Shih Tzu – If Your Shih Tzu Suffers From Separation Anxiety…..

Separation anxiety, also known in the dog training world as
owner absent misbehavior, is one of the most frequently
encountered problems in the world of dog training.

Separation anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways,
including chewing, destroying the owner’s property, excessive
barking, self destructive behavior and inappropriate urination
and defecation.

Shih Tzu suffering from separation anxiety often whine, bark,
cry, howl, dig, chew and scratch at the door the entire time
their family members are away. Well meaning owners often
unwittingly encourage this misbehavior by rushing home to
reassure the shih tzu, but it is important for the well being of
both shih tzu and owner that the shih tzu learn to deal with
extended periods of separation. How the owner leaves the house
can often contribute to separation anxiety issues. A long and
drawn out period of farewell can make matters worse by making
the shih tzu feel even more isolated when the owner finally
leaves. These long types of farewells can get the shih tzu
excited, and then leave him with lots of excess energy and no
way to work it off. These excited, isolated shih tzu often work
off their excess energy in the most destructive of ways, such as
chewing up a favorite rug or piece of furniture.

Excess energy is often mistaken for separation anxiety, since
results are often the same. If you think that excess amounts of
energy may be the problem, try giving your more exercise to see
if that eliminates the problem. If separation anxiety is truly
the problem, it is important to address the root causes of that
anxiety. In order to prevent separation anxiety from occurring,
it is important for the shih tzu to feel happy, safe, secure and
comfortable while the owner is away for the day. It is
important, for instance, to give the shih tzu plenty of things
to keep it busy while you are away. This means providing it with
lots of toys, such as balls or chew toys. A pet companion is
often effective at relieving separation anxiety as well. Giving
the shih tzu a playmate, such as another dog or a cat, is a
great way for busy pet parents and pets alike to cope with the
stress of being left alone.

Setting aside scheduled play times, during which the shih tzu is
given your undivided attention, is another great way to
alleviate boredom and separation anxiety. Playing with the shih
tzu, and providing it with sufficient attention and exercise, is
a proven way to avoid a stressed and anxious shih tzu. A happy
shih tzu that has been well exercised and well conditioned will
generally sleep the day away happily and patiently wait for the
return of its owner. It is important to schedule one of these
daily play sessions before you leave the house each day. It is
important to give the shih tzu a few minutes to settle down
after playtime before you leave.

For shih tzu that are already experiencing separation anxiety
and associated misbehaviors, it is important to get him
accustomed to your leaving gradually. Be sure to practice
leaving and returning at irregular intervals, several times
during the day. Doing so will get your shih tzu accustomed to
your deparartures and help him realize that you are not leaving
him forever. Shih tzu that have been previously lost, or those
that have been surrendered to shelters and readopted, often have
the worst problems with separation anxiety. Part of treating
this problem is teaching the shih tzu that your leaving is not
permanent.