| Do you have a shih tzu that paws at your arms or | | | | motion and into everything are not actually behavior |
| jumps up on your lap constantly? The cause might be | | | | problems. They are just acting like normal, healthy |
| that he needs lots more exercise, not necessarily | | | | puppies. As they grow and mature out of their puppy |
| direct attention, but just more exercise. Try taking your | | | | days, they usually begin to become less active, and in |
| shih tzu for a vigorous walk. For some, 10 to 15 | | | | old age, many shih tzu I have known, really just take it |
| minutes a couple times a day or one long romp around | | | | easy all day. Try to enjoy the playful antics of your |
| the yard is adequate, for others, it might be less than | | | | active puppy and remember they will never be this |
| this. | | | | size again. Medication is not the answer. They are not |
| Make sure your shih tzu is not trying to tell you | | | | showing hyperactivity. They just need some limits set |
| something else. Remember he is totally dependent on | | | | and to be taught to do the right thing at the right time. |
| you so be sure his basic needs are met such as, is he | | | | Shih tzu are extremely intelligent and usually are very |
| hungry or does he need to relieve himself. | | | | quick learners, but they can have a mind of their own it |
| If you put in 1/2 hour or so of taking care of your shih | | | | seems and a streak of stubborness, so be firm, but |
| tzu's needs before focusing upon work at your desk | | | | not harsh. Be the leader from the beginning. |
| or sitting down to read a good book, he should be less | | | | If you have an older shih tzu showing extreme irrational |
| likely to disturb you in the middle of your work or | | | | or very active behaviors, then you might consider |
| reading your book. | | | | asking the vet for a thorough examination - could be |
| When you sit down to relax or work, teach the shih | | | | hypothyroidism. |
| tzu to lie down somewhere near you. A lot of shih tzu | | | | When you first bring a new shih tzu puppy home, it is a |
| will just do this naturally unless there is some other | | | | good idea to provide a special space for your shih tzu |
| need they are asking to be attended to at this time. | | | | barricaded by baby gates or some other type of |
| Often, if you will take the time to settle them in first, | | | | petitioned off area where he will have a comfortable |
| they will lie quietly next to you while you work or read | | | | bed, a few chew toys, nylabones, squeeky toys, food |
| or relax. Remember, shih tzu want nothing more than | | | | and preferably a glass water bottle. Do not give a |
| to be close to their people. | | | | new shih tzu puppy full run of your home in the |
| If you know you have a hectic day coming up and you | | | | beginning. He needs to learn the places he is allowed |
| won't have time to do the normal routine with your shih | | | | to be and the places he is not allowed to be or else he |
| tzu, you might try a pet sitting service for him that | | | | will be all over the place and decide these things for |
| particular day. | | | | himself. You need to take control of the situation from |
| Another option for handling a very active shih tzu is to | | | | the beginning by providing him a small area all his own |
| give him a playmate to romp and wrestle with to help | | | | and then slowly introducing him to other areas where |
| expend some of his extra energy. | | | | he can be. |
| Most shih tzu puppies who seem to be in constant | | | | |