to the new addition to the family.
First, make sure your cat is well-fed and content. This will help to create a positive relationship between the two animals.
Make sure to keep your cat’s toys and food close by, so your pup can learn that playing with them is a fun way to earn a treat.
Next, start off by teaching your pup to sit, stay, and come when they’re called. This will help to set the tone for future interactions with cats.
Once your pup is able to reliably perform these commands, you can start introducing them to your cat.
Be patient with your pup, and keep a close eye on them at all times. If things get too rough, take your pup to see a professional.
A well-trained pup will make for a peaceful and enjoyable household with both cats and dogs.
