| Though a Shih Tzu is quite smaller than most other | | | | dogs first foray into the outside world. |
| dogs at the dog park, your dog would love you to take | | | | This does not mean that you should pick up your Shih |
| him or her out for some socializing with other canines. | | | | Tzu every time a larger dog approaches. As a matter |
| Indeed, this is most important when they are small | | | | of fact, this is just about one of the worst things you |
| puppies so that they can grow up without harboring | | | | can do, this just reinforces the mind frame that it is |
| irrational fears of other dogs, new people and strange | | | | okay to be intimidated and freaked out when a larger |
| situations. However, it is very important that you | | | | dog comes near. |
| manage such new situations as often as possible while | | | | It is a much better idea to manage the encounter by |
| your Shih Tzu is still an impressionable young puppy, | | | | verifying with the other dogs owner to find out if the |
| otherwise trying such adventures might have a | | | | dog is friendly or not. If not, you can simply guide your |
| disastrous outcome if attempted in adulthood. | | | | Shih Tzu onto another course and walk on the other |
| Perhaps the single best reason to make certain your | | | | side of the sidewalk. If the other dog is friendly, allow |
| Shih Tzu is a well-socialized as a puppy is to prevent | | | | them to meet and greet each other the way dogs do. |
| them from developing a habit of fear-biting. Such dogs | | | | In fact when it comes time to meet other dogs, it is |
| are not trustworthy because they are so frightened, | | | | best to let them be as noisy as they want and settle |
| and being dogs, they lead with their teeth is such | | | | things on their own. Dominance is not something that |
| situations that are too tense for them to comprehend. | | | | has to do with the size of a dog, as far as canines are |
| Obviously, you will want your Shih Tzu to be a | | | | concerned. Though Shih Tzus do not lean towards |
| companion that you can take with you in any type of | | | | dominance, males of the breed may sometimes exert |
| situation. | | | | dominance over a subordinate dog of any size or |
| As a result, there are many things you can do to | | | | breed. Regardless of where your Shih Tzu lands in the |
| initiate the dog being in contact with other people. For | | | | canine hierarchy, there will be loud noises, try to not be |
| example, make it a point to take your dog to new | | | | concerned; it is just dogs learning how to establish a |
| places, even it is just a bit new, each day for the first | | | | pecking order. |
| three months you have him or her. This may simply | | | | Of course when meeting small children for the very |
| mean taking a new corner at the same park you have | | | | first time, you will have to be more careful than you |
| always visited, but it is highly important that new smells, | | | | would with other dogs. Unlike other dogs, small children |
| new people and new environments are incorporated | | | | cannot judge when to stop tugging, pulling, hitting or |
| as much as possible, so that your dog comes to | | | | whatever else they are doing. An unsupervised visit |
| expect new things happening on a regular basis. | | | | between a Shih Tzu and a small child should not be |
| Of course, some dogs that encounter your Shih Tzu | | | | allowed. Shih Tzus and small children normally become |
| will not be as nearly mindful of your small dogs limbs | | | | fast friends, however you just need to supervise the |
| and livelihood as you are. It is your duty and | | | | situation and exert caution and care. |
| responsibility to be somewhat of a tour guide for your | | | | |