Shih Tzus are descended from a royal Chinese breed, originally bred to make companion dogs. Although they give the impression of being fragile and delicate, they are actually very lively, energetic and fun animals, perfect for family living. To introduce a shih tzu into your home and grow it, you need to regularly take care of its coat, behavior, and health.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Taking care of the Shih Tzu's grooming
Step 1. Wash and brush your dog
It is necessary to bathe him preferably once a week. Also, you need to brush or comb it at least once a day to prevent the hair from becoming matted.
- The peculiarity of the shih tzu is that its hair is very similar to hair. This means he doesn't lose them. In fact, just like human hair, the shih tzu's coat needs to be groomed, otherwise it forms a bunch of knots.
- Pay close attention to the hair around the eyes. If you let them grow, you will need to lift and tie them so they don't fall in front of their eyes and into the bowl when they eat.
Step 2. Trim your hair regularly
Since the shih tzu does not shed hair, the coat can grow out of all proportion. Take the time to cut it so it doesn't become unmanageable. If you don't have to sign him up for a dog show, for convenience consider giving him a good scissor cut instead of growing the classic long coat.
Pay special attention to the eyes, but proceed with caution when using scissors here! It is important to trim the hair around the eye area so that the eyes remain clean and the dog can see clearly, but it can be difficult to keep him still during this operation. Don't be in a hurry and be cautious. You can also ask someone for a hand to hold the puppy still
Step 3. Entrust your shih tzu to a specialized pet grooming service if you cannot wash it at home
It is necessary to bathe it at least every 2-3 weeks for the animal to remain in excellent health. If you like to take care of your dog's cleaning yourself, but can't do it every two weeks, try taking him to a pet grooming shop when you don't have the option to wash him at home.
Part 2 of 3: Training the Shih Tzu
Step 1. Socialize your puppy
Get him to know other dogs from an early age. He will have the opportunity to become more sociable and, in addition, to experience life outside the home.
Take him to the city from time to time so that he is not afraid of cars, lights, noises and other people. Also immediately expose it to other things that normally irritate small dogs, such as skateboards and bicycles. The more opportunities you have to interact in different circumstances, the more at ease you will be able to find yourself in the most diverse situations
Step 2. Train your shih tzu to obey basic commands
He may have a "santarellino" attitude which makes training more problematic. Be patient and consistent.
In particular, shih tzus are famous for being difficult pets to train in domestic settings. Use positive reinforcement, not punishment, and be very patient
Step 3. Get him a tooth ring if you have adopted a puppy
This breed tends to bite often during the first years of life, but with the right training it is possible to stop this habit.
Remember that the shih tzu bites anything in the early stages. This is completely normal, but don't let it acquire this habit
Part 3 of 3: Keeping the Shih Tzu healthy
Step 1. Get him to move as much as possible
The shih tzu may be a small dog, but they still need a place to "stretch their paws" and play. They are a breed that loves to play, so buy (or make) some toys and make sure you take your puppy to the park as often as you can.
- Despite having a delicate appearance, he is a sturdy dog who doesn't mind getting dirty from time to time.
- Remember that if he bites and numbers inside the house, chances are he needs to move more when he gets out! Physical activity helps him not only to stay fit, but also to keep his mind free.
Step 2. Give him high quality, healthy food
Keep in mind that some shih tzus have stomach allergies or sensitivities. If you try a brand you don't seem to like, change it. If you continue to have problems, contact your vet to recommend a product specifically designed for your type of dog.
Step 3. Take him to the vet once a year for routine checkups
Like all other pets that live in the house, your shih tzu needs to grow up healthy and happy. The vet is the best person to help you achieve this goal; therefore, you need to regularly take care of your puppy's health care. The most important veterinary procedures - but they are not the only ones - include vaccinations, control of internal and external parasites, sterilization and installation of the microchip.
Step 4. Pay attention to the typical health problems of this breed
If you have decided to adopt a shih tzu, frequent visits to the vet are even more important as they are a breed prone to developing several health problems, including hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand disease and anemia. autoimmune hemolytics.
- Shih tzus tend to have eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy, a condition that occurs in some dog breeds. It is characterized by bilateral degeneration of the retina, which leads to progressive loss of vision and blindness. Be careful if he has a tendency to bump into objects, if he doesn't know where a toy is, or if he suddenly feels insecure in new situations.
- Shih tzus are also prone to developing intervertebral disc problems and back pain. Although this kind of problem is of genetic origin, therefore not always possible to avoid, it is necessary to take precautions to limit possible injuries. First, you minimize the risk of a herniated disc by preventing him from jumping from a certain height and making sure he does not gain weight. Also, if he seems to be in pain, take him to the vet, who can assess his health and manage the pain he is experiencing.
Step 5. Try cleaning the dog's teeth
Shih tzu can suffer from dental problems, such as missing or misaligned teeth from birth. Therefore, it would be a good idea to take care of her oral hygiene as well as you do your own. Just like in people, gingivitis can develop, plaque builds up, an infection occurs, or teeth fall out. In the worst case, there is a risk of losing the ability to eat due to an oral infection.
Step 6. Remember to take care of other daily needs
Make sure she always has water available whenever she is thirsty. Take him to do his business. Like people, dogs need to have proper bowel activity to stay healthy.
You should also trim his nails every week or two
Step 7. Give him lots of love
Every dog needs affection. Pet and praise him often. Even just allowing him to curl up while you read or watch TV will show him how much you care.
Advice
Remember that shih tzus have no fur, but hair. This means that they do not moult, so they are an excellent choice for those who do not want to clean them frequently or for those who are allergic to dog hair
Warnings
- Most shih tzus love children, but each dog has its own character. Be careful when approaching children you don't know.
- Remember that some dogs regard people - and fight with them - as if they were other dogs. It is natural for them to play with their mouths, even with people.
