Shih Tzu And Hernias

Umbilical and inguinal hernias are very common in the shih tzu. They may be congenital or acquired. In acquired hernias, there generally is some history of trauma such is at birth with the umbilical cord being cut to short or excessive pull on the cord during the cutting process. Congenital hernias involve the diaphragm or the abdominal wall. There are three main types involving the diaphragm. They are peritoneopericardial where abdominal contents are found extending into the pericardial sac; pleuropetioneal, in which abdominal contents are found within the pleural cavity; and hiatal, in which the abdominal esophagus, gastroesophageal junction, and/or portions of the stomach protrude through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.

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Purpose Of Proper Shih Tzu Training

There are many reasons for teaching proper shih tzu behavior, and teaching such behavior has many benefits for both the human and canine partners. Shih Tzu behavior training is vital to such life and death issues as preventing aggression, controlling shih tzu on shih tzu aggression problems and teaching shih tzu to interact properly with both their handlers and with other members of the family. Understanding how dogs evolved, and how dogs interact with each other, is very important to understanding how to properly train your shih tzu to be a devoted, loyal companion.

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Teaching Your Shih Tzu Puppy Not To Bite

Biting is one of those things that every Shih Tzu puppy seems to do, and every Shih Tzu puppy must be taught not to do. Like many behaviors, such as jumping up on people, biting and nipping can seem cute when the Shih Tzu puppy is small, but much less so as he gets older, larger and stronger. Left to their own devices, most Shih Tzu puppies learn to control their biting reflex from their mothers and from their littermates. When the Shih Tzu puppy becomes overenthusiastic, whether when nursing or playing, the mother Shih Tzu, or the other Shih Tzu puppies, will quickly issue a correction.

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Canine Body Language

Shih Tzu and other canines do communicate with each other and with you through body language. You can learn to recognize and understand what your shih tzu is saying to you. Shih Tzu can probably read your body language better than you can understand theirs. Take the time to learn what shih tzu say to you through body language. You might be able to form a new kind of a bond with your pets as a result.

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Shih Tzu Toys And Special Treats

Inspect your dog's toys often. If there are pieces bit off the toy, discard it. Usually small pieces of a toy or chew will pass through a dog's system, but they could end up causing an intestinal blockage instead.

Flimsy vinyl or plastic toys or balls with squeakers and bells in them usually don't hold up. Some shih tzu will just tear at the toy until they get the squeaker out. The squeakers and bells also pose a problem of your shih tzu choking on them if he tries to swallow the objects.

Shih tzu like to carry around stuffed toys in their mouth. Get stuffed toys made especially for dogs. Children's stuffed toys will usually have noses and eyes that can be easily chewed off.

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Paper training a puppy is an excellent method of housebreaking especially for owners who cannot be home enough to get a puppy outside as frequently as needed. Puppies need to urinate more often than older dogs.

How to paper train: Leave her in her space with baby gates and cover the entire floor with newspaper. After she is use to going on the paper, gradually reduce the area covered by the paper. She will probably find a specific area on the newspaper she will use consistently. Encourage her to go in one place. Leave a piece of newspaper with a urine stain on it, and if you can stand it, with a little smear of poop to mark the spot you want her to keep going at. Cover the dirty pieces of newspaper with clean pieces of newspaper. The odor will encourage her to go back to that particular spot of newspaper. Eventually you should only need a small section covered with newspaper. If she goes some place without newspaper, then increase the area again that you cover with newspaper, and gradually reduce it back down.

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Properly Train Your Shih Tzu Puppy

Shih tzu puppy training is very important, whether you are training your first shih tzu puppy or your 20th. Properly training and socializing a shih tzu puppy is vital to making it a valued member of your family and your community.

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Shih Tzu Behavior Modification

Do you have a shih tzu that paws at your arms or jumps up on your lap constantly? The cause might be that he needs lots more exercise, not necessarily direct attention, but just more exercise. Try taking your shih tzu for a vigorous walk. For some, 10 to 15 minutes a couple times a day or one long romp around the yard is adequate, for others, it might be less than this.

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Is A Shih Tzu Puppy Right For You?

The Shih Tzu is classified by the American Kennel Club in the Toy Group. It is one of the elegant dogs from China. The Shih Tzu was a cherished, pampered pet of royal families in China for over a thousand years. As the Shih Tzu developed there evolved several sizes. The question of size has always been a very controversial topic. Some Shih Tzu fanciers feel the original Shih Tzu of the Imperial Palace was the very small type ranging in weight of anywhere from 3 to 7 pounds. At the time of this writing, year of 2005, the size of 3 to 7 pounds is nicknamed Imperial Shih Tzu and Teacup Shih Tzu. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the nicknames of Imperial and Teacup for the Shih Tzu at all. The only size the American Kennel Club and the American Shih Tzu Club recognize as official Shih Tzu are with a set standard weight of 9 to 16 pounds. The under 9 pounds in weight and over 16 pounds in weight Shih Tzu are in existence and have ancestors registered as AKC, therefore, these Shih Tzu can be registered AKC. They are just disqualified from the show ring because of underweight or overweight. In general, most Shih Tzu fanciers or consumers prefer their Shih Tzu to be at least under 16 pounds.

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Techniques Of Ear Cleaning And Nail Trimming

Ear Cleaning: Cleaning the ears of your Shih Tzu is a simple chore. With the Shih Tzu being a long-haired breed, problems can arise if ears nor cleaned regularly. The hair in the ears of a Shih Tzu will grow long, knot up, mat and eventually interfere with proper functioning of the Shih Tzu's ear canal. Infection of your Shih Tzu's ears can result. You will need a bottle or can of ear powder easily obtained through pet supply manufacturers. Squirt the powder directly into the ears of your Shih Tzu. The hair will become dry and brittle and is easily plucked out with your fingers. Pluck the hair out of your Shih Tzu's ears with a quick, firm motion until the ears of your Shih Tzu look clean. You can also use a hemostat to pluck the hair out of your Shih Tzu's ears.

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Do You Want A Show Dog Shih Tzu Or A Cute Companion Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzu belong to people. They do not belong exclusively to the show dog world. Shih Tzu were bred for centuries to be affectionate companions for people and they certainly excel and do a fantastic job at doing just that. All Shih Tzu are by their very nature, constant close companions for their owners. A show dog must conform to certain breed standards, such as height, weight, and conformation as well as temperament.

A companion Shih Tzu may have minor imperfections when compared to the AKC standards for a show dog Shih Tzu, but be wonderful in all other respects. Many times the differences between a top show dog who has met all the AKC standard requirements for a show dog and a companion dog are not readily apparent to most people. Flaws that are slight may only be detected by the trained eye of a show dog breeder or a show judge. Being a companion dog, regardless of small size, large size, or in between size, in no way diminishes a Shih Tzu's value as a loving member of the family. Although Shih Tzu show dogs are bred mainly for their good looks, the real purpose of a Shih Tzu is to be an an affectionate companion for people. Shih Tzus were bred to be companion animals centuries before dog shows and any kind of kennel club ever existed.

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The Professional Shih Tzu Dog Groomer

Everyday more and more money is being spent on pets including the Shih Tzu. The professional Shih Tzu groomer is a rather unique entry in the professional world. Outside the family and the Shih Tzu's vet, the professional Shih Tzu groomer is the one person closest to the Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy. If you plan to use a professional Shih Tzu groomer, the groomer will see your Shih Tzu regularly either monthly or bi-monthly. A knowledgeable professional Shih Tzu groomer will be able to supply you with advice on matters of health, breeding, boarding and various Shih Tzu products. The extent to which the professional Shih Tzu groomer fills these roles affects the relationship between the groomer and Shih Tzu owner. A close bond between the family and the professional Shih Tzu groomer is desirable.

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Types Of Dog Shows

There are two types of dog shows licensed by the American Kennel Club. One is the all-breed show. The all-breed show includes classes for all the recognized breeds, and groups of breeds such as all terriers, all toys. The second dog show is the specialty show for one particular breed that also offers championship points. A benched show is one where the dog show superintendent supplies benches (cages for toy dogs). Each bench is numbered and its corresponding number appears on your entry slip that is sent to you prior to the show. When you enter the show, take your Shih Tzu to the bench. Your Shih Tzu should remain on the bench until it is time to groom him before entering the ring to be judged. After judging, your Shih Tzu must return to the bench until the show is dismissed.

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The Shih Tzu's Fight For Survival

In 1952 Elfreda Evans deliberately bred a Shih Tzu to a Pekingese. This was the "unthinkable," and was not taken well by many. However, Ms. Evans felt there were just too few Shih Tzus available to breed and those that were available were much too large and too inbred. She believed because the Shih Tzu were so closely related they were developing too many faults.

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Shih Tzu - A Little Dog With A Big Story

Few dog breeds have such a well-documented and exciting history as the Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu's entire history is steeped in legends, myths and mystery. However, we have fossil records that tell us the brachycephalic (short-skulled, short-nosed, flat-faced) dog breeds, which include the Shih Tzu, Pug, and Pekingese originated in Central Asia. In addition, we also have written history and legends to help us sort of piece together the last 3,000 plus years of the Shih Tzu's history. There are meticulously maintained Shih Tzu breeding records and pedigrees for more than 50 years as well.

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The Secret Of The Imperial Palace Does Live On

An explanation of why the first English Shih Tzu imports were "very large" is during the days of imperial rule eunuchs were in charge. Eunuchs tried to profit from all breedings. The oversized specimens produced were passed into the hands of the general public. Eunuchs fed glass to the small Imperial Shih Tzu just shortly before committing suicide themselves. This practice kept others from breeding their bloodlines of the smaller type Imperial Shih Tzu. I suppose feeding the Shih Tzu glass was the only way they could think of to "protect their bloodlines. This practice is comparable to the Shih Tzu breeders of today, some of whom, routinely spay and neuter their Shih Tzu at the very young age of 8 weeks. There are, however, many health advantages to spaying and neutering a Shih Tzu puppy early. Most vets agree spaying and neutering should be done not sooner than 6 months of age.

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Is A Shih Tzu Puppy Right For You?

The Shih Tzu is classified by the American Kennel Club in the Toy Group. It is one of the elegant dogs from China. The Shih Tzu was a cherished, pampered pet of royal families in China for over a thousand years. As the Shih Tzu developed there evolved several sizes. The question of size has always been a very controversial topic. Some Shih Tzu fanciers feel the original Shih Tzu of the Imperial Palace was the very small type ranging in weight of anywhere from 3 to 7 pounds. At the time of this writing, year of 2005, the size of 3 to 7 pounds is nicknamed Imperial Shih Tzu and Teacup Shih Tzu. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the nicknames of Imperial and Teacup for the Shih Tzu at all. The only size the American Kennel Club and the American Shih Tzu Club recognize as official Shih Tzu are with a set standard weight of 9 to 16 pounds. The under 9 pounds in weight and over 16 pounds in weight Shih Tzu are in existence and have ancestors registered as AKC, therefore, these Shih Tzu can be registered AKC. They are just disqualified from the show ring because of underweight or overweight. In general, most Shih Tzu fanciers or consumers prefer their Shih Tzu to be at least under 16 pounds.

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Dogs Social Behavior

Dogs in general, under free-ranging conditions, will live in mixed-sex, mixed-age social groups. Social ranking is determined by age, although sex may play a role. Females seem to be responsible for leading more often than males. Social ranking is maintained primarily by deference, not by agonistic interaction. Sexual maturity in domestic dogs (including the shih tzu) occurs between 6 to 9 months of age (later for giant breeds), while social maturity begins to develop at 18 to 36 months of age.

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Teach Your Shih Tzu To Respect You As The Leader Of The Pack

The basis of training any shih tzu is winning its trust, confidence and respect. True training cannot begin until the shih tzu has accepted you as its leader, respects you and entrusted you with his or her confidence.

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Teaching Your Shih Tzu To Use A Collar And A Lead

Walking on a collar and lead is an important skill that every shih tzu must learn. Even the best trained shih tzu should never be taken outside the home or yard without a sturdy collar and leash. Even if your shih tzu is trained perfectly to go off lead, accidents and distractions do happen, and a collar, with proper identification attached, is the best way to be sure you will get your beloved companion back.

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Shih Tzu - We Create Emotional Bonds With Our Training Lessons

I have read and continue to read books on training. At this point, I feel like whichever method (without cruelty, of course) you use that works for your shih tzu is the type of training to stick with. Not every method works for every shih tzu. We just all have to continue to read and research and find what works best for our unique situations. As we learn what works for our shih tzu and we practice the lessons with the shih tzu consistently, we are creating a much needed emotional bond with them as well that is just as valuable as the actual behavior we want our shih tzu to learn. Shih tzu want nothing more than to please and hang out with their human friends......

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Shih Tzu - Submissive Urination/Sanitation

If your puppy gets excited and wets herself, especially when you have company or when you first arrive from being away from her, this is called "submissive urination." This kind of urination is different from breaks in house training. Puppies often outgrow the problem as they do not have good bladder control. The older dog that does this may be lacking self-esteem. Read on at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

Housebreaking Techniques II

Doggie Doors are very convenient for older dogs. Young puppies still need to be housebroken before turning them loose to a doggie door. Your doggie door should connect to a fenced-in backyard or a small fenced-in area especially for this purpose.

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Paper training a puppy is an excellent method of housebreaking especially for owners who cannot be home enough to get a puppy outside as frequently as needed. Puppies need to urinate more often than older dogs.
How to paper train: Leave her in her space with baby gates and cover the entire floor with newspaper. After she is use to going on the paper, gradually reduce the area covered by the paper. She will probably find a specific area on the newspaper she will use consistently. Encourage her to go in one place. Leave a piece of newspaper with a urine stain on it, and if you can stand it, with a little smear of poop to mark the spot you want her to keep going at. Cover the dirty pieces of newspaper with clean pieces of newspaper. The odor will encourage her to go back to that particular spot of newspaper. Eventually you should only need a small section covered with newspaper. If she goes some place without newspaper, then increase the area again that you cover with newspaper, and gradually reduce it back down....

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Shih Tzu Whelping

The average gestation period for a shih tzu is 58 to 65 days following conception. With a first pregnancy your shih tzu may not show signs until late in term. Just before her due date the abdominal muscles may suddenly appear to distend suddenly. Some shih tzu may produce colostrum and milk. She may suffer a loss of appetite or if just eaten, they may suddenly throw it back up. She may show extreme fatique, and have very deep periods of sleep. These are all signs that whelping is nigh.....

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Breeding Equipment

The main thing is to be prepared! Have all your supplies ready before the big day arrives, preferably no less than one week prior to the due date. Formerly dogs whelped just wherever, in the barn, under the porch. Today's breeder, however, has a real vested interest in their pregnant shih tzu, one of time, money, energy and emotional investment. Breeding shih tzu is a big, big job and full of labor. If you are passionate about breeding shih tzu, however, it all boils down to labors of love!

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Exercise For Your Pregnant Shih Tzu

You, the breeder, is also an obstetrician at the time your shih tzu is pregnant. To help her pregnancy and delivery you need to keep her in peak condition physically and emotionally. If she is not use to much exercise at all, you definitely need to tone her up during her pregnancy. Even a mild exercise routine will improve the health of your pregnant shih tzu. Beginning and maintaining a regular exercise routine is not hard or expensive. The ideal time, however, is before your shih tzu becomes pregnant. A mild program of exercise may be safely continued to the seventh week of pregnancy. The best exercise is simply daily walks. And remember moderation is the best approach.

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