| Bringing home a new shih tzu puppy is always an | | | | one step at a time approach is the best way to teach |
| exciting time for the entire family. Getting that new shih | | | | the shih tzu puppy to not be afraid of stairs. |
| tzu puppy off the right start with proper training is very | | | | Another thing every new shih tzu puppy must learn is |
| important to making that shih tzu puppy a valued | | | | how to accept the collar. Learning to wear a collar is |
| member of his human family. There are a number of | | | | important to every shih tzu dog, but many shih tzu |
| talents that every new shih tzu puppy must master, | | | | puppies are baffled, frightened and bewildered by this |
| including going up and down the stairs, and how to | | | | new piece of equipment. Many shih tzu puppies |
| accept a new collar as if she's worn it her entire life. | | | | constantly try to remove their new collar by pawing |
| It is best to introduce a new shih tzu puppy to the | | | | and pulling at it. |
| household when everyone in the family is present, and | | | | Fit is important when choosing a collar for your new |
| when the household is as calm as possible. That is | | | | shih tzu puppy. A properly fitted collar, chosen for your |
| why animal care experts discourage parents from | | | | shih tzu puppy's size, is more likely to be comfortable |
| giving shih tzu puppies and kittens as holiday presents. | | | | and accepted. While choke collars, slip collars and |
| The holiday season is typically much too busy, with far | | | | training collars can be good training aids, they should |
| too many distractions, for a young shih tzu puppy or | | | | never be used as a substitute for a sturdy buckle type |
| kitten to get the attention it needs. It is best to wait until | | | | collar. And of course that collar should have an |
| the holidays have passed before introducing the new | | | | identification tag and license attached. This identification |
| family member. | | | | will be vital in having your shih tzu puppy returned if she |
| Once the shih tzu puppy is part of the household, there | | | | becomes separated from you. |
| are some things he or she will need to learn. One of | | | | The best way to introduce the shih tzu puppy to the |
| the first challenges of a multi-story home will be | | | | collar is to simply put the collar on and allow her to |
| learning to climb up and down the stair. Many shih tzu | | | | squirm, jump, roll and paw at the color to her heart's |
| puppies are afraid of stairs, and that usually means | | | | content. It is important to not encourage this behavior |
| that they do not know how to climb them properly. It is | | | | by trying to soothe the shih tzu puppy, but it is just as |
| important for the shih tzu puppy's owner to slowly build | | | | important not to punish or reprimand the shih tzu puppy. |
| the confidence of the dog, starting off at the bottom | | | | The best strategy is to simply ignore the shih tzu |
| of the stairs. In general, a wide stairway will probably | | | | puppy and let her work through her issues with the |
| be less frightening to the shih tzu puppy. | | | | collar on her own. Introducing distractions, such as food, |
| To build confidence, the owner should go up the first | | | | toys or playing, is a good way to get the shih tzu |
| step, then encourage the shih tzu puppy to join them, | | | | puppy used to the collar. Getting the shih tzu puppy to |
| using their voice, treats or a toy. After the shih tzu | | | | play, eat and drink while wearing the collar is a great |
| puppy has joined you on the first stair, go back down | | | | way to get her used to it. After a few days, most shih |
| and repeat the process until the shih tzu puppy will go | | | | tzu puppies will not even know they are wearing a |
| up that step on his own. It is important to build | | | | collar. |
| confidence slowly and not rush the process. Taking a | | | | |