Why Do Dogs Bark?

(Category: Animal Care)Why Do Dogs Bark?by Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com) Barking is probably one of the most negative qualities attributed to dogs and/or Shih Tzu. Incessant barking is always irritating to owners and anyone surrounding the incessant barking dog or Shih Tzu. Shih Tzu barks for a variety of reasons. Owners need to find out what is causing the barking before the problem can be successfully addressed. Some twelve thousand years ago primitive man and the domestic dog's ancestors coexisted rather than shared intimate relationships we enjoy today with their descendants. As dogs begin to show friendliness, playfulness and alarm barking humans began to domesticate them. As humans began to appreciate the dog's presence a bond was woven between humans and dog companions over time. Barking due to territoriality most likely served as an alarm function in days when it was even more important that it is today to know when someone or something was encroaching upon human territory. Another characteristic "some" dogs, and definitely includes our Shih Tzu is its appearance to the human eye. Dogs that are cute with infantile facial features which stimulate human parenting instincts provide additional bonding. All domestic dogs bark, including the Shih Tzu. Once a chorus starts every dog within hearing distance will join in. Soon you have a "barking" orchestra, and if you are lucky enough to be hard of hearing at that time wearing your hearing aids, just simply pull them out until the concert is over........ Barking is one way dogs and Shih Tzu communicates with each other and with their human companions. I have heard some of my Shih Tzu actually say words during their barking sessions. Duke will say: "I'm Mad." "I'm Mad," and at that time I am certain his barking is most definitely because he is mad about something. His word was toward one of his buddies. When Duke wants to be where I am and he is in a spot in which he feels "trapped," cannot get to me, his bark is much different. It is more like a "scream." He has not put words together yet, but I feel fairly certain he probably is saying to me: "let me come in there, I can't wait any longer, I want in there now!" Once I allow him his wishes, his barking stops. Owners need to find out the cause of their Shih Tzu's barking and then proceed with steps to solve the problem. There is no way around it. All dogs, including Shih Tzu, bark from time to time. Some are more vocal than others, just as humans, some humans talk more than others. I have Shih Tzu that rarely if ever bark for any reason. Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com/ This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

Teething Puppies

Teething Puppiesby Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com) Toy puppies will not be able to chew their way through a whole lot of surfaces, but they can chew at irreplaceable furniture and moldings enough to do quite a bit of damage. Be sure to puppy-proof your home before the curious, mischievous and "teething" toy puppy arrives. Electrical cords and wires are especially hazardous to teething toy puppies. They need to be out of reach or taped to walls. A puppy could electrocute himself while happily chewing away on an electrical cord. Regularly look for dropped pens, pencils, rubber bands, paper clips, and children's small toys on your floor. Teething puppies can be very mouthy, chewing on everything they can latch onto. Nylabones and other chew toys are an absolute must for your new teething toy puppy. You can also ask your vet for oral cleansing gel to apply topically for control of bacteria and aid in healing injured or sore gums while puppies are teething. Don't forget to keep your books, shoes and clothing out of harm's way of a teething puppy. Crate the puppy when you're out of the house or confine him in a safe area with all his appropriate chew bones and toys. If you catch your puppy chewing something inappropriate, sternly say "NO," and give your puppy an appropriate chew bone or toy. Praise him when he begins to chew on the appropriate item. Bitter-tasting liquids are very helpful to apply to your furniture and handy to use on a bandage after a veterinary procedure to keep dogs and puppies from chewing the bandage. When the permanent teeth begin to erupt, provide your toy puppy with an appropriate chew toy, something that is soft and that is not going to be swallowed and cause intestinal blockages. Choose an assortment of toys of all textures. In fact, dogs need to chew throughout their lives. It is wise to provide your adult toy dog with plenty of chew toys and bones that are soft and hard. Select items that are the right size for your toy breed puppy or dog. Choose carefully because some of the toys on the market might be just a little too hard for a toy breed. Avoid cow hooves with sharp edges. Broken teeth and sliced gums can be a real problem for dogs and puppies who chew on processed cow hooves. Some vet dental consultants think toys that look like stringy dental floss are like chewing on a rag and can be loaded with harmful bacteria when they get dirty. Wash your toy puppy's toys often in the washer along with their other belongings and use Clorox bleach in the wash. Also avoid rawhide strips or rawhide of any kind. Connie Limon raises Shih Tzu puppies and provides designer dog clothes made especially for all toy breeds at: http://www.littleguysdogclothesshop.com This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

Stain Glass Shih Tzu

Learning to Recognize Canine Aggression

Generally speaking Shih Tzu should not be aggressive at all. However, with any breed of dog aggressive behaviors can and do occur. Do you understand what it means if a Shih Tzu bares its teeth at you? Is your Shih Tzu warning you to back off or is your Shih Tzu simply smiling? If your Shih Tzu suddenly snaps at you - is this a failed bite or a warning that a bite might be coming next? The truth is these are typically aggressive behaviors that can range from visual warnings to postural or symbolic threats. Every dog owner needs to learn these subtle or not so subtle warnings of aggression, whether it be with a Shih Tzu or a Pit Bull. Any dog breed can exhibit aggression. Dog aggression is often meant primarily not to harm so much as to alter the behavior of another creature, human or animal. Dogs and Shih Tzu included communicate their aggressive intentions through changes in expression, posturing, and maneuvering, some so subtle as to be easily missed or misunderstood by a passerby or even the owner. A dog's communication system is quite different from a human's communication system. It is important that every dog owner, whether it be a Shih Tzu or a Pit Bull, or a tiny teacup poodle, learn the dog's basic communication system expressing aggression. Read on at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

Dogs with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

The same tensions that occur in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder occur in dogs and Shih Tzu occasionally. Arising out of stress and conflict the obsessive-compulsive behaviors have some soothing effects on mood. Prevention of dogs from engaging in their particular compulsions can create anxiety in its own right. There are two factors that seem to be necessary for the development of compulsive behaviors in dogs and Shih Tzu occasionally. Obsessive-compulsive behaviors are more often seen in the larger breed of dogs.

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Dog Treats

Dog Treats - 50 delicious homemade treats for your dog. Peanut Butter Treats, Chicken and Sweet Potato Drop Cookies, Liver Cube Treats, Gravy Cookies, Pineapple Cookies and many, many more.
Pictures of Stain Glass Shih Tzu puppies and adults.

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Shih Tzu Shows

Shih Tzu dog shows and Shih Tzu dog breeding attracts the interest of people from all walks of life ranging from royalty to the lady next door. Ordinary family folk attend dog shows and compete successfully with top-quality dogs they have bred themselves. A good dog show judge will disregard all but the dogs themselves when making a final decision. Who you are or where you come from does not matter in good show dog judging. The Shih Tzu dogs have to prove themselves, not the people. The dog game is simply a love of dogs. Most of the people you will meet at a Shih Tzu dog show share an appreciation for their dogs. As with any hobby or profession, however, there are many different opinions as to what a dog show truly is. You might hear things like: "it's a cult." You will definitely hear about the politics and the enormous amounts of money people spend on the dogs and how much the dogs hate it.

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Your Shih Tzu Puppy's First Bath

Do not wait too long to start grooming your Shih Tzu. It is hard to make brushing a positive experience if you wait until your Shih Tzu is matted and start by yanking out the mats and tangles. If this becomes necessary, carefully clip out mats, then begin working with your mat-free Shih Tzu to acclimate it to grooming. When you use scissors to remove mats, snip a few hairs at a time. Be sure you have clearance between the mat and the skin. If your Shih Tzu puppy is too wiggly to do this safely, please seek the help of a professional groomer. Do not bathe your Shih Tzu puppy too frequently. You will risk drying out its skin and coat. Bathe your Shih Tzu puppy no more than once weekly and every two weeks if possible.

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Breeding a Shih Tzu Puppy Litter E-book: $7.95

Information and guidance on breeding Shih Tzu puppies. 30 pages. 613 KB file size

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Shih Tzu ebook: A Little Dog with a Big Story to Tell

Shih Tzu e-book containing History of the breed, training techniques, grooming and much more. 168 Pages Many Pictures of Stain Glass Shih Tzu dogs and puppies.

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Learn How to Groom Your Shih Tzu at Home

Learning how to groom your Shih Tzu at home is not difficult. If you learn to groom well enough, it can save you a lot of money, or.....if you just want your Shih Tzu to stay looking nice in between professional grooms, this is the e-book for you. I feel certain you will learn how to groom your Shih Tzu at home by using the information in this e-book.
29 pages.

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Toys

to My Web
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.

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Have You Heard Of Life's Abundance Dog Food?

If you have not heard of Life's Abundance All Natural Premium Dog Food the reason is NOT because Life's Abundance is a NO GOOD dog food. The reason is that it is ONE OF THE BEST Dog Foods on the market today, and one of the most unique. Large supermarkets and even national-chain pet supply stores don't sell THE BEST OF DOG FOOD ON THE MARKET. They rely on lower-cost, lower-quality products from gigantic national food makers. The benefits to the supermarkets and large chain pet supply stores....

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HealthyPetNet

Shih Tzu 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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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.
If it takes an hour or longer between puppies once whelping begins she "might" be suffering from inertia. However, all matrons are different. I have puppies to have as long as 4 hours apart and nothing be wrong at all, and usually the same mother will go through this same process each time. But if you have a matron who does not usually take this long between puppies, and then she does, this could be cause for you to call your vet or take her to the vet. Some breeders will give their matron a glass of milk as a calcium source. My shih tzu usually won't take anything like that during this time. If the matron stays in labor a long period of time, you may need to take her for a cesarean section. Most shih tzu, however, are free whelpers, even my little girls have whelped out their puppies on their own. There is always the exception to this rule, however, and you should be prepared to stay for the entire whelping with your matron to guard against the complications that may require the vet's assistance. One trouble sign would be a steady straining by the matron. I have been very fortunate with my shih tzu, in that as of yet I have not experienced a lot of problems with their whelping times.

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Tips on Eliminating Problem Behaviors During Training

Unfortunately, eliminating problem behaviors is one thing that most dog owners eventually face. This article will focus on a few of the most commonly encountered behavior problems. Problem #1 - Jumping up on people One of the most frequently cited problems with dogs is that of jumping up on people. Unfortunately, this is one of those behaviors that is often inadvertently encouraged by well meaning owners. After all, it is cute and adorable when that little 3 shih tzu pound puppy jumps up on you, your family members and your friends. Many people reward this behavior on the part of a small shih tzu puppy with kisses and treats.

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What is an Imperial Shih Tzu?

I did not create the "labels" Imperial or "Teacup." These words were already set in stone before I ever came on board. I picked up the terms only because potential customers were asking me for "Imperial Size" or "Teacup Size." I RARELY get a request for a "Standard" size shih tzu as defined by the American Kennel Club. Since these words of Imperial Shih Tzu and Teacup Shih Tzu were so common to describe a particular size of shih tzu and I was seeing these are the terms people place in search engines boxes looking for the size THEY WANT in a shih tzu, I began using the terms as well mainly to be able to communicate with potential customers in their own language.

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Housetraining Your Shih Tzu the Right Way

House training your Shih Tzu properly is one of the most important aspects of Shih Tzu ownership. More dogs are surrendered to animal shelters for elimination problems than for any other reason, so proper house training can literally be a lifesaver. The most popular ways to house break Shih Tzu, and the ones that are the most effective, are those that use the Shih Tzu's own instincts to provide this important lesson. Shih Tzu are instinctively very clean animals, and they try very hard to avoid soiling the areas where they sleep and where they eat. The modern methods of house training Shih Tzu, including crate training, den training and other variations, take advantage of this aspect of dog behavior to create a well behaved, house trained Shih Tzu in less time than many other methods.

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What is the American Canine Association?

The American Canine Association, Inc. is America's largest veterinary health tracking canine tracking registry. They are dedicated to positive change and improved registry standards for the canine industry, which includes our beloved Shih Tzu. Their Corporate Office is located in Wilmington, Delaware. Customer Service: The American Canine Association maintains a Customer Service Center. They provide information to its customers on canine registration procedures, health tracking, veterinary referrals, and legislative issues, which include our beloved Shih Tzu. They are courteous and prompt at answering their calls. There are no long waits on the telephone with American Canine Association. The American Canine Association registration service provides customers with advice on house breaking, training, diet, immunizations, and a variety of other topics always just a phone call or email away. Records of registered canines, which include our beloved Shih Tzu, are carefully tracked and updated daily. Included in their registration services is 24 hours access to Ask A Vet and Ask A Trainer service free of charge for the life of your Shih Tzu or any dog registered with them.

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Getting Your Shih Tzu to Tolerate Grooming

All Shih Tzu puppies need to learn to tolerate grooming at an early age. Grooming your Shih Tzu is more than cosmetic. A matted Shih Tzu is uncomfortable and subject to skin irritations and infections. Unclipped toenails will grow and curve, distorting the Shih Tzu's foot to the point of crippling. Dirty ears can become infected and induce pain-related aggression and/or hearing loss. Lack of grooming can cause a Shih Tzu serious discomfort. Shih Tzu is not born with warm feelings toward being groomed. A Shih Tzu needs to learn to enjoy grooming. This is easiest if started sooner, rather than later. In time, your Shih Tzu will learn to love the extra attention it receives while being groomed.

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What is the American Canine Association Registration Service?

The American Canine Association, Inc. is America's largest veterinary health tracking canine tracking registry. They are dedicated to positive change and improved registry standards for the canine industry, which includes our beloved Shih Tzu. Their Corporate Office is located in Wilmington, Delaware. Customer Service: The American Canine Association maintains a Customer Service Center. They provide information to its customers on canine registration procedures, health tracking, veterinary referrals, and legislative issues, which include our beloved Shih Tzu. They are courteous and prompt at answering their calls. There are no long waits on the telephone with American Canine Association. The American Canine Association registration service provides customers with advice on house breaking, training, diet, immunizations, and a variety of other topics always just a phone call or email away. Records of registered canines, which include our beloved Shih Tzu, are carefully tracked and updated daily. Included in their registration services is 24 hours access to Ask A Vet and Ask A Trainer service free of charge for the life of your Shih Tzu or any dog registered with them.

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Training The Shy or Fearful Shih Tzu

With shih tzu as with people, some shih tzu and shih tzu puppies are naturally more bold and daring than others. When you watch a group of shih tzu puppies play, it will quickly become apparent which ones are bold and which ones are shy. Some of the shih tzu puppies will hang back at the edge of the pack, perhaps fearful of angering the stronger shih tzu, while others will jump right into the fray and start jostling for control

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For The Love of Dogs

I have wondered just who are the ancestors of the shih tzu. Like all other dog breeds, shih tzu ancestors most likely come from five choices: Grey Wolf, Golden Jackal, Coyote, African Wild Dog. It is hard to imagine our little shih tzu baby dolls has any of these wild characters in their background. According to researchers, all canines have their roots in one of these five categories. I don't think I could ever be in love with a real live wolf or a coyote. A coyote makes those strange sounding "howls." I have some shih tzu that have a howl sound rather than a bark.

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Preventative Medicine is a Must for the Shih Tzu Show Dog

A Shih Tzu show dog kennel should practice preventive medicine as the means of maintaining optimum health. The Shih Tzu show dog must be available for showing for extended periods of time. Preventive medicine is much more practical and is kinder to the Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu show dog must have routine checks for parasites and a strict maintenance of inoculations. Being in the show ring presents more chances of being exposed to disease germs. It is imperative that the Shih Tzu show dog that has been traveling from show to show be kept separate from the home crew once returning home. This can be compared to the older sister or brother who goes to school and brings home the chicken pox to all younger brothers and sisters. Extra precautions should be taken by the Shih Tzu show dog kennel to prevent possible spread of disease germs to the entire kennel and/or any Shih Tzu puppies for sale present among them.

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The Plight of a Shih Tzu Show Dog

What procedures are employed to maintain a Shih Tzu - pet or show - in optimum health? The areas important are: 1. Maintenance of high standards of health. 2. Feeding a scientifically balanced diet. 3. Establishment of a regular program of exercise. The formality and detail of a system is a matter of personal taste, however, these three areas are of universal importance and must be included whether you are raising a single family pet Shih Tzu or you are maintaining a large kennel of Shih Tzu show dogs. Raising Shih Tzu Show Dogs

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Shih Tzu Kennel Exercise Areas

Many types of surfaces can be used in exercise yards. They all have problems to one degree or another. A very common surface covering for a Shih Tzu exercise yard is crushed gravel. It keeps the Shih Tzu out of the mud and is relatively easy to scoop up droppings from the stone. Urine runs through easily, keeping it off the Shih Tzu's feet. One effective treatment for Shih Tzu gravel exercise yards is applying dry lime. Sprinkle the lime lightly over the entire yard and then wash through the gravel with a hose. Use enough water to ensure that the top surface is free of any residue, and also to ensure that the lime solution reaches the dirt underneath where the parasites are.

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Routine Hygiene after Shih Tzu Whelping

Your Shih Tzu matron will keep her whelping box clean the first few weeks. She will stimulate her Shih Tzu puppies to eliminate and ingest their wastes. Newborn Shih Tzu puppies are born incompletely developed. The Shih Tzu matron must stimulate them to urinate and defecate or the puppies become toxic and die.

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Shih Tzu Mammary Gland Care after Whelping

It is necessary to examine your Shih Tzu matron's mammary glands daily, directly before whelping and throughout nursing and weaning periods. A secretion of moderately thick liquid clear or brown with streaks of white milk is normal. If this discharge is bloody or yellowish in color you need to consult with your vet. The first secretion, known as colostrums, is normal and present in every new mother. Colostrums contain the mother's antibodies and are necessary to newborn Shih Tzu puppies, particularly in the first 24 hours of life. If you are tube or bottle feeding, and the Shih Tzu dam has colostrums, express some into the formula. Keep your Shih Tzu dam updated on immunizations prior to mating time. Never vaccinate a pregnant Shih Tzu. The antibodies in the colostrums protect the newborn Shih Tzu puppies against infectious diseases to which the mother is immune.

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Shih Tzu Postpartum Care

Whelping a litter Shih Tzu puppies can sometimes be physically and emotionally exhausting for both you and the Shih Tzu matron. Before you take your well deserved rest, be certain the Shih Tzu matron and Shih Tzu puppies are comfortable, each Shih Tzu puppy has nursed well, the heat lamp is not too close, and the heating pad is not turned up too high. At this time it is crucial to maintain proper environmental temperatures. Newborn Shih Tzu puppies are incapable of controlling their own body temperatures. Chilling to any degree leaves newborn Shih Tzu puppies susceptible to infectious disease. Room temperature should be maintained at about 85 degrees Fahrenheit for at least their first few days. Initially offer your Shih Tzu dam only soft, messy-type foods and supplements of a high quality milk replacement added to her food. I like using Pedigree Lamb and Rice canned formula with Just Born milk replacement powder sprinkled on top or mixed within.

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Learning To Tube Feed Shih Tzu Puppies

It is not difficult to learn the correct tube feeding procedure. Purchase the tube feeder through your veterinarian, who will be able to equip you with the correct diameter catheter and syringe size for your Shih Tzu. Sterilize both catheter and syringe between early feedings. The syringe will have graduated markings on the side to record accurate intake. You will need a bowl or large measuring cup for warm water, a candy thermometer and a nontoxic indelible pen or dull knife. 1. Place water heated to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the bowl or measuring cup. 2. Heat the formula separately (also to 100 degrees Fahrenheit) using the candy thermometer to regulate the temperatures of both liquids. 3. Put the thermometer, syringe, catheter and warmed formula into the bowl of water for transport to the Shih Tzu puppy.

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Caring for Unthrifty and Premature Shih Tzu Puppies

If this is your Shih Tzu matron's first litter she may become nervous or even terrified. Your attitude at this time is very important. The manner in which a Shih Tzu matron accepts or rejects her offspring is often in direct response to your attitude or even the whelping box site. Normal Shih Tzu puppies are plump and firm at birth. They have good muscle and skin tones. The skin on the abdomen, feet and mouth is pink. If Shih Tzu puppies cry continuously or constantly squirm and crawl, these are signs of infant distress. Well-nourished, healthy Shih Tzu puppies are warm, quiet and sleep most of the time. They yawn at awakening. Do not excessively handle newborn Shih Tzu puppies. Do not allow others to handle newborn Shih Tzu puppies. Only the breeder or caretaker should handle newborn Shih Tzu puppies. Excessive handling of more than one person increases the chance of transmission of infections to the newborns.

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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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Shih Tzu First Aid

Goals of first aid are: Keep your safety in mind at all times. Attend to any severe bleeding that is present. Administer CPR if needed. Immobilize injuries and/or pet for transport. Take your pet to the vet as soon as possible. Delay in seeking professional help often increase costs and decreases treatment success.
When you do encounter an emergency situation, do not panic! Look around your surroundings to be sure there are no moving vehicles, broken glass, chemical spills, fire and electrical hazards. Approach the injured or ill pet slowly and with caution. Use a calm reassuring voice. You might need to apply a muzzle. Injured or ill animals might bite out of pain or fear. If this occurs, don't take it personally and don't feel like your animal is now vicious or worthless and needs to be gotten rid of. Be understanding that the animal is under extreme stress and hardly knows what to do himself.

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Housebreaking Your Shih Tzu Using A Crate

Crate training is one of the most effective ways of house breaking shih tzu puppies or shih tzu dogs. Crate training is very efficient, and very effective, since it uses the natural instinct of the dog to achieve the desired result of a clean house and a well trained dog. The concept behind crate training is that a shih tzu naturally strives to avoid soiling the area where it eats and sleeps. By placing the shih tzu dog in the crate, this instinct is enhanced. The shih tzu will come to see the crate as its den, and it will try to avoid soiling its den. The key to successful crate training for a shih tzu puppy or an older shih tzu , as with other forms of dog training, is to establish a good routine. This routine will enhance the ability of the shih tzu to do its business in the right place, and avoid eliminating in the wrong place. It is important to shower the shih tzu with praise each and every time it eliminates in the established toilet area, and not to express frustration or anger when the dog makes a mistake.

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Shih Tzu Groom Shop Design

Three factors to consider in planning and opening a Shih Tzu Groom Shop are: 1. Shop design 2. Working to achieve maximum production 3. Business management Shop Interior Design How you decorate will render your Shih Tzu Groom Shop attractive or unattractive, inviting or uninviting. Flattering in-shop décor contributes to creating a favorable impression on your customers. The Shih Tzu Groom Shop should be as light as possible. Light colors should dominate the décor. Combining pastel shades of mist blue, rosebud, candy pink and others provides a very soft and light décor. If you are conservative stick to a color such as antique white or sky blue. The ideal decorative setup also includes using materials that make frequent painting unnecessary. Wall paper is easier to maintain and will last longer than paint. Paneled walls will last longer than anything else. Tiled floors are most desired for easy clean-up and disinfecting. Avoid rugs of any kind. Exterior Décor The exterior decoration of your Shih Tzu Groom Shop is very important also. Try to attract attention to your Shih Tzu Groom Shop. Beautiful paintings of Shih Tzu on either side of your shop name are very attractive. The exterior design of your Shih Tzu Groom Shop is the face it shows the world. Careful thought should be given to this very important piece of your décor. Use merchandise in the windows such as dog supplies to create a homey-looking shop. The type of window covering you choose should blend in with the shop's theme décor.

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The Things You Do To Annoy Your Shih Tzu

Did you ever think it might be a two way street with your shih tzu. Your shih tzu may annoy you sometimes, but just think about the things that might be annoying your shih tzu. Because shih tzu can't talk we usually have to make guesses about what they are thinking.
Just recently my Tessy had a litter of shih tzu puppies. Early in the morning we received a call from a couple who had "just" lost their shih tzu. They were very upset and crying. This was about 6:00 a.m., I believe. Tessy had an available shih tzu male that would fit this couple and so I was running about at this early morning hour getting the shih tzu puppy ready for them to pick up. Suddenly I noticed Tessy giving me a very unusual kind of disgusting look. I felt like she was saying: "now just what do you think you are going to do with my boy?" "Whatever you are up to, Connie, I just don't approve of it and I am very suspicious of your actions right now." I just looked back at Tessy and said, "well Tessy, we can't keep all of them." Sometimes my shih tzu moms do get upset at me when it is time to start placing their puppies. It is like they make me feel as if we should keep every one of their shih tzu puppies and just live here as one big happy shih tzu family. That is impossible. And I keep reminding them that this is just impossible. I keep a lot of our shih tzu puppies just for that very reason. The moms enjoy them so much, I can't stand to take all of them away from the mother. I notice also that the shih tzu mothers are happier when they have at least one of their offspring with them at all times.

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Obedient Shih Tzu Make Better Companions

There are of course many reasons for owners to want a calm, obedient and faithful shih tzu. For one thing, obedient and trained shih tzus are happier shih tzus, less likely to get into tussles with people or with other dogs. Another reason is that many communities require that the dogs living in their neighborhoods be well trained. This is especially true for many breeds thought to have aggression and behavior problems - dog breeds like pit bulls and rottweilers for instance.

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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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Shih Tzu - Housebreaking

Here is another article on Housebreaking. Housebreaking does not have to be dreaded or difficult. Establish a routine that accommodates both you and your puppy's needs and your daily schedule. It takes practice, knowledge and repetition on your part.
Remember when you are trying to housebreak a new puppy, even those that usually use the backyard sometimes go in the house. The trick is to never give the puppy the opportunity to go in the house. Set aside several days to housebreaking and reinforce what she learns. Warning: It may take weeks, even months or up to a year sometimes to completely housebreak a new puppy. Just be consistent, patient and use the same set of instructions for the puppy for each training session, which should be many during the day. Count on taking your new puppy to the spot many, many times in a day. This is extremely important: Taking the puppy to the same spot, down the same pathway, out the same door many, many times during the day. At night, teach him to sleep in his sleeping spot until morning and then start the routine all over again. At first, this will be about every two hours. You will learn exactly how many times your puppy needs to urinate and defecate during the process until you can just take them out those amount of times during the day

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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.

Read on at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

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. Read on at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu - Introducing A New Puppy To An Older Dog

Introducing a new puppy to an older dog can be trickey! New puppies often want to play. Old dogs usually don't and may not like puppies at all. A new puppy in the house is a big change to an older dog's life. You can help your older dog adjust to the new puppy. When you begin your training, be consistent and keep repeating the same steps over and over. Shih Tzu puppies and Shih Tzu dogs learn better from consistency and repetition. Unless your shih tzu has some kind of severe behavior problem, he will learn what you expect of him and will be glad to provide you with that behavior. Shih Tzu want to please their people, but you have to show your shih tzu what types of behavior pleases you.

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