Shish Tzu dogs make excellent pets for many people while for others this dog breed can be a source of some issues and frustration. If your family is serious about bringing in a Shih Tzu in your home, be sure you know the kinds of commitment you are getting into in all aspects such as puppy training, feeding, grooming, and health care. When you are definitely sure this is the breed for you, find a reputable breeder.
This dog will be less than 12 inches in height when fully grown, though some are smaller and will weight around 9 to 16 lbs. It likes to be cuddled and plays a lot. It is very alert and smart that even with its small size it can be a guard dog because it can learn how to bark at strangers. Without training it can be yappy, demanding, and may become a stubborn dog that runs the whole place.
Training Tips
Puppies are generally stubborn not only Shih Tzu puppies. A Shih Tzu needs gentle, subtle but firm discipline while still a puppy to grow to be a good and friendly pet. If you cannot clearly indicate who the leader of the pack is, a puppy can quickly try to take that role and can be agitated and aggressive when it cannot do its way. When you have a firm and proper puppy training, it will grow to be a calm and great source of joy.
Almost all Shih Tzu puppies are often difficult to housebreak because they are naturally stubborn. For many owners crate training is the best for this breed. A Shih Tzu puppy can be easily trained using positive reinforcement for good behaviors and following commands instead of harsh punishments for failing to do so. It has the urge to please the leader of the pack that is YOU, if you have established your position.
Grooming Tips
This is the most exciting part of having a Shih Tzu. You can make different styles with its long and straight coat but its coat needs a great deal of maintenance and care. You have to give it a bath at least once a month and brush the coat every day. Get the right dog shampoo and conditioner for your dog. Be sure to take care of the eyes when bathing because it may cause eyes issues. Get the special drops from your vet to keep the eyes clean.
More brushing is needed depending on how active it has been or if it has been playing outside. There are dog grooming parlors or salons where you can make appointments to maintain a neat and trimmed coat if you do not want it very long. You may be too busy to comb and make different styles out of its coat. The coat sheds a little but it is no big deal to clean.
Feeding tips
Feeding must be done carefully and regularly, with measured amount of food recommended by your vet. Overfeeding can easily make your dog over weight and may develop kidney diseases. Choose only high quality food, it deserves all the care and nourishment to avoid costly treatments at the dog clinic.
Health Care Tips
You can have a long-time companion out of your Shih Tzu because its life expectancy is about 15 years. The most common health issue may be the back because of its short legs and long body. Other issues may arise about eyes and ears infection and dental health. The dog is prone to tooth decay and tooth loss.
It is necessary to maintain a proper dental hygiene which is just the same as for the human but using dental products specifically made for dogs.
Vigilance and consistency will always be important in making sure your puppy training is absorbed properly and acquired by your lovable pet while it is still young. That will be good enough to be remembered throughout its dog life.
