3 Things To Know Before Adding A Shih-Tzu To Your Family
Shih-tzus make wonderful pets, and they are perfect for people who want a loyal companion but may not have a large backyard or a lot of indoor space. These types of dogs are small in size, but have huge personalities that make them a joy to be around. They do not require a huge amount of exercise each day, but they will be eager to spend as much time as possible with you. If you are considering adding a shih-tzu to your family, the following tips can help.
Consider Kennel Training
There are few things cuter than a shih-tzu puppy, but they can have a stubborn nature that can make house breaking and potty training challenging. Kennel training can be a great tool in helping you house break your new shih-tzu. Dogs are den animals by nature, and they do not urinate or have bowel movements in their den. A kennel will become your shih-tzu's den, so when he or she spends time in there it will help with learning bladder and bowel control. Shih-tzu puppies have very small bladders, so don't think that you can leave your puppy in his or her kennel all day while you are gone; kennel training should be done while you are at home, and the kennel can also provide a safe, comfortable place for your shih-tzu to sleep at night.
Make Sure You are Prepared for the Grooming Responsibilities
Shih-tzus actually have hair, not fur, which makes them hypo-allergenic. But to keep your shih-tzu happy and healthy, you need to either know how to groom your dog yourself, or be able to pay for professional pet grooming on a regular basis. While shih-tzus who are show dogs typically have long coats that hit the floor, most shih-tzu owners choose to keep their dog's hair short for comfort and to prevent matting. In addition to having your shih-tzu groomed, it is essential to brush your dog's coat regularly to keep it in good condition. Consult with a groomer, like Abraxas Pet Resort, for grooming help.
Understand that Shih-Tzus are Lap Dogs
Shih-tzus were first bred for Chinese royalty thousands of years ago to be loyal companions, and those ancient traits are still in shih-tzus today. Your shih-tzu will most likely form a very strong bond with you and other members of your household, and he or she will love curling up in your lap to cuddle and be petted. In most ways, shih tzus are not high maintenance, but they do require a lot of love and attention from their human families, since they were originally bred to be companion dogs.
