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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