
Training games are not only fun for your Shih Tzu but also essential for mental stimulation and bonding. These games can help reinforce obedience commands, teach new tricks, and keep your dog engaged and active. Here are seven enjoyable training games that will challenge your Shih Tzu while strengthening your bond:
1. Hide and Seek
Hide and Seek is a great game to teach your Shih Tzu recall and improve their search skills. Start by having your dog sit and stay while you hide in an easy-to-find location. Call out your dog’s name or use a recall command like “come.” When your Shih Tzu finds you, reward them with treats and praise. As your dog becomes proficient, increase the difficulty by hiding in more challenging spots.
2. Tug of War
Tug of War is a classic game that can reinforce the “drop it” or “leave it” command while providing physical exercise. Use a tug toy specifically designed for dogs to prevent accidental injuries. Start the game with a clear start and stop command. Encourage your Shih Tzu to release the toy and reward them with praise and a treat when they obey.

3. Interactive Puzzle Toys
Interactive puzzle toys challenge your Shih Tzu’s problem-solving abilities and provide mental stimulation. These toys typically require your dog to manipulate levers, push buttons, or move parts to reveal hidden treats. Introduce your dog to the puzzle slowly, showing them how to access the treats. As your Shih Tzu becomes more skilled, increase the complexity of the puzzles to maintain their interest.
4. Obstacle Course
Create an indoor obstacle course using household items such as chairs, tunnels made from blankets, and cones. Guide your Shih Tzu through the course using treats and verbal cues. Start with simple tasks like weaving between obstacles or crawling under a low table. Gradually increase the difficulty by adding more obstacles or requiring specific commands such as “sit” or “stay” at certain points.
5. Fetch
Fetch is an excellent game to teach your Shih Tzu to retrieve and release objects on command. Start with a soft toy or ball that is easy for your dog to carry. Encourage your Shih Tzu to chase after the toy and bring it back to you using positive reinforcement. Teach them to release the toy by offering a treat in exchange. Use a consistent throw and retrieve routine to reinforce the game’s rules.

6. Name That Toy
Name That Toy is a game that teaches your Shih Tzu to recognize and fetch specific toys by name. Begin by selecting two or three toys with distinct names. Show your dog one toy at a time, repeating its name clearly. Encourage your Shih Tzu to touch or pick up the toy when you say its name. Reward them with treats and praise for correctly identifying and fetching each toy.
7. Spin and Shake
Spin and Shake is a fun trick that can be incorporated into a game. Start by teaching your Shih Tzu to spin in a circle on command. Use a treat to lure them in a circular motion and praise them when they complete the spin. Once your dog has mastered spinning, add the “shake” command to teach them to offer their paw. Reward your Shih Tzu with treats and affectionate praise for successfully performing these tricks.

Conclusion
Training games not only provide mental stimulation and physical exercise but also strengthen the bond between you and your Shih Tzu. Incorporate these seven training games into your daily routine to keep your dog engaged, mentally sharp, and eager to learn. Remember to use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to reward desired behaviors and encourage your Shih Tzu’s progress. Each game serves a dual purpose of teaching valuable skills and enriching your dog’s life through interactive play. By making training sessions enjoyable and rewarding, you’ll foster a positive learning experience for your Shih Tzu while deepening your relationship as companions.