When you first begin to talk to your shih tzu, I feel like the shih tzu will find your voice new and interesting. The shih tzu has been use to the voice of the breeder and whoever else had contact. This newness will soon wear off and your voice will become one of great familiarity to your shih tzu. By this time if you have not started to teach your shih tzu that words can have great and wonderful meanings you might have a harder time regaining the shih tzu's attention when you are engaged in training lessons. The first step is to teach your dog its new name and to say the new name before an enjoyable event such as a walk will hopefully convince your shih tzu that it is worthwhile to listen to all you have to say.
It is fine to have meaningless conversations with your shih tzu and even to pour your heart out to your shih tzu if you so desire, or to murmur sweet nonsense while you pet her. Words you want to have actual meaning for the shih tzu should "always" have that same meaning.
An interesting memory I have of my Coconut (who is still with me at Stain Glass Shih Tzu and pictured in this article) is that in a very particularly frustrating time for me I was crying aloud. Out of all the shih tzu (who are by nature very compassionate), Coconut came to me quickly when I sat down, jumped in my lap and took her paws and patted my each side of my cheeks. I could hear her saying with her body language of compassionate pets on my face: "please cheer up ma-ma, it is not so bad, I love you, now just stop that crying, my ma-ma." And I immediately stopped the tears and chuckled at her, hugged her up close and was quite cheered up, relieved from the frustration I was just feeling. Now this same Coconut has done things that have truly annoyed me, but at this moment in time, we bonded in such a unique and special way, it has strengthened me to endure those times she annoys me.....
Shih tzu understand so much more than we realize they do about their owners, and their loved ones. Still, there are certain words you will need to teach your shih tzu that will always have that same meaning. These words would be your basic cues for behaviors you want such as "sit," and use it only when you actually mean for your shih tzu to "sit."
Connie Limon is a professional shih tzu breeder in the Midwestern state of Indiana. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts on shih tzu puppies are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com