Shih Tzu Puppy Love: Understanding Temperament and Needs

Shih Tzu puppies are known for their outgoing and affectionate nature, but they can also be wary of strangers. They are naturally suspicious of new people and environments.

Their small size makes them a great companion for city dwellers, but they still require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk of at least 20 minutes is recommended to keep them active and engaged.

Shih Tzus are intelligent dogs that can be trained with positive reinforcement techniques, but they can be stubborn at times. Consistency and patience are key when teaching them new commands and behaviors.

Their long, flowing coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, but they are generally low shedders, making them a great choice for people with allergies.

The Shih Tzu breed has a rich history that spans over 1,000 years. This ancient breed was first documented around 1,000 years ago, although experts think its lineage may be even earlier.

Tibet is believed to be the original home of the Shih Tzu, where Tibetan monks used them as watchdogs. Monks would occasionally gift these small dogs to Chinese emperors, leading to the breed's movement to China.

The Shih Tzu was a highly sought-after breed, especially among royalty and aristocrats across Asia. Due to its unique nature and rarity, China refused to sell or trade these beloved animals once trade began with the West.

The Dowager Empress Cixi of China had a kennel that included Shih Tzus, but after her death in 1908, the kennels were scattered and breeding requirements became lax. This led to the breed's decline and a shift in its coveted nature.

The breed made a rebound in the 1930s when a pair of Shih Tzus made it to England. Unfortunately, the breed became extinct in China due to the Communist Party takeover.

Today, current Shih Tzus come from the breeding of just 14 dogs in England between 1932 and 1959. The Kennel Club officially recognized them in England in 1946, and the American Kennel Club followed suit in 1969.

Shih Tzus are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement and reward-based methods.

Their trainability is enhanced by consistency and praise, which are essential in teaching them to tolerate being alone and to exhibit self-control over barking.

Shih Tzus respond well to training methods like "clicker training" and obedience classes, which many owners swear by.

They are social dogs that thrive on interaction, so it's no surprise that they can become unruly if left alone for too long or if their owners are impatient.

Ultimately, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, Shih Tzus can learn to be well-behaved and loving companions.

Shih Tzus are known for their loving and affectionate nature, but what can you expect of their temperament?

Shih Tzus are highly attuned to their human emotions, which means they can pick up on your mood and respond accordingly.

They love to curl up in your lap and enjoy your warmth, which is a clear sign that they consider you their favorite human.

Their large, round eyes are often described as being full of warmth and affection, and a soft, relaxed gaze can indicate that they trust you and feel safe around you.

Shih Tzus are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train, especially with positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods.

However, consistency and patience are key, as aggressive or impatient human attitudes can result in unruly Shih Tzu behaviors.

Their "happy dance" is a unique characteristic of the Shih Tzu, usually seen when you arrive home, and is an expression of their love and the value they place on your relationship.

Shih Tzus are not as energetic as some breeds, but they still love a good play session, especially when it involves their favorite human, and it's a declaration of their love and trust in you.

Their ability to respond to your emotional state with comfort and companionship is a heartfelt expression of their love for you, and it's a trait that makes them wonderful, loving companions.

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Shih Tzus are relatively quiet compared to other breeds, making them a great choice for apartment living.

Contrary to popular belief, they don't bark much at all, with some owners reporting that their Shih Tzu rarely barks.

Shih Tzus will typically bark when triggered by a doorbell, a visitor, or something seen outside like another dog or a bird.

As social watchdogs, this barking is expected, and they can be trained to exhibit some self-control over their barking.

Dogs can get jealous, but it's not a common trait among all breeds. Shih Tzus, for example, aren't generally prone to fits of jealousy.

They can, however, become possessive at times. Newcomers in the household should build trust gradually to avoid any issues later down the line.

It pays off to be aware of your dog's feelings and demonstrate extra love and understanding to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone involved.

Training your Shih Tzu puppy is a great way to spend quality time together. You can start training as soon as you bring your Shih Tzu puppy home, even when they're tiny.

Shih Tzus are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods.

To train your Shih Tzu, you'll need some basic equipment, including a treat pouch, soft collar, harness, training lead, and treats. The more smelly the treats, the better!

Here are some essential items to get you started:

Remember to be patient and consistent when training your Shih Tzu. They may have some difficulties, but with time and practice, they'll learn new tricks in no time!

You can start training your Shih Tzu puppy as soon as they come home. Puppies' brains are surprisingly large and capable of processing a lot, making them eager to learn.

Training should begin early, ideally from the moment you bring your Shih Tzu puppy home, to help them develop good habits and behaviors. Consistency and praise are key to successful training.

Shih Tzus are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them responsive to positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods. This means they'll thrive on praise and rewards for good behavior.

Ultimately, every puppy is different, but with patience and consistency, you can help your Shih Tzu grow into a well-behaved and obedient companion.

To train your Shih Tzu, you'll want to start with the basics. You don't need much, but investing in the right equipment will make a big difference.

A treat pouch is a must-have, as Shih Tzus are highly food-motivated. Having easy access to treats will make training a breeze.

A soft collar is a good choice, as Shih Tzus have beautiful soft coats that can get tangled with heavy collars.

A harness is also a good idea, one that doesn't pull or tighten when your puppy is walking.

You'll also need a 2 metre training lead, so your Shih Tzu has room to sniff and explore.

Here are some essential items to get you started: