Shih Tzu - Teach Your Shih Tzu To Chew Appropriate Items

Chewing is something that comes naturally to everythe inappropriate item from its mouth.
dog including the shih tzu. Every dog feels theThe shih tzu should then be provided with one of its
instinctual need to sharpen its teeth and hone his bitingfavorite toys. Praise the shih tzu extensively when it
skills. Chewing on the right things, like specially designedpicks up and begins to chew its toy. This will help to
chew toys for instance, can even help the shih tzuteach the shih tzu that it gets rewarded when it
clean his teeth and remove plaque.chews certain items, but not when it chews other
Even though chewing is natural and healthy, that doesitems.
not mean that the shih tzu should be given carteTeaching the shih tzu what is appropriate to chew is
blanche and allowed to chew everything in sight. It isvery important, not only for the safety of your
vital for every shih tzu to learn the difference betweenexpensive furniture and rugs, but for the safety of the
the things it is OK to chew on, like toys and ropes, andshih tzu as well. Many shih tzu have chewed through
the things that are off limits, such as carpets, shoesdangerous items like extension cords and the like. This
and other items.of course can injure the shih tzu severely or even
When working with a new shih tzu puppy, it isspark a fire.
advisable to keep the shih tzu puppy in a small, puppyMost shih tzu learn what to chew and what not to
proofed room for at least a few weeks. This ischew fairly quickly, but others are obviously going to
important not only to prevent chewing but to properlybe faster learners than others. Some shih tzu chew
house train the shih tzu puppy as well.because they are bored, so providing the shih tzu with
Older shih tzu should also be confined to a small arealots of toys and solo activities is very important. It is
at first. Doing this allows the shih tzu to slowly acquaintalso a good idea to schedule several play times every
him or herself to the smells and sights of the newday, with one taking place right before you leave
household.every day. If the shih tzu is thoroughly tired after his or
When you set up this small, confined area, be sure toher play session, chances are he or she will sleep the
provide the shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog with a fewday away.
good quality chew toys to keep him entertained whileOther shih tzu chew to exhibit separation anxiety.
you are not able to supervise him. Of course the shihMany shih tzu become very nervous when their
tzu should also be provided with a warm place toowners leave, and some shih tzu become concerned
sleep and plenty of fresh clean water.each time that the owner may never come back. This
As the shih tzu is slowly moved to larger and largerstress can cause the shih tzu to exhibit all manners of
portions of the home, there may be more opportunitiesdestructive behavior, including chewing soiling the
to chew inappropriate items. As the shih tzu is givenhouse. If separation anxiety is the root of the problem,
freer access to the home, it is important to keep anythe reasons for it must be addressed, and the dog
items that the shih tzu or shih tzu puppy should notassured that you will return.
chew, things like throw rugs, shoes, etc. up off of theThis is best done by scheduling several trips in and out
floor. If you forget to move something and comeof the home every day, and staggering the times of
home to find that the shih tzu has chewed it, resist thethose trips in and out. At first the trips can be only a
urge to punish or yell at the shih tzu. Instead, distractfew minutes, with the length slowly being extended as
the shih tzu with one of its favorite toys and removethe dog's separation anxiety issues improve.