.
|
SHIH TZU CAN DO IT ALL
Shih Tzu Temperament and Physical Requirements for the World of Dog Events By: Gayle Young |
SHIH TZU CAN DO IT ALL
By: Gayle Young
Don't let their size fool you. Shih Tzu can and DO excel in the world of dog events beyond Conformation. Obedience, Rally, Agility, Therapy, Flyball, and Dancing. There are so many ways, today, that you and your Shih Tzu can work and play together as a team. As a trainer, it is important for you to know your dog. Each Shih Tzu is an individual. Some are athletic; others are happiest relating to people. But all Shih Tzu are natural performers, and by clueing into your dog's personality, you can determine which events your dog is best suited for. Each time you participate in the world of dog events, you have the opportunity to show off what makes the Shih Tzu so special and work for the betterment of our breed.
Those of us who work with our dogs find the Shih Tzu temperament to range from independent to demonstrative and, almost always, delightfully clownish. They are devoted to you in their own individual fashion. Some are cuddly, enjoying nothing more than nestling into you; others are happy to simply be near you. Males, some say, are more likely to bond with their family favorite, but, for the most part, all Shih Tzu are highly loyal to all members of the family.
For performance events, your criteria should be a dog that is both mentally and physically sound and capable of doing what is required. Above all, you want a dog that wants to please you. This is essential to positive training. As many of us have found out, Shih Tzu like to do things "their way." While this can make training a challenge, it should not become a test of wills. The Shih Tzu, like all dogs, respects a fair leader, and knowing your Tzu's personality is key to successful teamwork in performance events.
Training for performance sports HAS to be kept positive or your Shih Tzu will turn a deaf ear to you. Each dog is different, with a varying attention span, tolerance for correction, and levels of ability. You and your Tzu will learn together how best to train. And you'll quickly find that what works for one dog will not necessarily work for another.
Trust is the key to training. And a sense of humor. That trust, many of us find out, can be quickly tested when we start to train our Tzu off lead! Train long and hard before you make that leap of faith. Trust, of course, must be mutual. Your dog must trust in YOU to create the working bond that produces a successful team. Keep it fun and keep it positive.
Prior to preparing for performance events, talk to your veterinarian and make sure that your dog has the endurance and physical ability to participate. Like any athlete, your Shih Tzu needs to build up stamina and energy. You are your dog's 'personal trainer.' Make sure your Tzu is sound and capable of performing what you are asking of him.
For Obedience and Rally events, your dog has to trust you and WANT to work and please you. Your first step is to ensure that your Tzu has an adequate attention span for training. Just as in physical training, the dog's concentration can be gradually built up. Many Obedience people use Rally as a stepping stone towards Obedience competition. Unlike Obedience where only single commands are allowed, Rally permits multiple commands, and the handler is encouraged to talk to her partner while competing.
Trust is the key to training. And a sense of humor. That trust, many of us find out, can be quickly tested when we start to train our Tzu off lead! Train long and hard before you make that leap of faith. Trust, of course, must be mutual. Your dog must trust in YOU to create the working bond that produces a successful team. Keep it fun and keep it positive.The Agility Shih Tzu needs everything the Obedience dog needs plus he must possess more athletic and 'field and track' type abilities. He will be required to zip in, out, up and over obstacles in the ring and then stop with exacting precision. While the Obedience dog is required to perform basic jumps, the Agility dog must master a whole range of athletic feats in the arena - jumping, climbing, racing, accuracy and control, and flexibility. Simply put, the Agility dog must possess agility!
Dancing, a relative newcomer to the world of performance sports, requires many of the same attributes as Agility and Obedience. Here is where you look for the 'performer' in your Shih Tzu....the 'clown' who delights not only his owner, but the spectators, ringside. But Dancing is still a 'sport,' and stamina and flexibility are pivotal to success. Your Tzu should be able to move comfortably on two legs and be agile enough to perform to his maximum potential. Dancing has opened up yet one more event for the Shih Tzu. Indeed, the dog that embarrassed you in the Conformation, Obedience or Agility ring, might well be a star in this fun new venue.
Flyball is the perfect event for Shih Tzu who are enthused by a ball. If you have a dog who loves nothing better than fielding a ball tossed to him, then this is the sport for you. Successful flyball dogs need the physical and mental attributes of Agility and Obedience dogs. Look for speed and 'toy drive' in your Shih Tzu - the two major requirements for this exciting, fast-moving sport.
Many Shih Tzu owners find Pet Therapy the most rewarding event to be shared with their dogs. There are various organizations that you can join where your dog will be tested for his suitability to visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools and rehabilitation facilities. An ideal therapy dog will happily sit on a lap or a bed and will tolerate being touched by strangers. Not all Shih Tzu want to be physically hugged or cuddled, however, and this may determine what venue your dog is best suited for. It's so important to be aware of your dog's fears and his ability to adjust to new situations. Most pet therapy organizations require training that will test your dog's tolerance for strange noises and bulky equipment, such as wheelchairs. After certification, you can decide what venues best suit your Tzu's personality. In most therapy visits, your dog may be asked to sit on laps, to sit still for brushing, or simply to play with residents. Pet therapy is yet another opportunity for the wonderful Shih Tzu temperament and personality to shine. Our breed loves people. They know when you need a hug or a kiss. Their naturally sunny instincts make them ideal therapy dogs.
Some of our retired Conformation champions have gone on to become champs in performance events. They thrive on this one-on-one time with us and prove that they are winners all around. Shih Tzu may not be Border Collies, Goldens, or even Papillons, breeds that dominate most performance events, but they CAN and DO excel in the ring - and they love it!
Please keep these performance events in mind if you are part of a club. The performance community should be a vital part of the Shih Tzu community, and it is up to us who believe in the versatility of our breed to extend a welcome. There is a whole world of fun events you can share with your Shih Tzu. Come and observe us as our dogs show off their talents. Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Dance, Agility, Flyball, or Therapy, it's all Shih Tzu for all of us!
Those of us who work with our dogs find the Shih Tzu temperament to range from independent to demonstrative and, almost always, delightfully clownish. They are devoted to you in their own individual fashion. Some are cuddly, enjoying nothing more than nestling into you; others are happy to simply be near you. Males, some say, are more likely to bond with their family favorite, but, for the most part, all Shih Tzu are highly loyal to all members of the family.
For performance events, your criteria should be a dog that is both mentally and physically sound and capable of doing what is required. Above all, you want a dog that wants to please you. This is essential to positive training. As many of us have found out, Shih Tzu like to do things "their way." While this can make training a challenge, it should not become a test of wills. The Shih Tzu, like all dogs, respects a fair leader, and knowing your Tzu's personality is key to successful teamwork in performance events.
Training for performance sports HAS to be kept positive or your Shih Tzu will turn a deaf ear to you. Each dog is different, with a varying attention span, tolerance for correction, and levels of ability. You and your Tzu will learn together how best to train. And you'll quickly find that what works for one dog will not necessarily work for another.
Trust is the key to training. And a sense of humor. That trust, many of us find out, can be quickly tested when we start to train our Tzu off lead! Train long and hard before you make that leap of faith. Trust, of course, must be mutual. Your dog must trust in YOU to create the working bond that produces a successful team. Keep it fun and keep it positive.
Prior to preparing for performance events, talk to your veterinarian and make sure that your dog has the endurance and physical ability to participate. Like any athlete, your Shih Tzu needs to build up stamina and energy. You are your dog's 'personal trainer.' Make sure your Tzu is sound and capable of performing what you are asking of him.
For Obedience and Rally events, your dog has to trust you and WANT to work and please you. Your first step is to ensure that your Tzu has an adequate attention span for training. Just as in physical training, the dog's concentration can be gradually built up. Many Obedience people use Rally as a stepping stone towards Obedience competition. Unlike Obedience where only single commands are allowed, Rally permits multiple commands, and the handler is encouraged to talk to her partner while competing.
Trust is the key to training. And a sense of humor. That trust, many of us find out, can be quickly tested when we start to train our Tzu off lead! Train long and hard before you make that leap of faith. Trust, of course, must be mutual. Your dog must trust in YOU to create the working bond that produces a successful team. Keep it fun and keep it positive.The Agility Shih Tzu needs everything the Obedience dog needs plus he must possess more athletic and 'field and track' type abilities. He will be required to zip in, out, up and over obstacles in the ring and then stop with exacting precision. While the Obedience dog is required to perform basic jumps, the Agility dog must master a whole range of athletic feats in the arena - jumping, climbing, racing, accuracy and control, and flexibility. Simply put, the Agility dog must possess agility!
Dancing, a relative newcomer to the world of performance sports, requires many of the same attributes as Agility and Obedience. Here is where you look for the 'performer' in your Shih Tzu....the 'clown' who delights not only his owner, but the spectators, ringside. But Dancing is still a 'sport,' and stamina and flexibility are pivotal to success. Your Tzu should be able to move comfortably on two legs and be agile enough to perform to his maximum potential. Dancing has opened up yet one more event for the Shih Tzu. Indeed, the dog that embarrassed you in the Conformation, Obedience or Agility ring, might well be a star in this fun new venue.
Flyball is the perfect event for Shih Tzu who are enthused by a ball. If you have a dog who loves nothing better than fielding a ball tossed to him, then this is the sport for you. Successful flyball dogs need the physical and mental attributes of Agility and Obedience dogs. Look for speed and 'toy drive' in your Shih Tzu - the two major requirements for this exciting, fast-moving sport.
Many Shih Tzu owners find Pet Therapy the most rewarding event to be shared with their dogs. There are various organizations that you can join where your dog will be tested for his suitability to visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools and rehabilitation facilities. An ideal therapy dog will happily sit on a lap or a bed and will tolerate being touched by strangers. Not all Shih Tzu want to be physically hugged or cuddled, however, and this may determine what venue your dog is best suited for. It's so important to be aware of your dog's fears and his ability to adjust to new situations. Most pet therapy organizations require training that will test your dog's tolerance for strange noises and bulky equipment, such as wheelchairs. After certification, you can decide what venues best suit your Tzu's personality. In most therapy visits, your dog may be asked to sit on laps, to sit still for brushing, or simply to play with residents. Pet therapy is yet another opportunity for the wonderful Shih Tzu temperament and personality to shine. Our breed loves people. They know when you need a hug or a kiss. Their naturally sunny instincts make them ideal therapy dogs.
Some of our retired Conformation champions have gone on to become champs in performance events. They thrive on this one-on-one time with us and prove that they are winners all around. Shih Tzu may not be Border Collies, Goldens, or even Papillons, breeds that dominate most performance events, but they CAN and DO excel in the ring - and they love it!
Please keep these performance events in mind if you are part of a club. The performance community should be a vital part of the Shih Tzu community, and it is up to us who believe in the versatility of our breed to extend a welcome. There is a whole world of fun events you can share with your Shih Tzu. Come and observe us as our dogs show off their talents. Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Dance, Agility, Flyball, or Therapy, it's all Shih Tzu for all of us!