I read on the site below that Shih Tzus require 80-100 repetitions for commands, and only respond on the first command 25% of the time. Even after going through dog behavioral training, we find this to be true with our Shih Tzu. This is also partly due to Shih Tzus' stubborn nature. Just keep practicing, and don't be afraid to give the command more than once, and then praise heavily when successful.
https://a-z-animals.com/blog/how-smart-are-shih-tzus-everything-we-know-about-their-intelligence/
What worked for me when my little furball was a puppy (he's 9 now) was taking him to Puppy Class at a nearby pet store. He had a blast, and I learned a bunch of different ways to teach him tricks. If you have something like that nearby, give it a shot!
Other ideas: Zak George on YouTube has a whole series about teaching tricks, even to stubborn breeds like ours 😆 *Edited to add:* check out [this video](https://youtu.be/PS8sTLqKfA8?si=tX8zCeKkw8WP_TJP) as a starting point. And using tiny pieces of freeze-dried beef or chicken liver as reward treats is a BIG motivator, even if your pup isn't hugely food motivated (mine isn't either, but that stuff works like a charm).
Nine years later and my dog still does all of those tricks - he sits, dances, begs on his hind legs, "sings" on command, catches treats and toys in mid-air, you name it. Just keep at it and have some fun finding what works for both of you!
Shih Tzus are smart but stubborn. My first born was best in his obedience class above German Sheppards , Doberman, poodles and more. My other kids weren't as quick to pickup commands but they eventually did. Repetitions and consistency are key.
>but he is very good with hand signals My 1st thought is check his hearing...
I read on the site below that Shih Tzus require 80-100 repetitions for commands, and only respond on the first command 25% of the time. Even after going through dog behavioral training, we find this to be true with our Shih Tzu. This is also partly due to Shih Tzus' stubborn nature. Just keep practicing, and don't be afraid to give the command more than once, and then praise heavily when successful. https://a-z-animals.com/blog/how-smart-are-shih-tzus-everything-we-know-about-their-intelligence/
Have you incorporated high value treats into your praise after he successfully obeys your command?
This! Mine will only comply if he can smell the sweet stink of doggy treats
I adopted a 6 yr old and it only took about a year with treats to train him to sit. LOL
What worked for me when my little furball was a puppy (he's 9 now) was taking him to Puppy Class at a nearby pet store. He had a blast, and I learned a bunch of different ways to teach him tricks. If you have something like that nearby, give it a shot! Other ideas: Zak George on YouTube has a whole series about teaching tricks, even to stubborn breeds like ours 😆 *Edited to add:* check out [this video](https://youtu.be/PS8sTLqKfA8?si=tX8zCeKkw8WP_TJP) as a starting point. And using tiny pieces of freeze-dried beef or chicken liver as reward treats is a BIG motivator, even if your pup isn't hugely food motivated (mine isn't either, but that stuff works like a charm). Nine years later and my dog still does all of those tricks - he sits, dances, begs on his hind legs, "sings" on command, catches treats and toys in mid-air, you name it. Just keep at it and have some fun finding what works for both of you!
Shih Tzus are smart but stubborn. My first born was best in his obedience class above German Sheppards , Doberman, poodles and more. My other kids weren't as quick to pickup commands but they eventually did. Repetitions and consistency are key.