| With shih tzu as with people, some shih tzu and shih | | | | whining, crying or hiding, it is only natural for the owner |
| tzu puppies are naturally more bold and daring than | | | | to go over and reassure the shih tzu. This type of |
| others. When you watch a group of shih tzu puppies | | | | reassurance, however, can be misinterpreted by the |
| play, it will quickly become apparent which ones are | | | | animal as a sign of approval from the pack leader. |
| bold and which ones are shy. Some of the shih tzu | | | | When the shih tzu dog or shih tzu puppy displays |
| puppies will hang back at the edge of the pack, | | | | fearful or shy behavior, the best strategy is simply to |
| perhaps fearful of angering the stronger shih tzu, while | | | | ignore him. The shih tzu must be able to learn on his |
| others will jump right into the fray and start jostling for | | | | own that there is nothing to fear. If left alone, a shih tzu |
| control. | | | | will often start to explore the fearful object on his own, |
| Working with a shy shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog, or | | | | thereby learning that the initial fear reaction was |
| one that is fearful, presents its own special challenges. | | | | mistaken. The owner must allow the shih tzu to |
| Of course bold, forceful shih tzu present challenges of | | | | explore things on his own, and not try to coddle or |
| their own, especially with control and leadership issues. | | | | over protect him. |
| Every type of shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog has its | | | | Another reason for fear reactions, particularly in older |
| own unique personality, and its own unique training | | | | shih tzu, is past abuse or lack of proper socialization as |
| challenges as a result. | | | | shih tzu puppies. The window for good shih tzu puppy |
| One important reason to build confidence in a fearful | | | | socialization is relatively short, and once this window |
| shih tzu is to prevent biting. High fear dogs often | | | | has closed it can be difficult to teach a shih tzu dog |
| become biters to deal with their fear of new situations, | | | | how to socialize with dogs and other animals. Likewise, |
| and this type of fear response can be dangerous for | | | | a shih tzu that has been abused probably has all sorts |
| you and your shih tzu. It is important to teach the shih | | | | of negative associations, and it is up to a patient owner |
| tzu puppy or shih tzu dog that new situations and new | | | | to work with the shih tzu to replace those fear |
| people are nothing to fear, and that they are not out to | | | | reactions with more appropriate responses. |
| hurt him. | | | | When working with an older fearful shih tzu, it is |
| Signs of fear in both shih tzu puppies and shih tzu dogs | | | | important not to try to rush the socialization and fear |
| include being afraid of strangers, being leery of new | | | | abatement process. It is best to simply allow the shih |
| situations, and avoiding certain people or objects. A | | | | tzu to explore things on his own, even if it means he |
| fearful shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog may also snap | | | | spends a lot of time hiding from the perceived |
| or bite, especially when cornered. | | | | monster. Trying to force the shih tzu to confront the |
| If you recognize signs of fear in your shih tzu or shih | | | | things he fears will do more harm than good. |
| tzu puppy, it is important to act quickly. Fear responses | | | | It is also important to address already ingrained fear |
| can quickly become ingrained in a dog, and once those | | | | based behaviors, such as biting, snapping and growling, |
| fear memories are planted they can be difficult to | | | | whether they result from past abuse, a lack of |
| erase. Properly socializing a young shih tzu puppy is | | | | socialization or a combination of factors. If the shih tzu |
| essential to making sure your shih tzu is not fearful, | | | | is frightened and reacts defensively to strangers, it is |
| and will not become a fear biter. Many shih tzu puppies | | | | important to introduce him slowly. It is important to |
| are raised as only shih tzu, but even these shih tzu | | | | correct these potentially dangerous behaviors, |
| puppies should be given the opportunity to play with | | | | however, and teach the shih tzu that fear is no |
| other shih tzu puppies, and with well socialized older | | | | excuse for growling, snapping or biting. The best way |
| shih tzu and friendly cats as well. The more novel | | | | to do this is to immediately reprimand and correct the |
| situations the shih tzu puppy encounters when he is | | | | shih tzu when he bites, snaps or growls at anyone. |
| young, the better he will be able to adapt to new | | | | The shih tzu should be generously rewarded the |
| situations as an adult shih tzu. | | | | minute it stops displaying aggressive behavior. If you do |
| Adapting to new and changing situations is a vital life | | | | find yourself having to reprimand your shih tzu for |
| skill that every shih tzu puppy must learn. As you | | | | displaying aggressive behaviors, it probably means you |
| know, the world is constantly changing and adapting, | | | | have tried to move him along too quickly. It is important |
| and it is vital that both you and your four legged | | | | to avoid threatening situations as much as possible until |
| companion learn to take these changes in stride. | | | | the shih tzu has built up the confidence it takes to deal |
| It is important for owners to not inadvertently reinforce | | | | with those situations. If you think you have moved too |
| or reward shy or fearful behaviors. For instance, when | | | | fast, take a few steps back and let the shih tzu regain |
| a shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog shows fear, by | | | | his confidence. |