why is my shih tzu so aggressive
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Why Is My Shih Tzu So Aggressive? – Shihtzuandyou.com
- From shihtzuandyou.com
- Publish date: 18/06/2022
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- Description: Your shih tzu may be aggressive because he is possessive over his territory, toys, bedding, food or all of these. Possessive aggression is easily rectified at …
- Sumary: Why Is My Shih Tzu So Aggressive? You wouldn’t think that a cute little dog such as a shih tzu could have an aggressive side to its character and for…
How To Stop A Shih Tzu From Being Aggressive
- From shihtzuandyou.com
- Publish date: 18/06/2022
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- Description: A shih tzu may be showing aggression because he is scared or senses danger and is trying to protect himself and those above him in the pack. If he or she is …
- Sumary: How To Stop A Shih Tzu From Being Aggressive “How To Stop A Shih Tzu From Being Aggressive?” – It’s Good That You’ve Asked! The chances are that you have…
Reasons Why Shih Tzu Become Violent – Luv My Dogs
- From luvmydogs.com
- Publish date: 18/06/2022
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- Description: Firstly aggression can sometimes gradually occur as your dog grows up through play. If you dog bites and mouths you and you don’t ever teach it to stop, then …
- Sumary: Reasons Why Shih Tzu Become Violent – Luv My Dogs Dog aggression is a major dog problem for owners. I want to help you understand the causes of dog…
Are Shih Tzus Aggressive (8 Causes Of Aggression & Tips)
- From petcreeks.com
- Publish date: 18/06/2022
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- Description: The major cause of Shih Tzu’s aggressiveness is a lack of proper socialization, which is caused by the owner’s lack of time to socialize with their puppy. Shih …
- Sumary: Are Shih Tzus Aggressive (8 Causes Of Aggression & Tips) Are Shih Tzus aggressive, this is a common question about Shih Tzus since they are very affectionate and popular, let’s…
Tips to Help a Shih Tzu Stop His Infrequent Aggressive Behavior
- From doggoneproblems.com
- Publish date: 18/06/2022
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- Description: 22 thg 9, 2021 — Stopping Aggressive Dog Behavior. I handed one of the guardians my camera so that I could share a number of tips to help train the dog to stop …
- Sumary: Tips to Help a Shih Tzu Stop His Infrequent Aggressive Behavior By: David Codr Published Date: September 22, 2021 For this Omaha dog behavior training session we worked with Jack,…
Are Shih Tzu Aggressive? [Things You Need To Know]
- From shihtzuexpert.com
- Publish date: 18/06/2022
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- Description: Why Is My Shih Tzu So Aggressive? — The Shih Tzu is not known for being an aggressive breed, but like with any breed it can be especially if reduced or …
- Sumary: Are Shih Tzu Aggressive? [Things You Need To Know]You might know Shih Tzus as small, cute, soft and cuddly, but does this mean that they are or cannot be aggressive? …
Are Shih Tzus Aggressive? [Typical Breed Temperament]
- From peteducate.com
- Publish date: 18/06/2022
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- Description: 24 thg 12, 2021 — Shih Tzus are generally not an aggressive breed. Some aggressive behavior can occur in individual dogs and is most often the result of …
- Sumary: Are Shih Tzus Aggressive? [Typical Breed Temperament] If you are contemplating a Shih Tzu as your next family dog, you will want to know if they are aggressive before choosing…
FAQs
How do I stop my Shih Tzu from growling and biting?
Your reaction to growling should be as follows:
- #1. Give a stern ‘No’.
- #2. Immediately place yourself in a position of physical authority. …
- #3. Command a sit. …
- #4. If your Shih Tzu obeys, give praise ‘good dog!’ …
- #5. If your Shih Tzu does not obey or continues to growl, place him in a time-out.
- #6.
How do you discipline a Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus are highly sensitive to punishment and yelling, and may misbehave when frightened. Consequently, reward-based methods are best. Use a training clicker and treats to teach your dog commands such as “Sit” and “Stay.” Click the clicker as soon as your dog exhibits the right behavior and then give her a treat.30 thg 11, 2021
How do you calm down an aggressive Shih Tzu?
Once you have your shih tzu coming to eat at the time you put down the bowl, you can then work on food aggression, should your shih tzu be one who growls and snaps when you or anyone else goes near his food. Place the bowl down empty, then add the food by hand a few pieces at a time.
Why is my Shih Tzu aggressive all of a sudden?
If a dog that has never shown any sign of aggression suddenly begins growling, snapping, or biting, it may be caused by a disease or illness. Pain is an especially common cause of aggression in dogs. 1 Your suddenly aggressive dog may have an injury or an illness that’s causing major discomfort and stress.15 thg 2, 2020
Why do Shih Tzus bite their owners?
If your Shih Tzu is biting, this often is clear due to the sheer aggression that is being displayed. Household members, and particularly young children or elderly adults, may be down-right scared. With a biting problem, there is a nervous vibe, and you may feel that your Shih Tzu is truly out-of-control.
What happens if a Shih Tzu bites you?
One of the common questions many intending Shih Tzu owners have asked is whether or not Shih Tzus bite people. Do Shih Tzus bite? Yes, Shih Tzus can bite, especially in their puppy stage, but it is not painful or harmful before they develop their permanent teeth that can cause major harm.
Why is my Shih Tzu biting me?
Some Shih Tzus bite because they’re teething, sometimes because they’re playing, sometimes because they’re bored, and sometimes because they may have a problem with aggression (this is particularly the case for reactive rescue dogs who’ve suffered abuse, have issues with anxiety, or haven’t been properly socialized).
Should I growl back at my dog?
While it may sound obvious, growling at your dog is not likely to improve its aggressive behavioral problems, a new study suggests. Hitting it is probably worse. Researchers say dog owners who kick, hit or otherwise confront aggressive dogs with punitive training methods are doomed to have, well, aggressive pets.
Do Shih Tzus have behavior problems?
Separation anxiety is one of the most commonly discussed dog behavior problems. Shih Tzu and other small breed dogs are prone to separation anxiety because they were bred for one thing: to be a companion. When their human is not available, they cannot do the job they were meant to do.
Are Shih Tzus naturally aggressive?
The Shih Tzu dog usually is not an aggressive breed, but some of these cute ?lion dogs? can exhibit an aggressive streak. The severity of a Shih Tzu’s aggression varies from dog to dog, but no matter how mild or extreme a pup’s aggressive behavior is, it needs correcting as soon as possible.
Why Is My Shih Tzu So Aggressive? – Shihtzuandyou.com
Why Is My Shih Tzu So Aggressive? You wouldn’t think that a cute little dog such as a shih tzu could have an aggressive side to its character and for most of the time you would be right. There is, however, a small percentage that do develop an aggressive streak, the severity of which can vary. If you do have an aggressive shih tzu it is essential that you take action to correct this bad behaviour before his aggression causes injury to himself, other dogs or people. It is important not to make the mistake of thinking everything will be okay if you just carry on and work around his aggression. Shih tzu aggression can manifest itself from several causes, which I will go into in a moment but the honest answer to “Why is my shih tzu so aggressive?” is, despite the immediate reason for the anger, in most cases, albeit in all probability inadvertently, it is you, the owner, or the previous owners if you have a rescue or adopted shih tzu, who shoulders the burden of blame. “How can this be?”, I hear you ask. Well, quite frankly, by loving your baby a little too much. If you act on your instinct and cuddle and pet your shih tzu when he has behaved inappropriately you are in fact, in his mind, endorsing his behaviour to the extent that he will think this is the right way to behave. The situation is worsened if you then also allow his good behaviour to pass by unrewarded. This needs to be turned on its head, you need to think like a dog, ignore your shih tzu when he behaves badly and make a fuss over him when he behaves well. The leader of the pack Which brings us on to the most common cause of shih tzu aggression – small dog syndrome, a condition brought about if the owner of a shih tzu, or any of the small breed dogs, gives in to his dog’s demands all of the time. This pandering gives the dog delusions of grandeur and he thinks he is leader of the pack, the pack being all of the humans in the home including his owner. While your shih tzu is under the spell of small dog syndrome he may react with aggression to any attempt, however benignly intended, to approach him or try and handle him or, worse still try to grab his toy or food, all of which he will see as an attempt to usurp his assumed position of pack leader. This aggression can be anything from a growl to a nip to a ferocious bite drawing blood. Courtesy of Isselee Dreamstime ID:14762428 Small dog syndrome needs to be addressed before it gets out of hand. All human members of the household and any visitors need to assert themselves as higher ranking pack members above that of the shih tzu. You as the owner have to demonstrate to your shih tzu that it is you that is pack leader and not he; your shih tzu must accept this. A shih tzu will only become even more aggressive if you try to punish him by shouting at him or hitting him; this is not the correct course of action, it will just teach him that aggression is the right way. Any misbehaving such as aggressive barking, jumping at or on people or climbing up on any furniture needs to be punished in a calm and collected manner with a period of isolation, if possible, in a separate room or gated off area where the shih tzu can see that he is being ignored. After a few minutes or when he calms down he should be let back into the mainstream. This process has to be repeated every time aggressive behaviour is demonstrated. Eventually he will learn that…
How To Stop A Shih Tzu From Being Aggressive
How To Stop A Shih Tzu From Being Aggressive “How To Stop A Shih Tzu From Being Aggressive?” – It’s Good That You’ve Asked! The chances are that you have found this article by typing into your favorite search engine something like “how to stop a shih tzu from being aggressive”. It is not a nice problem to have but it is a good thing that this is a problem that concerns you and you want to do something about it. Many owners of small dogs think that it is okay, even fun, for their dog to have a feisty, aggressive streak. These people are mistaken. Aggression in dogs, even the smallest of dogs, must be addressed to prevent the very real risk of serious injuries to children and adults with the resultant possibility of the dog being euthanized. Don’t worry though, this won’t happen to your dog as you have taken the first positive step to resolve this problem. Three Reasons Why Your Shih Tzu May Be Showing Aggression There are usually three reasons why a shih tzu may be aggressive, any single one, or any combination of the three may be the underlying cause of your dog’s bad attitude. All dogs are pack animals and think like pack animals. However much they become part of a human family they will always think like a dog. A shih tzu that is showing aggression may believe that he or she is the pack leader, the alpha dog, and is showing this aggression to assert his number one position and to keep the rest of the pack in order.A shih tzu may be showing aggression because he is scared or senses danger and is trying to protect himself and those above him in the pack. If he or she is sick or injured, this can also lead to aggression.If your shih tzu was not taught that biting anything other than his food or toys was wrong when he was a puppy, he may still be growling and biting as an adult just because he doesn’t know any different, he thinks that aggressive behavior is normal. Fear ye not as all of these causes can be trained out of your shih tzu so that he or she becomes the bundle of fun and loveable companion that you desire. Whatever the reason for the aggression, the same basic principles apply to correct the behavior. Dogs learn by repetition, so consistency on your part is the key. First Step – You Become The Pack Leader ID: 17892389 © willeecole | Depositphotos A dog always looks up to the pack leader for guidance and assurance, so to control your shih tzu’s behavior you need to become the pack leader or, if you already hold that position, become a more established pack leader. There are a few methods that I use that work with my two boys and I believe that they will work for you too. Let me just say at this point that it is important for you to stay calm at all times. If you show any aggression towards your dog, that will just teach him that aggression is the right way. If you stay calm, eventually he will realize that if you are calm, then there is nothing to get excited about. ID: 128804688 © NickName | Depositphotos The first and most important action to take to assert your position as pack leader is to control the food. He or she who controls the food, decides when and what to eat, controls the pack. Establish set feeding times. A puppy may need feeding three times a day, an adult twice and a senior perhaps only once. (See “How Much Food Should…
Reasons Why Shih Tzu Become Violent – Luv My Dogs
Reasons Why Shih Tzu Become Violent – Luv My Dogs Dog aggression is a major dog problem for owners. I want to help you understand the causes of dog aggression, so you can overcome this dog problem. Dog aggression stems from the dog’s frustration and dominance. The dog’s frustration comes from a lack of dog exercise, and the dog’s dominance comes from a lack of calm-assertive leadership. Shih Tzu are small cute dogs that don’t look like they could harm a fly. This then means that many of us make the mistake of thinking that they can get away with being aggressive and that we don’t need to train it out of them. However this is a big mistake and while your Shih Tzu might not be a threat to your health, it is nevertheless still important to make sure that they aren’t aggressive and that they recognise you as in charge. For one this is important because while you may not be afraid of a little bad pup, your visitors and other people might and this can be very upsetting for them if they have to deal with a dog that is constantly growling at them. At the same time if they are aggressive to other dogs they might well get themselves into a fight that they can’t win – so it’s important for their safety too. And anyway it is simply not pleasant to have a little dog who you love growling at you every time you move – you’re supposed to be friends. Aggressive Shih Tzu behavior specially when it is a family dog should be resolved quickly or it may lead to danger and scare not just people in your family but also visitors and others who are around you. This aggressive behavior is a condition that might have developed since it was a puppy, like being attacked by another dog or it might not like the feeling of being dominated by a master. Reasons behind Aggressive Behavior in Dogs- The delicate age for a Shih Tzu behavior development is at the 6th week. Whatever the environment gives makes it significant like socializing with other dogs and training to ensure they are people-friendly. You can easily apply this to a dog until it is 14 weeks old or can extend longer as you deem necessary.How Does a Dog Become Aggressive? So the question is, how did your Shih Tzu get to be aggressive in the first place? Well there are a couple of ways. Firstly aggression can sometimes gradually occur as your dog grows up through play. If you dog bites and mouths you and you don’t ever teach it to stop, then this biting can increase to the point where it is drawing blood and leaving teeth marks and it is then somewhat too late to stop it. At the same time you might find that your dog is aggressive because it believes itself to be the leader of the pack or the ‘alpha male’. Dogs are descended from wolves and they are pack animals as a result. Thus your dog will conclude that it’s in charge if you pander to its every need and will use aggression to keep you in line. Lastly, sometimes aggression can be learned, and if you are very aggressive towards your dog, and to each other, your dog might simply learn the behaviour and might act out because it’s unhappy.What you should do to bring up a non-aggressive Shih Tzu are:1. Let the Shih Tzu puppy on it’s own with its litters until 2 months old. Do not use violent practice to a puppy aged between 8 and 10 weeks but alternatively address it tenderly. Talk to it softly and avoid hurting it physically if you would like grow a dog without aggressive Shih Tzu habits. 2. The Shih Tzu have to understand how to get along with other dogs (many dogs that are highly sociable can get along well together with other pets like cats, birds, horses, etc.) and more…
data-jsarwt=”1″ data-usg=”AOvVaw3_jof22qE9EKIVN7-OPVSB” data-ved=”2ahUKEwiZw_Dfz6H6AhVcKkQIHfKPDFYQuAJ6BAg6EAU”>11:49How To Train Aggressive SHIH TZU. If your dog or puppy is being aggressive to other dogs then today you can learn how to deal with this.YouTube · Fenrir Shih Tzu show · 12 thg 3, 2021
Are Shih Tzus Aggressive (8 Causes Of Aggression & Tips)
Are Shih Tzus Aggressive (8 Causes Of Aggression & Tips) Are Shih Tzus aggressive, this is a common question about Shih Tzus since they are very affectionate and popular, let’s find out together. All dogs do show signs of aggression at one point or the other, how long or the extent the signs last is considered a problem. Let’s take a look at what causes aggression in Shih Tzus, forms of aggression, signs of aggression, and how to resolve aggression in Shih Tzus. If all that interests you, continue reading… Shih Tzus are non-aggressive dogs that make wonderful family pets; they are normally amiable and have a naturally gregarious demeanor, and they are noted for being friendly canines due to their origins as human companions. Shih Tzus might become aggressive due to a lack of socialization, fear, anxiety, and, most significantly, the owner’s lack of training or behavioral instruction. Signs of aggression in Shih Tzus Even though Shih Tzus are not known to be an aggressive breed, they still show some forms of aggression when the need arises. Here are some of the most common signs of aggression found in Shih Tzus you should look out for: Shih Tzu s’ teeth are frequently displayed needlessly.On a regular basis, your Shih Tzu snap and snarl.Unnecessarily freezing in the company of other dogs or strangers.On a regular and temporary basis, growing bigger.The Shih Tzu barks aggressively when strangers or other dogs approach.He nips aggressively when playing with other pets.Adopt a rigid body position in the company of strangers or other canines. Forms of aggression in Shih Tzus Aggression in Shih Tzus can come in different forms or kinds, which includes the following: Resource guarding form of aggression.Anxiety form of aggression.Redirected form of aggression.Pain-Related form of aggression.Social form of aggression So, what triggers off aggression in Shih Tzus… Let’s find out! Causes of aggression in Shih Tzus Here are some of the most common causes of aggression in Shih Tzus you should know; 1. A repeat of a traumatic event Traumatic situations in Shih Tzu are prevalent and one of the most prominent reasons for aggressive behavior in Shih Tzus. Rescue dogs suffer from anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of previous trauma (PTSD). Any Shih Tzus who has been exposed to trauma before is in danger of developing behavioral problems. Shih Tzus that have lived in a hostile or harsh environment are more prone to develop emotional problems. As a conditioned self-protective response, they become afraid and furious which leads to aggressive behaviors. 2. Frustration There are several elements that contribute to Shih Tzu’s high degree of aggressiveness when he is unsatisfied. Paying less attention than normal, disregarding your Shih Tzu, interfering with the dog’s meal schedule, and so on. Shih Tzus are little companion dogs who are often startled by loud sounds or abrupt changes in routine. All of this can lead to unnecessarily high levels of frustration and unhappiness, which can lead to aggressiveness. 3. Neglect or abuse Lack of attention may make Shih Tzus aggressive because Shih Tzus require their owners’ entire attention at all times. To properly care for your Shih Tzu, you should feed your Shih Tzu at the appropriate times, groom your dog, walk your dog, and take time to hug or touch your pup. When your Shih Tzu does something wrong, instead of shouting at him, educate him and make sure he gets the correction. Make sure your Shih Tzu is eating good food and has access to clean, freshwater. To reduce the possibility of aggression, give your Shih Tzu the attention and exercise he or she requires, as well as grooming. 4. Inadequate obedience training This is the most thorough response to your question about why my Shih Tzu bites other dogs….
Tips to Help a Shih Tzu Stop His Infrequent Aggressive Behavior
Tips to Help a Shih Tzu Stop His Infrequent Aggressive Behavior By: David Codr Published Date: September 22, 2021 For this Omaha dog behavior training session we worked with Jack, a 7-year-old Shih Tzu who infrequently acts aggressive to one of the members of his family. After using some soft body language and tasty treats, Jack seemed to warm up to me pretty quickly. His guardians mentioned this was not unusual as Jack usually likes interacting with people. However there were three occasions where Jack showed some territorial or aggressive behavior to his guardian’s partner which led to this in-home Omaha dog training session. After going over dog behavior fundamentals, I wanted to show the guardian a few tips to help a dog feel comfortable around people they sometimes don’t like. Even that description is probably too strong for this scenario. When the dog had acted aggressive, there were some mitigating circumstances such as being left in a new location without his primary guardian. Since the dog’s aggressive behavior to people was so infrequent, I am chalking this up to more of a case of the dog having a bad day or unusual circumstances because this is clearly not an aggressive dog. Stopping Aggressive Dog Behavior I handed one of the guardians my camera so that I could share a number of tips to help train the dog to stop acting aggressively to people as well as some suggestions for the guardian to use if it ever occurs again. Check out the free positive dog training video below for tips and secrets on how to help a dog feel good around people. Since the dog’s aggressive behavior towards people has only happened 3 times, I think these positive dog behavior tips should prevent any future incidents. Building up positive associations between the guardian’s partner and Jack isn’t hard, but does take a little bit of effort. The great thing about it is anyone can do it, even if they’re not a professional Shih Tzu dog trainer. To help the guardians remember all the dog behavior tips we covered, we recorded a roadmap to success video that you can check out below. Tags: dog had acted aggressive, dog’s aggressive behavior to people, free positive dog training video, in home Omaha dog training, infrequently acts aggressive to one of the members of his family, not an aggressive dog, positive dog behavior tips, professional Shih Tzu dog trainer, showed some territorial or aggressive behavior, tips to help a dog feel comfortable around people, tips to help train the dog to stop acting aggressively to people Categorized in: Dog Psychology This post was written by: David Codr
Are Shih Tzu Aggressive? [Things You Need To Know]
Are Shih Tzu Aggressive? [Things You Need To Know]You might know Shih Tzus as small, cute, soft and cuddly, but does this mean that they are or cannot be aggressive? Of course not. All dog breeds can be aggressive Are Shih Tzus Aggressive Dogs? The Shih Tzu is not known for being an aggressive breed, but like with any breed it can be especially if reduced or facing health problems. It has more to do with the history, age and temperament of the dog, so yes even Shih Tzus though most of the time not, can be aggressive. How Aggressive Are Shih Tzu Dogs? Not that aggressive, at least they are not known to be. The Shih Tzu dog breed is known to be one of the friendliest, happy and affectionate breeds out there, so pretty much the opposite of aggressive. If you meet an aggressive Shih Tzu chances are they are not comfortable/scared of you, have an abusive past history or they could be in pain. What Is Aggressive Vs. Too Aggressive? Aggression when we look at the definition is any threat or harmful behavior displayed towards another person(s) or dog(s). It is normal for your dog to be scared every once in a while as we get scared as humans too and would defend ourselves if we thought we were in danger. Dogs usually use warning signs such as growls and barks to show that they are uncomfortable which is how they communicate. Too aggressive would be your dog going out of their way to jump at, bark at, growl at and nip at any one other person, group or animal, especially other dogs. If you find your dog displaying this behavior or even towards you it is best to nip the behavior in the butt and train them immediately, even professionally if you need more guidance. What Are The Signs Of Aggression In A Shih Tzu? Ears are pushed back Growling Showing teeth Tail tucked Snapping/nipping Biting Why Is My Shih Tzu So Aggressive? There are many reasons to why your Shih Tzu is acting aggressive, especially if you just adopted them and they are being aggressive towards you they could be showing fear, they might be trying to assert their dominance to you, they could be possessive over their area and food/toys etc, and they could even just be frustrated with you. Your Shih Tzu if you do not know their history and are aggressive towards others and other dogs especially they could have been attacked by a dog or hurt by another human being so they have a hard time trusting so their natural instinct is to warn them off. More reasons for aggression could include an illness/pain as they are acting out in pain. Are Shih Tzu More Aggressive Than Other Breeds? No, they are not known to be more aggressive than other breeds, actually they are considered one of the least aggressive breeds out there since they are such good companions and family dogs. Are Shih Tzu Naturally Aggressive [Nature Or Nurture]? No, they are not naturally aggressive. Aggression most of the time is learned either due to the dog’s history or due to a lack of training of…
Are Shih Tzus Aggressive? [Typical Breed Temperament]
Are Shih Tzus Aggressive? [Typical Breed Temperament] If you are contemplating a Shih Tzu as your next family dog, you will want to know if they are aggressive before choosing one as a pet. Are Shih Tzus good with children as well as guests and other visitors to your home? Do they get along with other animals? Here’s what you’ll want to know before choosing a Shih Tzu. So, are Shih Tzus aggressive? Shih Tzus are generally not an aggressive breed. Some aggressive behavior can occur in individual dogs and is most often the result of insufficient training or socialization when young puppies: aggression is not an inherent breed characteristic. Most puppies outgrow any nipping by the time they are adolescents. Although their name means “little lion,” aggression is not likely to be an issue with this breed of dog. But it can be in some situations and contexts. As we shall see as keep exploring below. So keep reading; besides, this information could prove invaluable should you proceed and get one! What Is The Typical Shih Tzu Temperament? Shih Tzus have been bred to be companions, and this is reflected in their typical temperament. Loving, loyal, friendly, and generally good-natured. Gentle House Dogs Shih Tzus are generally happy, loving, and outgoing dogs who adore following their people from room to room. They are lovers, not hunters, and make excellent lap dogs: they’ve graced the lap of many a monarch, even emperors! They were kept as royal companions by the Chinese during the Ming dynasty. Great With Children And Animals Shih Tzus are also excellent dogs to have with children in the house. If your children know how to be gentle and play with a small dog, they will become fast friends. Teach your children to play with the dog when on the floor so that they don’t carry him and risk dropping him: small heights are towering to the Shih Tzu, and he could easily get hurt from a fall. Shih Tzus are pint-sized dogs and are therefore more fragile than larger breeds. If you have toddlers, perhaps wait till your children are slightly older before getting a Shih Tzu – or be prepared to always supervise when your dog is around children (this is good practice anyway for all dogs). Shih Tzus can also be trained for obedience, agility, and rally competitions. You can enjoy dog sports with your friend as well as cuddles on the sofa. Shih Tzus are also great companions for other animals in your home. Unlike hunting breeds, you won’t have to worry about your Shih Tzu wanting to hunt down your cat or guinea pig! Very Sociable Your typical Shih Tzu won’t do well with being ignored: they want to be friends with everyone, human or not. Shih Tzus were bred for accompanying their people, and they will melt the hearts of even the most standoffish dog haters. Everyone loves a Shih Tzu, so don’t plan on much alone time when you take them out for a walk: these dogs make friends wherever they go. Highly Adaptable You can live just about anywhere with a Shih Tzu, as they will be just as happy on a farm as in a city apartment. Shih Tzus can be content anywhere as long as they have their beloved people who give them cuddles and affection. Are Shih Tzus Known For Biting? Although they typically will nip as puppies, Shih Tzus are not known for biting. Like all puppies, Shih Tzus will use their mouths to explore their surroundings, and if you train them from an early age not to nip you, biting shouldn’t become a problem. Puppies will nip and bite as part of their play and when they are teething, so don’t encourage what starts as cute behavior: those teeth become very sharp as they get older. Even a playful nip can break a child’s skin as an adult dog, so best to break this habit from the beginning. Teething is the most common reason a Shih Tzu will nip or bite. If your pup is teething, give him frozen chew toys to help soothe his gums. Don’t let him nip you…