Shih-Poos may be small, but they still need real training, clear rules, socialization, and good manners from the start.
Small puppies get away with things big puppies never would.
A Shih-Poo can jump on legs, bark for attention, dodge brushing, or demand to be picked up, and people may laugh because the dog is little and adorable. That reaction feels harmless in the moment, but it can create problems later.
Small dogs still need real training.
**Cute Is Not a Training Method**
A Shih-Poo puppy may be compact, but the brain is working full size. Puppies learn what gets rewarded. If barking gets attention, barking becomes useful. If squirming ends grooming, squirming becomes a strategy. If jumping gets picked up, jumping just became an elevator button.
That is not stubbornness. That is learning.
**Teach the Same Basics**
Shih-Poos benefit from the same foundation as larger dogs:
- Name recognition
- Coming when called
- Sitting politely
- Leash introduction
- Crate or quiet space comfort
- Grooming cooperation
- Gentle handling
- Calm greetings
The size of the dog does not change the value of those skills.
**Small Dogs Need Boundaries Too**
Because Shih-Poos are often affectionate and people-oriented, families may be tempted to carry them constantly. There is nothing wrong with cuddling a puppy, but the dog should also learn to walk, explore, settle, and interact confidently on the ground.
A puppy who is carried through every slightly uncertain moment may not build the confidence needed to handle the world.
**Handling Matters**
Grooming and vet care are easier when a small dog learns early that handling is normal. Practice touching paws, ears, face, and body in short positive sessions. Reward calm cooperation.
Do not wait until the first professional grooming appointment to discover your puppy has hired a defense attorney.
**At Top Notch Paws**
We love Shih-Poos because they can bring so much personality in a smaller package. But small should never mean untrained. A well-guided Shih-Poo is more comfortable, more confident, and easier for the whole family to enjoy.
The puppy may be little. The expectations should still be clear.
A Shih-Poo can jump on legs, bark for attention, dodge brushing, or demand to be picked up, and people may laugh because the dog is little and adorable. That reaction feels harmless in the moment, but it can create problems later.
Small dogs still need real training.
**Cute Is Not a Training Method**
A Shih-Poo puppy may be compact, but the brain is working full size. Puppies learn what gets rewarded. If barking gets attention, barking becomes useful. If squirming ends grooming, squirming becomes a strategy. If jumping gets picked up, jumping just became an elevator button.
That is not stubbornness. That is learning.
**Teach the Same Basics**
Shih-Poos benefit from the same foundation as larger dogs:
- Name recognition
- Coming when called
- Sitting politely
- Leash introduction
- Crate or quiet space comfort
- Grooming cooperation
- Gentle handling
- Calm greetings
The size of the dog does not change the value of those skills.
**Small Dogs Need Boundaries Too**
Because Shih-Poos are often affectionate and people-oriented, families may be tempted to carry them constantly. There is nothing wrong with cuddling a puppy, but the dog should also learn to walk, explore, settle, and interact confidently on the ground.
A puppy who is carried through every slightly uncertain moment may not build the confidence needed to handle the world.
**Handling Matters**
Grooming and vet care are easier when a small dog learns early that handling is normal. Practice touching paws, ears, face, and body in short positive sessions. Reward calm cooperation.
Do not wait until the first professional grooming appointment to discover your puppy has hired a defense attorney.
**At Top Notch Paws**
We love Shih-Poos because they can bring so much personality in a smaller package. But small should never mean untrained. A well-guided Shih-Poo is more comfortable, more confident, and easier for the whole family to enjoy.
The puppy may be little. The expectations should still be clear.