Training a shih tzu to come when it is called is a vital, and potentially life saving, part of any successful shih tzu training program. All properly trained shih tzu must learn to respond instantly to the owners voice, and the sooner this lesson is learned the better.

The advantages of teaching a shih tzu to come when called are obvious. For starters, coming when called will help you regain control of the shih tzu in case of collar break, snapped leash or other similar equipment failure. This is particularly important when you are out with your shih tzu, especially in an area with lots of traffic. It is vital that the shih tzu respond to your voice and return to your side, even in the absence of collar and leash, and even if there are lots of other things competing for its attention.

Coming when called is also a vital skill for every working dog. Whether the dogs job is herding sheep, guarding livestock, or sniffing out bombs and drugs at the airport, the working dog must be under total control at all times, whether on leash or off.

Even if your shih tzus only job is being a loyal companion, it is still vital that he learn this important basic obedience exercise. After the first obedience lessons, such as heeling, stopping on command, sitting on command, etc. have been learned, it is time to start incorporating the come when called lessons into the daily training sessions.

One note about shih tzu training it is all too easy for training sessions to become dull and routine for both handler and shih tzu. A bored shih tzu will not be receptive to learning, just as a bored handler will not be a good teacher. It is important, therefore, to always incorporate fun things and play into every training session. Incorporating a few minutes of play time before the lesson begins can do wonders for the attitude of the shih tzu and human alike. Likewise, ending each training session with a few minutes of free play time is a great way to end on a positive note and to help the dog associate obedience training with fun and not drudgery.

The command to stay and the command to come when called are often combined in obedience training lessons, and they do go naturally together. Start with the shih tzu on a loose leash, ask the shih tzu to sit and then slowly back away. If the shih tzu begins to get up and follow you, return to the shih tzu and ask him to sit again. Continue this process until you can reach the end of the leash without the shih tzu getting up.

After you can successfully reach the end of the leash on a consistent basis, try dropping the leash altogether. Of course you will want to do this in a controlled environment like a fenced in yard. After the shih tzu has mastered the stay command, it is time to add the come when called command.

Take up the leash again, and with the shih tzu on the end of the leash, say "come" or "come here". It is often helpful to use a lure when teaching this behavior. The lure provides a visible item for the shih tzu to focus on. Teaching the shih tzu to come to the lure is a good first step in training the shih tzu to come when called.

Repeat this procedure many times until the shih tzu will consistently stay and then come when called. After the shih tzu has mastered coming when called while attached to the leash, slowly start introducing the concept when the leash is removed. As before, these training sessions should only take place in a controlled, safe environment, such as a fenced in front or back yard.

A well trained, obedient shih tzu should respond to the call to return to its owner no matter where it is and no matter what distractions may occur. It is therefore necessary to test the shih tzu with distractions of your own.

If you have a neighbor, preferably one with a shih tzu of his own, try having him come over with the shih tzu. Have him, and the shih tzu, stand just outside the fenced in area and repeat the come when called exercise with your shih tzu off leash. If he becomes distracted by the other dog, put the leash back on and repeat the process. The goal is to have your shih tzu consistently pay attention to your commands, no matter what distractions may present themselves.