Training the shih tzu not to chase people and bicycles is an important thing to do, and it is best to start that training as early as possible. Starting when the shih tzu is still small and non-threatening is important, but particularly with breeds that grow very large, or with breeds that have a reputation for being very aggressive. Many people respond to being chased by a dog, especially a large dog, with understandable fear, and it is best for yourself and your shih tzu that he be trained not to chase.

Shih Tzu are probably easier to train away from chasing than others. Breeds that have been used for hunting or herding often retain much more of their chasing instincts than other types of dogs.

No matter what breed of dog you are working with, however, it is important to not allow him off the leash until his chasing behavior has been curbed. Allowing an untrained dog off the leash is dangerous, irresponsible and illegal.

Before you expose your shih tzu to a situation where he will want to chase someone or something, be sure to train him in a safe, controlled area like a fenced in yard. It is important for the shih tzu to be able to focus and concentrate on you, and for him to understand what behavior you want. The shih tzu must be given the opportunity to repeatedly perform the behavior you want while in this controlled setting.

The training session should be started indoors in the shih tzu's home. The shih tzu should be put on a leash and the owner and the shih tzu should stand at one end of a hallway or a room. The owner then waves a tennis ball in front of the shih tzu but does not allow him to touch it. After that, the tennis ball is rolled to the other end of the hallway or the room, and the command ?Off? is used to tell the shih tzu not to chase the ball. If the shih tzu starts out after the ball, use the command ?Off? once again and give a firm tug on the leash.

When doing this type of training, it is vital that the shih tzu not be allowed to touch the ball. If he actually reaches the ball, he may think that ?Off? means to get the ball. This exercise should be repeated several times, until the shih tzu has learned the meaning of the ?Off? command. When the shih tzu responds correctly by not chasing the ball, he should be rewarded with a special treat.

After the shih tzu seems to understand his new game, move to another room and try the same thing. Repeat the exercise in several rooms of the house, in the garage, etc. After the shih tzu has seemingly mastered the game and learned the meaning of the ?Off? command, you can work with him without the leash, but still only in a safe area like your own home or a fenced in yard. It may take some time for the shih tzu to fully master control of his chasing instinct, and it is important not to rush the process, or to leave the shih tzu off leash until you are sure he is fully trained.

To test the training in the real world, enlist the assistance of a friend to pose as a jogger. It is important that the shih tzu does not see and recognize this person; he has to assume that it is a stranger in order for the test to be valid. Stand with the shih tzu on his leash and have your friend jog by a couple of times while you do the ?Off? exercise. If the shih tzu does as he is asked, be sure to provide lots of praise and treats. If he starts after the ?jogger?, give a firm reminder by tugging on the leash.