Shih Tzus are intelligent, but they do boast a bit of an independent side to their characters which means their training and socialisation has to start as early as possible. They can also be a little stubborn at times and often give owners the impression that it is beneath them to do certain things asked of them. With this is mind, a lot of patience and consistency are needed when training and educating a Shih Tzu to be obedient, although they do tend to always have a mind of their own.