How to Calm My Shih Tzu Down and Improve Their Overall Wellbeing

Living with a Shih Tzu can be a joyful experience, but sometimes they can get anxious and overwhelmed. One of the main reasons for this is their sensitive nature, which can be triggered by loud noises, new environments, and even changes in their owner's routine.

Shih Tzus are known to be prone to barking, which can be a sign of anxiety or stress. In fact, research suggests that Shih Tzus are one of the top five breeds that bark the most.

To calm your Shih Tzu down, it's essential to create a safe and comfortable environment for them. This means providing a quiet space where they can retreat when feeling overwhelmed.

By understanding what triggers your Shih Tzu's anxiety, you can take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. For example, if your Shih Tzu gets anxious during fireworks, you can take them to a quiet room or provide a pheromone diffuser to help calm them down.

Training and Exercise are key components in calming your shih tzu down. Early training matters, as it helps your dog regulate its behavior and feel secure. By using eye contact and commands, you can ensure your dog feels useful and occupied.

Dogs are naturally pack animals, which means they thrive on having a task to perform and a leader to please. If left to its own devices, your shih tzu will likely pick up bad habits and act out. Regular exercise is also essential, as it burns off excess energy that could translate into anxiety or bad behavior.

Daily physical exercise is guaranteed to calm your shih tzu down. Set aside at least one hour a day to get your pup going, whether it's a walk through the neighborhood or a game of fetch in your backyard. Some great outdoor options include:

In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation is also crucial. Obstacle courses, mantrailing, and hiding treats are all great ways to keep your shih tzu's mind engaged and calm. Remember to end playtime if your dog gets too over-excited, as this will teach them to remain calm if they want to keep playing.

Calm your Shih Tzu down with these tried-and-true techniques.

Remain calm, as your dog can pick up on your emotions. Speak to your dog in a soft, quiet voice and reassure them that they are safe.

Staying close to your dog can comfort them and allow you to monitor them for problems. Your presence will help them feel secure and relaxed.

Cool your dog down with fresh, cool water and a well-ventilated, shady area. You can also wet them down with cool water and aim a fan at them to speed up the cooling process.

Provide a space for your dog to rest, such as their crate or favorite bed in a dimly lit room. This quiet, cool area will help them relax and calm down.

Reward relaxed behaviors, like lying down or sighing, with treats and praise. This will help your dog associate calm behavior with positive outcomes.

Sniffing can have a natural calming effect on dogs, so give your Shih Tzu time to explore and sniff their surroundings. This can help reduce anxiety and stress.

For more insights, see: Characteristics of a Shih Tzu

Here are some specific signs of relaxation to look out for and reward:

Remember, every dog is different, so be patient and adjust your approach as needed. With time and practice, you can help your Shih Tzu become a calm and relaxed companion.

Stress and anxiety can manifest in dogs through panting, lip licking, and averting their gaze. It's essential to assess your dog's body language and facial gestures to determine the cause of their stress.

To calm your dog down, start by remaining calm yourself. If you panic, your dog can pick up on these emotions and become stressed. Speak to your dog in a soft, quiet, voice and reassure them that they are safe.

Here are some common signs of stress and anxiety in dogs to look out for:

By understanding and managing stress in your dog, you can create a more relaxed and happy environment for both of you.

Stress and anxiety can manifest in dogs in various ways, such as panting, lip licking, and whale eye.

Dogs can pick up on their owner's emotions, including stress and anxiety, and respond accordingly. If you're feeling stressed, your dog will likely sense it and become stressed as well.

Some common signs of stress and anxiety in dogs include being hyper-aware of their surroundings, averting their gaze, and exhibiting abnormal behaviors. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it's essential to assess their body language and facial gestures to determine the cause.

Here are some common body language cues to look out for:

To help your dog feel more calm and relaxed, try to remain calm yourself. Speak to your dog in a soft, quiet voice and reassure them that they are safe.

Pain can be a subtle thing in dogs, and they may not always show it in the same way humans do.

Panting is one of the signs of pain in dogs, and it's often overlooked as a subtle indicator.

Dogs may not scream out or cry like humans do when they're in pain, making it harder to recognize the signs.

Panting can be a sign of pain in dogs, but it's not the only one - being more withdrawn or less energetic than usual can also be a sign.

Dogs require a lot of hard work and love to stay happy and healthy.

A lack of attention can lead to hyperactivity in dogs, as they need physical and mental stimulation to be well-adjusted.

If you find yourself with a hyperactive dog every day, it's likely due to not getting enough exercise, playtime, or mental stimulation.

Some of the time you spend on social media, watching TV, or working long hours could be spent giving your pet the love it needs.

Be honest with yourself and assess whether you're giving your dog the attention it deserves.

To help calm your Shih Tzu, it's essential to consider environmental and lifestyle changes that can impact their behavior.

By reducing noise levels, you can help minimize your Shih Tzu's stress and anxiety. For example, playing calming music or white noise can create a more peaceful atmosphere.

Regular exercise is also crucial for your Shih Tzu's mental and physical well-being. Aim for at least 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise per day to help burn off excess energy and promote relaxation.

Consistency in your Shih Tzu's daily routine can also contribute to a calmer demeanor. Establishing a regular schedule for feeding, playtime, and sleep can help reduce anxiety and stress.

Creating a routine and flow for your dog is crucial in reducing hyperactivity. This is because dogs thrive on structure and consistency.

A daily routine can be as simple as a wake-up and bathroom break, followed by a feed to kickstart their day. This sets the tone for a calm and focused pet.

Interactive toys can be a great way to keep your dog engaged and stimulated, but a routine also helps to teach them when it's time to play and when it's time to rest. This balance is key to a well-behaved and happy dog.

Here's a sample daily routine for your pet:

Consistency is key, so try to stick to this routine as closely as possible.

Treat-Dispensing Puzzles are a great way to challenge your dog and keep them busy. Puzzles require your dog to solve a problem, which is a great challenge that encourages a ton of mental stimulation.

These puzzles are a level up from kibble-dispensing toys and are sure to calm your pet and lessen their hyperactivity. Consider buying the level of difficulty that makes the most sense for your companion in regards to their age and their breed.

A puzzle that is too challenging will leave your pet frustrated and more inclined to give up. The Diggs Groov and Treat Spread are another option to keep your pup engaged and stimulating without causing frustration.

Mental stimulation is essential for your dog's overall well-being, and puzzles are a great way to provide it. By giving your dog a challenging puzzle to solve, you can help reduce their hyperactivity and keep them calm.

As you start to increase the difficulty level of your dog's training, it's essential to add distractions to the environment. Slowly start building up distractions by practicing the 'settle' in increasingly busy areas.

Ask a helper to create a distraction by walking past, progressing to more exciting activities like sweeping or skipping. If your dog becomes unsettled or gets up, ignore them and wait until they settle again before rewarding them.

If they won't relax and settle, increase the distance from the distraction or make the distraction less interesting. This will help your dog learn to settle without needing to be asked.

CBD oil can be a great way to calm your dog before a stressful event like grooming. It triggers positive brain receptors that support your dog's natural calming reaction.

These treats are usually made with calming properties and typically contain Valerian root, hemp, and chamomile. You should read through every ingredient on the packaging and consult your vet before giving your pet something new.

Giving your pup calming treats or supplements before a stressful event can make a big difference in their behavior. It's like giving them a little extra peace of mind.

CBD oil for dogs is a tasty treat that can be given right before the groomers. It's a great way to make their hair cut a little more enjoyable and less stressful for them.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Little Shih Tzu

If you live with a furry friend, you can help reduce their anxiety by bringing grooming home. Regularly bathing your dog can help them get used to the supplies and sounds of a grooming session.

Daily brushing of your dog's hair and teeth can make a big difference in their comfort level. By doing these tasks at home, your pup will naturally be calmer for their next grooming session.

By actively doing some of these tasks at home, your dog will get used to the supplies, sounds, and feelings of a grooming session. This can make the experience less stressful for them.

When you're looking to make environmental and lifestyle changes, it's essential to start with what you put in your dog's bowl. A Healthy Diet is crucial for your furry friend's overall well-being.

Investing in healthy foods for your pet is a good idea, even if it means spending a bit more. What your dog eats directly affects their behavior and how they feel on the inside.

Fillers, byproducts, coloring, and sugar are common ingredients in cheaper food brands, so it's best to avoid them. These ingredients can have a negative impact on your dog's health.

Consult your vet before making any changes to your dog's food, as they can provide personalized advice.

For your interest: What Do Shih Tzu Eat