Shih Tzu – Tips On Eliminating Bad Habits In Your Shih Tzu Puppy

Anyone who owns a shih tzu dog or shih tzu puppy will eventually
run into the need to eliminate unwanted habits. While most shih
tzu dogs are eager to please their owners and smart enough to do
what is asked of them, it is important for the owner to properly
communicate just what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable
behaviors.

Each type of unacceptable behavior requires its own specific
cures, and in most cases the cures will need to be tailored to
fit the specific personality of the shih tzu dog. Every breed of
dog has its own unique personality characteristics, and every
individual within that breed has his or her own unique
personality.

Whining, howling and excessive barking Let’s start with one of
the most frequently encountered problem behaviors in both dogs
and puppies. While some barking and other vocalizing is
perfectly normal, in many cases barking, howling and whining can
become problematic. This is particularly important for those
living in apartment buildings, or in closely spaced homes.
Fielding complaints about barking is not the best way for you
and your dog to meet the neighbors.

Some tips of dealing with excessive whining, barking and howling
include:

If your shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog is howling or whining
while confined to its crate, immediately take it to its toilet
area. Most shih tzu puppies and shih tzu dogs will whine when
they need to do their business.

It is important to teach a shih tzu dog or a shih tzu puppy to
accept being alone. Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety,
and these stressed dogs can exhibit all sorts of destructive and
annoying behaviors. It is important to accustom the shih tzu
puppy to being left on its own, even when the owner is at home.

Always strive to make the shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog as
comfortable as possible. Always attend to the physical and
psychological needs of the dog by providing food, water and toys.

If the shih tzu dog is whining, check for obvious reasons
first. Is the water dish empty? Is the shih tzu dog showing
signs of illness? Has his or her favorite toy rolled under the
furniture? Is the temperature of the room too hot or too cold?

Do not reward the shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog for whining.
If the shih tzu dog whines when left alone, for instance, it
would be a mistake to go to the shih tzu dog every time it
whines.

After you have ensured that the shih tzu’s physical needs are
being met, and that discomfort is not responsible for the
whining, do not hesitate to reprimand the shih tzu dog for
inappropriate behavior.

Problem Chewing Puppies naturally chew, and they tend to explore
their world using their mouths and teeth. While chewing may be
normal, however, it is not acceptable, and it is important to
nip any chewing problems in the bud to prevent the chewing shih
tzu puppy from growing into a chewing shih tzu dog.

Providing a variety of chew toys is important when teaching a
shih tzu puppy what is appropriate to chew and what is not.
Providing a variety of attractive chew toys is a good way to
keep the shih tzu puppy entertained and to keep his teeth and
gums exercised. Scented or flavored toys are great choices for
most puppies.

The shih tzu puppy should be encouraged to play with these
chosen toys, and the shih tzu puppy should be effusively praised
every time he or she plays with or chews these toys.

Another great strategy is to encourage the shih tzu puppy to get
a toy every time he or she greets you. Every time the shih tzu
puppy greets you or a member of your family, teach him to get
one of his toys.

It is also important to exercise good housekeeping techniques
when training a shih tzu puppy not to chew on inappropriate
items. Keeping the area to which the shih tzu puppy has access
free and clean is important. Keeping items out of reach of the
shih tzu puppy will go a long way toward discouraging
inappropriate chewing. Try to keep the shih tzu puppy’s area
free of shoes, trash, and other items, and always make sure that
the area has been properly puppy proofed.

If the shih tzu puppy does pick up an inappropriate item like a
shoe, distract the shih tzu puppy and quickly replace the item
with one of its toys. After the shih tzu puppy has taken the
toy, praise it for playing with and chewing that toy.

Try booby trapping items the shih tzu dog should avoid by
spraying them with bitter apple, Tabasco sauce or other nasty
but non-toxic items.