TRAINING and GROOMING SHIH TZU


Links for Shih Tzu:


Additional Shih Tzu Resources from ASTC

There is much more information available beyond this introduction. I am sharing this as a starting point to help connect you with a strong source of Shih Tzu-specific knowledge. If you cannot easily find what you need, use the search bar, as some helpful information on the ASTC website may not be easy to locate from the main pages. General guidance from other sources can still be helpful, but breed-specific advice often includes tips and techniques that can save time, money, and frustration in the long run.


Training Resources

If you would like additional support, these resources may be helpful:

• The training articles on the American Shih Tzu Club website

• The training information PDF booklet included with AKC registration for Shih Tzu

• The training information available through Good Dog, if you purchased your dog through that platform

• Free podcasts such as The Puppy Training Podcast and Puppy Culture Potluck


Podcast list:

*Puppy Culture Potluck Podcast / MadcapRadio.com / Puppy Culture Potluck (PCP) available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, CastBox, PocketCasts, PodBean


*THE PUPPY TRAINING PODCAST | BAXTER & Bella / Puppy Training Podcast (PTP) available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music


*Podcast - The Marty and Laura Show / The Marty and Laura Show podcast (MLS) available on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, Substack


Bloat medical emergency (Dals):

*MLS: Episode 34

Brachycephalics (short nose breeds):

*MLS: Episode 36

Travel:

*PTP: Episodes; 71, 148, 212

*PCP: Episode; 6 carsick pups

New Puppy:

*PTP: Episode; 24, 6, 240, 158, 51, 159, 12, 31

*PCP: Episodes; 14, 24, 9, 2(poop eating), 4 (too early to wake up)

*MLS: Episode 4

Tummy Troubles:

*MLS: Episodes; 64, 71, 72, 32, 45

Potty Training:

*PCP: Episodes; 46,

*PTP: Episodes; 196, 54, 154, 43

Home Alone:

*PTP: Episodes; 208, 22, 63, 22, 61,

*MLS: Episodes; 16

Anxiety Thunderstorms, Fireworks, etc:

*PTP: Episodes; 30, 22, 148

*MLS: Episodes; 28, 16

Play Dates, Dog Parks, Doggy Daycares:

*MLS: Episodes; 17

*PTP: Episodes; 176, 42

*PCP: Episodes; 24, 29,

Discipline:

*PCP: Episodes; 18, 7, 14

*PTP: Episodes; 10 (loose leash walking)

*MLS: Episode 74 (Training schedules)

Health:

*MLS: Episodes; 8 (ticks), 7 (vaccines), 9 (spay/neuter), 25 (oral hygiene), 31 (cost of vet care), 30 (outdoor dangers, foxtails, algae, alligators), 11 (Emergency ??) 15 (long life), 32 (diet), 64 (pancreatitis - table food warning), 59 (baby it's cold outside), 73 (allergies), 55 (foot licking)


Training Principles

A few simple principles can make training clearer and more consistent:

• What you reward / release is what you teach.

• What is practiced will be repeated, for better or worse.

• Keep training simple, short, and positive.

If you do not want a behavior in the adult dog, do not allow it in the puppy. It is much easier to prevent habits than to undo them later.


Food Safety: Foods to Avoid


Some foods are toxic to dogs and can cause serious illness, organ damage, or death.

Avoid:

• grapes and raisins,

• caffeine,

• chocolate, especially dark chocolate,

• xylitol, and

• large amounts of tomato sauce, garlic, or onions, which can cause stomach upset.


If your dog eats a toxic substance or shows concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control resource immediately.


Limit table food. Some spices such as spices in pumpkin pie and large quantities of very high-fat foods such as fat trimmings off of meat or large quantities of cheese in potatoes au gratin or other similar holiday foods can cause digestive upset and may contribute to pancreatitis or diabetes. The quantity is by body weight so what is okay for you isn't always okay for them. Ask your veterinarian for feeding guidance that fits your dog.



Introducing a New Puppy to Other Pets

   

Give your resident pets time and space to adjust to the new puppy. For the first week or two, use baby gates or exercise pens to allow safe visual and scent-based introductions before allowing closer interaction.


Preventing Resource Guarding

During the adjustment period, keep food, favorite toys, and chews separate to help prevent tension or guarding between pets.


Potty Training


Potty Pad Setup

If you use potty pads, replace them once they are about one-quarter soiled with urine or after any bowel movement. If the pad is too dirty, your puppy may choose the floor, couch, or bed instead. Using multiple pads at once can improve success, and many puppies prefer a potty area that offers a little privacy.


Pad and System Recommendations

Pet’s World pads, available through Chewy, can be a more affordable bulk option than many grocery-store brands. They are a little thinner, but puppies usually do not use a pad more than once or twice anyway.

In the baby puppy pen, I use the BrilliantPad system because the protective grate helps keep the hair on their feet clean, prevents puppies from eating stool, and keeps them from shredding the pads for fun during the early weeks and, in some dogs, even longer. The system can also roll up waste automatically or through your phone. 10% discount code: brilliantpad.com/ShannonW


Watch for Potty Signals

Common signs that a puppy is about to go include:

• running back and forth in a zigzag pattern,

• pouncing,

• standing against a wall or fence with the front paws up, or

• spinning in circles.

When you see these signs, move quickly but stay calm. Pick up your puppy, take them to the potty area, and wait patiently with as few distractions as possible.


Supervision and Space Management

If your puppy has an accident, it usually means they had too much space too soon. Puppies naturally try not to soil their sleeping area, but they do not automatically understand that the dining room, guest room, or space behind the couch is part of that same living area. Keep the space small at first and expand freedom gradually.

Use close indoor supervision and increase freedom slowly over time so your puppy does not rehearse accidents.


Rest and Downtime

Puppies need naps, downtime, and breaks from stimulation, so do not feel guilty about using a crate or pen appropriately.


Cleaning Accidents


Use an enzyme cleaner to remove odor and help prevent repeat accidents. Vinegar alone is usually not enough, and ammonia-based cleaners can be confusing because they smell like urine to dogs.


Optional DIY cleaner (shared by Dr. Marty Greer, DVM, on the Laura and Marty Show podcast): mix 1 small bottle of peroxide, 1 small box of baking soda, and 2 tablespoons of Dawn dish soap. Use it right away, as it should not be stored in a container. Avoid the eyes if using it for de-skunking, and rinse thoroughly, since dish soap can be difficult to fully wash out.


Potty Training Expectations

Shih Tzu typically require about a year of consistent effort with potty training, along with careful use of space and management rules to prevent setbacks. If you prefer a lower-maintenance option, an older dog over 2 to 3 years of age may be a better fit.





Training and Grooming DAL'S



DALMATIAN

Excerpt from the Dalmatian Club: "Dalmatians should be given basic training. They are intelligent and need a structured outlet for their busy brains. Often new owners begin training their puppy for good citizenship and end up happily involved in competition sports that the agile and intelligent Dalmatian enjoys so much. Socialization of young Dalmatians is very important. By exposing the puppy to new places, new faces and a variety of different experiences, he will be more settled and sociable, and a social Dal is a happy Dal—one who will be a true ambassador for the breed.

Grooming: Clean by nature, Dalmatians are one of the few breeds that groom themselves and have none of the odor common to other dogs. Even when you stroke their extremely soft coat, your hand will still smell fresh. Dals do shed year-round, but a little bit of regular brushing helps to minimize this. A bath three to four times a year is usually enough, and breeders discourage frequent bathing, as soap removes the natural oil that keeps the coat in good condition; in addition, a dry coat means an itchy coat. Toenails should be trimmed weekly....

The Dalmatian also has the genetic predisposition to develop bladder stones. Because “blockage” with a stone is potentially life threatening, it must be treated as an emergency. Proper (low purine) diet (i.e., no venison, easy on cheese, etc.), plentiful clean water and frequent opportunities to urinate can limit the possibility of occurrence. We now know that reaching physical maturity before neutering is an important component in helping to prevent blockages, and The Dalmatian Club of America strongly urges waiting to spay/neuter until Dalmatians celebrate at least their first birthday. In addition, females (of any breed) spayed after their first season are less likely to develop mammary or uterine tumors."...

Link: Meet-the-Breed-HandOut.docx from the Dalmatian Club of America



Dalmatian Puppy Care & Training Guide


This guide shares practical, general tips and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. For medical concerns or emergencies, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic.

Training Resources

• Training resources available through Good Dog, if that is where you purchased your dog

• Training resources that may be included through Continental Kennel Club registration and related benefits

• Baxter and Bella training resources 25% off code : MountainPassBarn

• Podcasts such as Puppy Culture Potluck and The Puppy Training Podcast


Podcast list:

*Puppy Culture Potluck Podcast / MadcapRadio.com / Puppy Culture Potluck (PCP) available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, CastBox, PocketCasts, PodBean


*THE PUPPY TRAINING PODCAST | BAXTER & Bella / Puppy Training Podcast (PTP) available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music


*Podcast - The Marty and Laura Show / The Marty and Laura Show podcast (MLS) available on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, Substack


Bloat medical emergency (Dals):

*MLS: Episode 34

Brachycephalics (short nose breeds):

*MLS: Episode 36

Travel:

*PTP: Episodes; 71, 148, 212

*PCP: Episode; 6 carsick pups

New Puppy:

*PTP: Episode; 24, 6, 240, 158, 51, 159, 12, 31

*PCP: Episodes; 14, 24, 9, 2(poop eating), 4 (too early to wake up)

*MLS: Episode 4

Tummy Troubles:

*MLS: Episodes; 64, 71, 72, 32, 45

Potty Training:

*PCP: Episodes; 46,

*PTP: Episodes; 196, 54, 154, 43

Home Alone:

*PTP: Episodes; 208, 22, 63, 22, 61,

*MLS: Episodes; 16

Anxiety Thunderstorms, Fireworks, etc:

*PTP: Episodes; 30, 22, 148

*MLS: Episodes; 28, 16

Play Dates, Dog Parks, Doggy Daycares:

*MLS: Episodes; 17

*PTP: Episodes; 176, 42

*PCP: Episodes; 24, 29,

Discipline:

*PCP: Episodes; 18, 7, 14

*PTP: Episodes; 10 (loose leash walking)

*MLS: Episode 74 (Training schedules)

Health:

*MLS: Episodes; 8 (ticks), 7 (vaccines), 9 (spay/neuter), 25 (oral hygiene), 31 (cost of vet care), 30 (outdoor dangers, foxtails, algae, alligators), 11 (Emergency ??) 15 (long life), 32 (diet), 64 (pancreatitis - table food warning), 59 (baby it's cold outside), 73 (allergies), 55 (foot licking)


Grooming & First-Aid Basics

• Use a grooming stone that can be found in the horse section (my favorite), or rubber grooming glove for de-shedding, since longer-tooth de-shedding tools do not work as well on short, slick coats and harsher curry combs can be uncomfortable on their skin.

• Start nail grinding early and keep sessions short, even if you only do one toe at a time, while rewarding often.

*Do not turn nail care into a struggle. Slow, steady progress helps prevent long-term resistance.


When to Call the Vet

If head shaking causes bleeding inside the ear flap or canal, seek veterinary care to reduce the risk of scarring and long-term ear problems. If the bleeding is limited to the ear tips, a styptic product such as Super Clot may help control it.


Emergency: Possible Bloat (GDV)

Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if your dog is retching without producing anything, the abdomen is enlarging, or your dog suddenly appears distressed.

This is time-sensitive. Do not wait until morning. Even a short delay can matter once travel time and waiting-room time are included.

Simethicone (gas drops or strips) may be used as a brief stop-gap while leaving for the emergency clinic, but it does not replace urgent veterinary treatment.


Chewing & Household Safety


• Keep plastic items out of reach, including earbuds, remotes, plastic house parts, jacket pieces, and flea collars on other pets.

• Offer durable enrichment when you are away, such as frozen meals in broth or pumpkin puree placed in sturdy containers.

*Avoid chews that splinter or become sharp, such as yak cheese, beef ribs, or knuckles. Choose thicker, sturdier options that can be safely stuffed and frozen.


Food Safety: Foods to Avoid


Some foods are toxic to dogs and can cause serious illness, organ damage, or death.

Avoid:

• grapes and raisins,

• caffeine,

• chocolate, especially dark chocolate,

• xylitol, and

• large amounts of tomato sauce, garlic, or onions, which can cause stomach upset.


If your dog eats a toxic substance or shows concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control resource immediately.


Limit table food. Some spices such as spices in pumpkin pie and large quantities of very high-fat foods such as fat trimmings off of meat or large quantities of cheese in potatoes au gratin or other similar holiday foods can cause digestive upset and may contribute to pancreatitis or diabetes. The quantity is by body weight so what is okay for you isn't always okay for them. Ask your veterinarian for feeding guidance that fits your dog.


Introducing a New Puppy to Other Pets

Give resident pets time and space to adjust. Use baby gates or exercise pens for visual and scent-based introductions before allowing closer interaction.

To help prevent resource guarding, keep food, favorite toys, and chews separate during the adjustment period.


Social Needs & Alone Time


Dalmatians can be energetic and enthusiastic, especially as puppies and adolescents, so they benefit from consistent training and appropriate outlets.

Many prefer spending most of their time with their people. Short, supervised play with other dogs can be helpful, but regular playdates are not always necessary.

If your dog will be alone for long periods, consider support such as a compatible companion introduced early, a pet sitter, or a dog walker.

Be cautious with group daycare and dog parks. Choose environments that screen dogs carefully, supervise actively, and separate dogs by size and play style.


Routine Tips

In the early months, use short play periods followed by a potty opportunity. After about 30 minutes, many puppies also need a nap.

Plan for naps, crate time, or quiet rest. Structured downtime supports learning and helps prevent overtired behavior.


Potty Training


Use close supervision indoors and expand freedom slowly to avoid rehearsing accidents.

Puppies are often mostly house-trained as long as the space is small enough. They naturally try not to soil their bed or den area, but they do not yet understand that the dining room, guest room, or space behind the couch is part of that same shared space.

For indoor options, untreated pine pellets in a wide bin such as the underbed storage kind or small kiddie pool can work well providing enough width that they can turn in a circle. Potty pads can also be used, and outdoor training is often ideal when practical.


If Using Potty Pads

Replace pads often and use more than one if needed. Many puppies will avoid a soiled pad and choose the floor, couch, or bed instead. They also tend to prefer a potty area that offers a little privacy.


Cleaning Accidents

Use an enzyme cleaner to remove odor and reduce repeat accidents. Vinegar alone is usually not enough, and ammonia-based cleaners can smell like urine to dogs.

An optional DIY cleaner sometimes shared by veterinarians combines peroxide, baking soda, and Dawn dish soap. Use it right away rather than storing it, avoid the eyes if using it for de-skunking, and rinse thoroughly.


Training Principles

• Use baby steps. Slow and steady usually leads to better long-term results.

• What you reward / release is what you teach.

• What is practiced will be repeated, for better or worse.

• Keep training short, simple, and positive.

• If you do not want a behavior in the adult dog, do not allow it in the puppy.


Training Resources

• Training resources available through Good Dog, if that is where you purchased your dog

• Training resources that may be included through Continental Kennel Club registration and related benefits

• Baxter and Bella training resources 25% off code : MountainPassBarn

• Podcasts such as Puppy Culture Potluck and The Puppy Training Podcast


Puppy Class, Recall, and Leash Walking


Puppy Class

Choose a positive, well-managed puppy class and focus more on confidence and calm participation than on perfect performance. If your puppy shows stress, step out early and let them recover.


Build Recall Early

Pair your recall cue with rewards often, starting indoors with very few distractions. In open areas or off-leash settings, use especially valuable rewards and avoid repeating the cue if you cannot reinforce it.


Leash Walking

Start early and prevent pulling from becoming a habit. When the leash tightens, calmly change direction and reward your puppy for returning to you. Keep sessions brief and engaging.