This stage is likely to try even the most patient among us. One such manner of teaching your Shih Tzu is that he has to be seated to get his requests granted and jumping around; barking or acting up will not get him any of these things. It is easier to burn off all the excess energy making your Shih Tzu hyper with mental stimulation than physical exercise. ShihTzuExpert.com, All Rights Reserved. Sometime between the ages of four and seven months of age, your Shih Tzu, a perfectly obedient puppy becomes impossible, almost overnight. The nice thing about Shih Tzus is it doesnt take all that high of an activity level to burn off the excess energy. This is a typicalpart of Shih Tzu dog adolescence. Even bite inhibition, which you were sure was under controlreturns. You might think youre not showing it but your Shih Tzu can feel it and will act in the same line. You can visit your vet for advice on which product or merchandise you can use for your Shih Tzus as well as how to use it. Knowing what to expect during this stage is the first step in surviving these months. Unfortunately, it is during this period that many people relinquish their out of control dogs to shelters and rescue organizations. It seems that the adolescent Shih Tzu, must weigh every decision and decide for himself what he chooses to do. Shih Tzus are great family dogs so get your kids involved as well. A slight change in your tone of voice, your actions, or the absence of your regular smile can send lots of messages to your pet and trigger an unusual feeling in him. Just like kids sometimes act up to get your attention, your Shih Tzu might be acting up to get your attention. Similarly, if there are arguments among spouses, children, and members of your family, all the negative energy will bounce off on your Shih Tzu and you cannot expect him to not act negatively as well. Dogs can sense the energy and mood around and are likely to react based on the energy they sense around them. Activities such as these which are brain training can also be very exhausting to the dog. If you have started a training program when your puppy was very young, dog adolescence is not the time to stop. Whether you do it at home or go to a professional training class, it can really help. If your Shih Tzu is kind of hyper be sure they are getting plenty of exercise and meeting their exercise requirements. Puzzle type toys are also a good choice for stimulation. When they start their potty dance take them outside and the provide plenty of praise and a food treat if necessary. Thank you! If your dog has any baby teeth that have not fallen out, ask to have them pulled by they are still under anesthesia. Combine physical exercise with mental exercise and the result is a very calm Shih Tzu. Take it very slowly and gently if you have a Shih Tzu who hates grooming. If you have consulted professional help, found no medical condition causing the bad behaviour, and honestly feel like giving up should you be worried? Find out about the free gift you will receive just for signing up for my newsletter. It is only after sitting he can get whatever he is asking for. Attach a six-foot leash to the dogs harness and the other end to your belt. This phase of development will pass, but it requires patience and understanding on our part. You should notice a change in their behavior. Nearly every dog owner has gone through this stage with different dog breeds and with an appropriate level of control, you can get your Shih Tzu to calm down and behave. A task such as nail clipping that might have taken five minutes when your Tzu was a young puppy might now need to be stretch over several days. If your puppy was one of these dogs, the chances are good that you might find yourself now wrestling with a stronger pup. Just be sure to have some training treats on hand. Or, Read How We Use NuVet Vitamins at Miracle Shih Tzu. What Can I Expect From A Shih Tzu Puppy? Are Puppies Of Other Breeds Calmer Than Shih Tzu? Thanks for visiting ShihTzuIsland.com. My Truman is an older Shih Tzu now and he does have hip dysplasia, so he cant walk or run like he did when he was younger. However, Shih Tzus are mostly free from inherited ailments and diseases. Yes, they have their momentsthe puppy pad gets shredded all over the floor, you notice a patch of the woodwork that has those doggie teeth marks, a small cry at 2 AM signals a burning desire to go out. This is called the umbilical or tethering method. Why Has My Shih Tzu Puppy Gone From Being Calm To Aggressive? This kind of behaviour can be a result of previous trauma the dog experienced or could be influenced by genetic factors. Your Shih Tzu might have also inherited a health issue that reflects in this manner. Tug: You can play tugs with your Shih Tzus and burn some of their excess energy, although you are going to be burning a few of yours as well. MostShih Tzu also visit a groomer for the first time around the same time they are spayed or neutered. When your Shih Tzu eats well, he is bound to act well. They follow you everywhere, never want to be out of your sight and will sit with you whether cuddled on your lap, snuggled on your foot, or nuzzled in their bed close to you. If you are not prepared for this new hair, it can overwhelm you fast. A puppy play date with a friend might be fun. Some dogs forget where they are supposed to eliminate so they may need a little retraining. Shall I risk repeating myself A tired dog is a good dog. Well, the good news is that dogs dont have teen years their passage from puppyhood to adulthood is measured more in months. These young dogs seem bent on breaking your rules and thinking for themselves. The Shih Tzu reaches their full adult size and weight by about 10 months of age. Surely dogs arent that bad during their teen years, right? Sometimes Shih Tzus get hyper and act up because they have too much energy, and they just dont know what to do with it. Chihuahua Lifespan: How Long Do Chihuahuas Live? Cheap dog food can mess with his mood because of some ingredients it contains that are not supposed to be consumed by Shih Tzus. Them versus Us. You may think your dog knows all the commands that he must have, but practice makes perfect. If your Shih Tzu isnt getting enough daily exercise, they have to find a way to burn off that energy. A Guide for Parents. I can honestly say that Ive survived all three of my human childrens teen years and all of my canine childrens adolescence and you can too. If not, ask your vet about these drugs. The good thing about this game is that you can play it indoors or in a small space with just your hand and the flirt pole; leave it to your Shih Tzu to do all the jumping until he has no more energy to play. Does this sound like the human adolescent phase? Some vets will do the surgery when the dog is younger, but the majority of vets I questioned, feel that six months is a good age. Shih Tzu dogs, like other small dog breeds, enter their teen stage sooner than the large or giant breed dogs do and mature faster into adulthood than their larger cousins. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'shihtzuisland_com-banner-1','ezslot_12',124,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shihtzuisland_com-banner-1-0')};A Shih Tzu is a wonderful family pet, so if you have kids or grandkids get them involved in walking your pup and playing with them. Sound like any human adolescent you know? You can get your Shih Tzu to calm down by dealing with the causes of the hyperactivity either by getting him to exercise more, applying positive reinforcement for positive behavior, or looking out for environmental factors that might have led to such behavior. Dont expect your dog to do that for you. Ive never encountered a pet store that was not dog-friendly! ", by Janice Jones |Last updated 02-16-2020. Also, teach your Shih Tzu how to act outdoors, how to react to people, how to get your attention, and other appropriate behaviors. A few studies have shown some correlation between some food ingredients and hyperactivity in dogs, and most of these ingredients are found in cheap supermarket dog foods. Prepare ahead of time by teaching your dog to stand, sit, or lie down on a table or kitchen counter. Just like the human version of adolescence, hormones rule the brain. The Shih Tzu adolescent stage can last from about six to 18 months and with it brings on many changes. They eat, sleep, play, and then begin again. Shih Tzus can be cute and cuddly, but there are also times you cannot seem to get them to calm down and they can be quite a handful when they refuse to calm down. "She followed me everywhere, now all she wants to do is run away. Sometimes you cannot understand how your obedient and calm best friend suddenly loves acting out of control. Advertising onMiracle Shih Tzu is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com This site receives a small commission from all affiliate links and third-party advertising. But, they have their moments. But those puppy days are numbered and soon your dog will be an adult. You can find our full affiliate policy here. He graduated from puppy school with flying colors. Before you know it, he has burnt out all the excess energy and just wants to cuddle up in a corner and be good. Health Concerns During the Shih Tzu Adolescence Stage. Shih Tzu puppies are cute, cuddly and playful. If you have tried everything to change your puppys behaviour for a prolonged period. If you have been visiting the vet on a regular basis for his immunizations, you are probably already giving your dog their heartworm medications and wormed them if needed. Your Shih Tzu can feel neglected and do all sorts of things to get your attention. Whether this is your first puppy or your fifth, knowing how to train them is crucial in creating a calm environment for both you and your pets. If youre dealing with a puppy, you will want to wait until they are a bit older before you take them to a class. A shy dog wont be overwhelmed by too many people in these spaces, but still be able to experience new sights, smells, and sounds. Panda German Shepherd: Are Panda Shepherds Purebred? This will help calm them down easier than anything. These actions need to be addressed individually, but because they can be dangerous to your dog, they cannot be ignored. Some people have found that keeping the dog close to them by tethering them on a leash. So no need to fret, with some time and effort your puppy will grow more relaxed. If there are intact females, they may show signs of mating behaviors. Here are some of the games you can try to calm a hyper Shih Tzu down: Fetch: This is one exercise that you can engage your dogs in but doesnt stress you a single bit. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'shihtzuisland_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',125,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shihtzuisland_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0')}; Please Note: This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. It is still up to you to show love and affection, even when you are tough. If you have a growing Shih Tzu puppy that likes to buzz around the house and seems to have limitless energy to get into things, you might be wondering at what age do Shih Tzus calm down? They will experience their first estrus or heat cycle. Maybe you remember your own teen years or have fond memories of your childrens rite of passage. The normal dog heat cycle lasts about 3 weeks, but the girl will only bleed for about 10 days. In such situations, the worst thing you can do is to give them attention when they start acting up. The general timeline in which your puppy will start to calm down is between 6 months to one year. As a result, some of those less desirable male behaviors become extreme at this time. Find out why. If your Shih Tzu has any health conditions that might make play difficult for them, then be sure to consult your vet to get their opinion on what the right option is for your dog. ", "What happened to that sweet Shih Tzu Puppy I once had? A Lot Of Energy? Just as in humans, Shih Tzu dogs test their limits, want more independence, and question the boundaries placed on them. But as a young adult, he loved to go for walks and run after his toys. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Regardless, it burns off excess energy and leaves you and your dog closer than you were when you started. Your dog may enjoy a raw meaty bone, but supervision is advised. And if you cant get out for a walk, a fast game of fetch in the house for 15 to 20 minutes will do the trick. By six months of age, most dogs have received all of their puppy vaccines. What to Expect during the Shih Tzu Adolescence Stage? How to find the best brush for Shih Tzu its Easier than you think! The female'sgenitals. Or, you might want to visit an open park or hiking trail. Your email address will not be published. Many Shih Tzu owners have a set of choice games and exercises that they indulge their pets in when they seem to have too much energy and need to burn some off. 2022 ShihTzuIsland.com for written content / Photo Copyright holder is listed under photo. Average Lifespan & FAQs. How To Train A Shih Tzu Puppy To Calm Down? Aromatherapy has been known to work on calming people down and easing off tempers and has been used for many years. You will still want to include your dog in your life by introducing new people, places or animals. Why Is My Dog Suddenly Suspicious Of Its Food? Luckily, there are things you can do to help calm them down sooner and even as a puppy. If your dog likes to play fetch, you are one of the lucky ones. Mouthing that feels more like biting? Rest assured, one of these methods I have given above is surely going to help get your Shih Tzu calm down so you should get on it as soon as possible. When your Shih Tzu is feeling hyper and just wont sit still, get him to play fetch for a few minutes while you relax. As long as your dog doesnt have any health issues that prevent them from exercise such as hip dysplasia, then you are good to go. Sometimes you have to teach your Shih Tzu some manners and let him know how to act at appropriate times; teach him how to ask for the things he needs correctly and not throw tantrums to get what he wants. Best Dog Clippers for Matted Hair [Pet Safe], 7 Best Dog Clippers for Professional use 2021 [Ultimate Guide], Best Dog Clippers for Poodles 2021 [Safe & Easy to Use], 12 Best Dog Clippers for Shih Tzu 2021 [Fun & Easy Grooming]. Exercise is one of your best prescriptions during yourdogs adolescent stage. Something else you should consider is that Shih Tzus need a lot of mental stimulation. Grooming your dog may be easier now that they have had ample experience with the routine. Luckily, Shih Tzu dogs tend to get most of their exercise needs met by running around the house. Once you do this, your Shih Tzu will likely put up this attitude many times after that and it could get worse if you fail to respond. Spaying or neutering your dog will prevent many of the behaviors associated with sexual maturity. (And How to Make Them Stop! Not only will they mark with their urine, but maychoose to roam ignoring your calls to come back, Girls become sexually mature and may also mark. Thanks for visiting ShihTzuIsland.com. New behaviors may surface overnight, or there may be a gradual breakdown of the rules. If your dog is fully immunized, you may also wish to venture into a dog park, especially if there is one that caters to small breed dogs. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. They are one breed that may be more active indoors rather than outside. Since you can never be sure what the problem might be, you should take your Shih Tzu to the vet for examination, diagnosis, and possibly a medical cure for this problem. All Shih Tzu dogs will not display all of these behaviors, but most will show some signs that they have entered adolescence. Professional Tips on Taking Proper Care of Your Dog. Kitten Prices & Expenses, Palomino Horse: All You Need to Know About This Golden Horse. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Stay away for a while, sort out your feelings and then you can cuddle up with him and get the rest of the comfort you need. Pick safe places that you know your dog will feel comfortable. Shih Tzus are considered among the calmest breeds by many in the dog community. A 20 minute walk a couple of times a day will go a long way. You can also involve them in exercises and games that can help them burn the energy and eventually calm them down. All dog breeds have the potential to become aggressive and Shih Tzus are no different. you will receive just for signing up for my newsletter. Your dog will be forced to go wherever you go and you will be obliged to pay close attention to your dog. Retained deciduous teeth are common in the Shih Tzu breed. Assume those links are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. FTC Disclosure:If you make a purchase via a link on this site, I may receive a small commission on the transaction - at no added cost to you. If you are not planning to assume all grooming tasks yourself, begin looking around for a groomer who is gentle and understands the Shih Tzu personality. Shih Tzu Adolescence what an awkward phase of development. Just remember. So, how do you get your Shih Tzu to calm down? You will see links to products and companies I feel good about sharing with you. Ensure to feed your Shih Tzu with high-quality food made of natural and healthy ingredients; also ensure these meals are free of ingredients like coloring, preservatives, fillers, and the likes. 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Before you hand the food ball over, throw the ball, clip the leash, or get anything done for your Shih Tzu, command him to sit first. Do Shih Tzus Bark a Lot?YAYImages ID: 40563294. One of the very first things that aShih Tzu dog needs to learn is how to tolerate grooming. If school athletic events are too loud and outside flea markets are too crowded, choose an activity or location with fewer people and less noise. How Hot is Too Hot to Walk Your Shih Tzu? You can find our full affiliate policy here. Six months of age is a good time to start. Some stores will allow you to bring your small dog with you while shopping. The best thing to do is to ignore this habit and insist that they calm down before getting your attention. Everything seems chaotic and unpredictable. This new type of biting is not the mouthing that you were dealing with several months ago. Around the same time that the Shih Tzu encounters adolescence and gains their full adult size, they also grow their second or undercoat of hair. If you cant find any, visit your local pet store. They love exploring and getting into whatever they can. A few minutes per day of serious training will keep those still immature neurons firing and building connections within your Tzus brain. Patience along with consistent training pay off in the long run. Shih Tzu dogs are considered to be brachycephalic breeds because of their flat faces. It is important to never rule anything out when it comes to your Shih Tzus wellbeing. I think Ill go, after all, Ive never checked out the neighbors yard.. They always say a tired dog is a good dog. Around the age of six to nine months of age, a friendly pup may back away from a friendly stranger or begin barking at strangers. 11 Signs Youre Obsessed With Your Shih Tzu, How to Save Money as a Shih Tzu Owner (13 Ways), 18 Human Foods That Are Toxic or Deadly for Shih Tzus, How to Make Your Shih Tzu Really Happy (15 Ways! At some point, your hyperactive puppy might need to be calmed down. On the other hand, grooming can also be stressful for both of you. The Boys start lifting their legs to urinate and if intact females are within shouting distance may also begin marking their territory. As pet parents, it is your job to find ways to provide entertainment and exercise for your Shih Tzu. A lot of pet owners that Ive talked to find that taking your Shih Tzu to a class is an easier way to help them learn than doing it yourself. Anesthesia can be tough on them but by the time they reach their teen years (I mean months) they are mature enough to do fairly well under anesthesia. Sometimes this goes entirely unnoticed, but more likely you will notice small droplets of light colored blood especially if you have light colored carpets or floors. With your love and care, your happy little best friend will be good in no time. As your Shih Tzus human family, it is up to you to keep them busy, happy, and out of trouble. 2013-2022 By Janice Jones Miracle Shih Tzu All Rights Reserved. You will also want to assure that you have someone you can talk to and feel confident that they will have your dogs best interests. So make sure that youre spending quality time with your pet before checking for anything else. The game of fetch requires dogs to have a modicum of prey drive so they will chase after a moving object. I've got a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and have several years experience working in animal shelters and rescues. Lets look deeper into the things you can do to calm your hyper Shih Tzu down. You must not allow your Shih Tzu to get away with the wrong attitude no matter how much you love him. Both genders experiment with new activities, most of which are not welcomed by their human parents. If you are feeling angry, bothered, sad, confused, or you have pent up emotions, your pet is likely to feel it and mirror a similar emotion. Are Shih Tzu Adults & Seniors Calmer Than Puppies? 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