Major Health Concerns For a Shih Tzu

All dogs are vulnerable to numerous diseases and health concerns but some breeds are more likely to be affected by one than another. Shih Tzu are no exception to this. This article will list and briefly describe those problems.

ARTHRITIS

Shitzu Dogs

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. It can be inherited, the result of an injury, or part of the aging process.

Major Health Concerns For a Shih Tzu

BLEEDING DISORDER

Von Willebrand disease refers to a bleeding disorder that results in a decreased amount of a glycoprotein. This glycoprotein is needed for proper clotting of the blood.

CANCER

Unfortunately cancer can strike our pets. The most common type is that of mammary or testicular cancer. It can occur at any age.

CLEFT PALATE

Cleft palate in dogs refers to a failure of thetwo sides of the palate to fuse correctly. This defect usually occurs during embryonic development but it can also result from over-dosages of steroids, Vitamin A, and some antibiotics.

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Congestive heart failure is a serious condition that often affects older dogs of small breeds, including Shih Tzu. This condition refers to an inability of the heart to function normally. The result is an increased retention of water and salt which leads to a fluid buildup in the lungs.

DENTAL GUM DISEASE

Just as humans, dogs need a certain amount of dental care to maintain their dental health. This includes having their teeth cleaned at least annually by the veterinarian. Other preventative steps include brushing the Shih Tzu teeth with specially formulateddog toothpaste. Providing hard dog biscuits and bones, and chew toys can also help.

EAR INFECTION

Ear infections are common in dog breeds with floppy ears. The ears fill up with a dark, smelly wax. If the condition is left untreated the infection can become chronic.

FLEA BITE DERMATITIS

Fleas often are a part of dog ownership, but certain steps should be taken to avoid excessive fleas that result in flea bites to your dog. Lawns can be treated as well as homes to eliminate live fleas. And your Shih Tzu can receive preventative medications from the veterinarian.

HARDERIAN GLAND PROLAPSE (Cherry Eye)

Harderian gland prolapse into the gland of the third eyelid has prolapsed as a pink fleshy mass protruding over the edge of the third eyelid, between the thirdeyelid and the cornea. This condition usually develops during the first year of life.

HEART MURMURS

Heart murmurs are not necessarily indicative of a heart disease but instead, they can be a hint that the dog may have something wrong. Heart murmurs are abnormal sounds heard when the veterinarian listens to the heartbeat of your Shih Tzu with a stethoscope.

HEARTWORM DISEASE

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Heartworm disease is cyclic. Adult worms average about six inches in length (but they can be much longer) and they mostly live in the heart. Microscopic baby worms live in the blood vessels throughout the body.

HIP DYSPLASIA

Hip dysplasia is a degenerative disease of the hip joints. This condition is often inherited and it can affect one orboth hips. It usually cannot be diagnosed until after the age of 2 years.

HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland stops working. The thyroid gland is responsible for producing a hormone that is responsible for proper metabolism.

INVERTEBRAL DISC DISEASE

Invertebral disk disease is a somewhat common back problem. The discs in the spine slip causing nerve damage. It results in acute pain, loss of movement and or coordination, and even paralysis. The condition usually occurs following a fall or jump.

OBESITY

Smaller dogs can more easily become obese and obesity can result in many diseases and disorders. This can include heart disease, kidney disease, and increased pain from other ailments such as arthritis. Obesity can cause changesin temperature, pulse and heartbeat.

PATELLAR LUXATION (Slipped Stifles or Kneecaps)

Patellar Luxation is usually a congenital condition that appears at birth, but it can also happen due to trauma. This condition affects females 1.5 times more often than it does males. The kneecap slips out of the tendon and then slips back in.

RENAL CORTICAL HYPOPLASIA

Renal Cortical Hypoplasia refers to a condition in which the kidneys have developed incorrectly and are smaller than normal. This condition often results in infections and stone formation.

RENAL DYSPLASIA

Renal Dysplasia can be found in almost any dog breed but it is most commonly found in Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzu. This is a genetic defect or a developmental defect of the kidneys. It is thought that thedefect is caused by an embryonic arrest in kidney development sometime around the birth.

STENOTIC NARES

Stenotic Nares refers to a narrow or restricted our. The opening to the nostril (s) are too small making it difficult for the Shih Tzu to breathe through the nose. This condition can put a strain on various body systems of the dog and even result in an enlargement of the heart.

TRACHEAL COLLAPSE

Tracheal collapse is most commonly found in small breeds including the beloved Shih Tzu. This condition is characterized by a weakening of the cartilage rings of the trachea. The condition can be either congenital or acquired. Obesity is often a contributing factor.

UMBILICAL CORD HERNIA

Major Health Concerns For a Shih Tzu

Adult Shih Tzus Can Come With a History

Danica and her husband Sam decided to adopt Justin, a 2 year old gold and white Shih Tzu that had been turned over to a shelter. Danica and Sam could see Justin's inner beauty at first glance and they knew in their hearts that he was the right dog for them.

It was obvious from the start that Justin would need to be taught some basic commands, he did not seem to understand the concept of housetraining nor did he like when he was called. Additionally, it soon became apparent that Justin did not know how to play or interact well with his dog parents or anyone else. Determined to make this adoption success, Danica and Sam immediately began working with Justin on a daily basis. They sat aside time each day to play with him and to teach him some basic commands. Danica and Samused positive reinforcement that included treats and lots of love and praise.

After only a few weeks things were going much better, Justin was becoming a real family member. Justin was doing well with his training and he seemed to like everyone now. That is, until Sam's brother Joe came for a visit, it was apparent that Justin was not comfortable with him.

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Justin hid behind the couch when Joe walked in and had to be coaxed out by Danica to eat. Danica called her friend that happened to be an animal behavior consultant. Her friend said that Joe apparently reminded the Shih Tzu of someone from his past that was abusive in some way. Danica's friend asked if Joe would be willing to work at easing the dog's discomfort. Joe agreed wholeheartedly and began working with Justin as theanimal behaviorist suggested.

To start, Joe attempted to give the dog treats. He also made a real effort to keep his voice even and friendly. Danica and Sam actually made a point of allowing the dog see them interact with Joe. This was an attempt to allow their pet see that Joe was accepted by his dog parents which would indicate that he must be safe.

Adult Shih Tzus Can Come With a History

The first day did not go so well, Justin continued avoiding Joe and the treats he offered. But the next morning Joe offered the dog his left-over eggs. Joe sat his plate on the floor next to him and within a moment or two Justin came over and ate the eggs. The dog then sat next to Joe waiting for more. Well, that was the beginning of a friendship for the two of them.

Adult Shih Tzus Can Come With a History

Zhu Zhu Pets Puppies

The toy company Cepia LLC released new line of electronic toys for kids-Zhu Zhu Puppies. Puppies is the second generation of Zhu Zhu Pets. The first motorized Hamsters-pets without the mess were released a year ago and became the must-have toys almost at once. Kids all over the world were just crazy about these furry hamsters. Cepia decided to continue this successful politics and designed new toys for kids Zhu Zhu Puppies.

Shitzu Dogs

Zhu Zhu Pets Puppies

Zhu Zhu Pets Puppies

Best Dogs for Children

In this fast-paced era where ever-busy parents find it really difficult to spend lot of time with children and entertain them, pets are great companions who can keep your child engaged tirelessly for long hours. Pets teach children about compassion toward other being.

Dogs have been domesticated for centuries together; hence many breeds are quite friendly with humans. However, parents should be careful while choosing the breed depending upon the age of the children. For example, large dog breeds like Mastiff or Great Dane are not suitable if you have infants or very small children at home. Similarly, very small breeds like Chihuahuas, Pekinese or Shitzu may find it difficult to cope up with hyperactive kids.

Shitzu Dogs

Best Dogs for Children

Best Dogs for Children

Problem Barking-Why They Do It-How You Can Stop It

Barking is a natural trait and doggy-dogs bark for all sorts of reasons: it's their natural way of communicating.

There's the defence bark, "Get orf my land!"

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The dominance bark, "I can bark louder than you because I'm bigger/better/tougher ... etc"

Problem Barking-Why They Do It-How You Can Stop It

The social/excited bark, "Oh my goodness I'm so glad you're back."

And the self-identification bark which alerts the other dogs in the neighbourhood to the fact that, "I'm here guys. It's me at number 12. "

All of these are entirely normal and if practised in moderation causes no problems.

The trouble begins when barking is done to excess. That's when the neighbours begin starring dirty looks in your direction, or worse, bang on your door "in a menacing manner.

Certain breeds are more prone to barking:those bred for guard duties for example, such as German Shepherds. Hunting dogs, such as beagles are also great barkers and the worst culprits seems to be the terriers who just love the sound of their own voices.

However, no breed is immune and it's perfectly possible to end up with a problem Poodle, Greyhound, or Shitzu.

The main causes of problem barking are:

Frustration Lack of exercise Separation anxiety Territorial-defence and alert Fear
In this short article we'll discuss why these types of barking occur and methods of dealing with them.

Frustration Your dog will become frustrated if he's bored, tethered or confined or inappropriately. Think about it. If you were locked up, without any stimulating activity, or maybe tethered to a postall day, wouldn't you go stir crazy after a short while?

There are loads of great dog toys around, designed to stimulate to Fido's brain and reward him periodically by dispensing a little treat. Buy a selection of these toys for and leave them around where he can find them. It'll make home, or the garden seem a more interesting and positive place. Keep tethering to a minimum. If escaping is a problem, have a more secure fence built.

Lack of Exercise Children kept cooped up indoors all day become cranky and conviceps. Fido is no different. All that pent-up energy has to be dissipated somehow: cue problem barking.

This one is easy to solve. Take him for a few daily walks. Run him ragged in the garden with a ball or a toy designed to be pulled. If he'svery active, consider joining an agility class. It's fun and sociable. Don't underestimate basic training. This wheel a dog mentally so he'd prefer to sleep rather than bark.

Separation Anxiety This can be a tricky one to solve as the barking associated with it is self reinforcing.

Fido becomes anxious because you've left, so he barks, which upsets him, so he becomes more anxious, so he barks more, which upsets him making him even more anxious ... get the picture.

Make sure he is left in a comfortable environment, with toys and chews, preferably where he can't destroy anything. Some dogs prefer to be able to see out; others prefer the curtains to be drawn. Go with your own dog's preference.

If the environment is right but the anxiety continues youneed a different approach. Dogs are highly observant. They notice all manner of things. They notice that on work days you looks different; you smell different. you behave differently ... oh-oh, you must be going out and LEAVING him. I know Fido is already on anxiety-alert. By the time you've checked your tie or your hair and grabbed your car keys he's beside himself and is nicely primed to bark his doggy head off when you leave.

To solve this particular problem requires patience and barking deviousness in equal measure. Take a day off in the week but get up, shower, and dress in garb then hang your work around the house. On another occasion pretend to leave but simply go to another room and read a book. Repeat this on a weekend a couple of times (if you can bear to get up, a trampoline anddressed early on a weekend!). Vary your morning routine. Don't apply your perfume until you've left the house; pick up your handbag last instead of your car keys; check your hair then sit down for another cup of tea or coffee; anything to confuse the dog and break the habit.

If you are out for long periods, two dogs can be company for each other (but beware those partnerships which simply double the trouble!). Alternatively employ a dog-walker; someone who pops round to provide some company and interest during the day.

Defence of territory, or ' alert ' barking This is Fido's way of telling you someone is approaching your property and it's a good sort of bark as one of the benefits of owning a dog is the improved security he provides.

Normal alert barkingis a few short sharp barks to let you know someone is here, and then it's over to you as pack leader to decide how to deal with them. Problem alert barking occurs when the normal ' handover ' from dog to owner doesn't happen and Fido sees it as his role to continue barking until the stranger (the postman or delivery driver for example) has left the premises. This is self-reinforcing behaviour of course as the postman or delivery driver will naturally leave once they've made their delivery but Fido thinks it is entirely due to his efforts so will bark all the more the next time a stranger approaches.

In this instance we need to re-establish ourselves as pack leader and make sure he knows that a couple of short barks is great, and that he's a good boy for alerting us to the stranger butnow that's enough. NO Yelling at him probably won't work as NO sounds like you're barking along with him which must mean that you want him to continue!

Try a firm command like ' enough ' or ' cease '. Reward as soon as he stops barking, even for a second. Extend the time gradually so that he's calm and quiet for a few seconds before he receives the treat. Be careful to give the treat only when he's quiet or he'll think you're rewarding him for barking! Ensure everyone in the house uses the same command for this and Fido will soon get the message.

Fear Occasionally, some dogs become fearful of certain situations: cars, lawn mowers, children on bikes ... the list is endless. Rescue dogs in particular seem very prone to this type of barking. My first dog was a lovelyrescue terrier who was terrified of old people. A man in a flat cap would send her into a frenzy of barking. I can only assume she'd been maltreated by her previous owner, an elderly gentleman.

My instinct was to soothe her but unfortunately that reinforced the barking because if I was soothing and calming her there must be something worth worrying about ... right?

The trick in this case is to play on how observant dogs are and how they take their cues from us. First, work on getting Fido to concentrate on you. Use your voice and treats to encourage him to think that you are the centre of his world. Act relaxed and completely normally around whatever it is which is making him nervous. Reward Fido when he's calm and gradually introduces him to the object of his fear over a periodof time, continuing to reward all the time he stays calm.

Inappropriate barking can be a tricky problem to solve but with patience and positive reinforcement the results are worth it, especially for your neighbours!

Problem Barking-Why They Do It-How You Can Stop It

Think Carefully Before Deciding to Breed Shih Tzu's

If you already own a Shih Tzu you know what a wonderful dog they are. Although they are lively and alert, they are also content to be by your side, they are the perfect companion.

Shih Tzu are beautiful and their long flowing hair comes in all colors. It is no wonder that so many of us consider breeding Shih Tzu. After all, having Shih Tzu puppies around is fun, right?

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While puppies are fun they are work and a huge responsibility. But we need to back up a little bit. Let us talk about before the puppies arrive. First of all you will need to find a good match for your Shih Tzu. Size and color must be considered as well as the health of the babies.

Think Carefully Before Deciding to Breed Shih Tzu's

Once you believe your female is pregnant you will need to visit your veterinarian for confirmation and to check up.Gestation is 63 days. During that time you will need to properly feed and care for your female. Her diet must be of the highest quality.

Preparation for the puppies before they arrive is essential. You will need to prepare a whelping box. Plastic sweater boxes work well for this. Line the bottom with newspaper and then place a clean blanket (that has been rinsed well with no fabric softener) over the box. You will want to snug this blanket in and tape it on the bottom of the box.

The idea is to have a comfortable spot for momma and babies but to eliminate the possibility of babies getting lost under the blanket. You will need to have a heating pad to keep under one end of the box. The puppies must be kept warm but the momma may want to get away from the heat attimes.

You will need to purchase a baby scale for weighing the puppies. Careful documentation of their weight and growth in general is important. Do not forget about the vaccinations and de-worming of the babies. And keep in mind that you will need to have food available for them when they reach that stage. Another expense is that of puppy pads. Some people use newspaper but the pads are more absorbent and less messy.

I know that sounds like a lot, and it is, but it is all necessary. In fact, there is still more to do. Your puppies will need socialization. That means you will need to spend some quality time with each of them every day. This includes playing with them, stroking them, rubbing their face and feet, and introducing them to new surfaces. You will also want to insurethat they are using the puppy pad.

Of course you will have the added task of finding good homes for the babies. This can mean advertisement costs and probably some stressful moments in seeing your babies leave.

Think Carefully Before Deciding to Breed Shih Tzu's

Shihtzu Training-Patience is Your Best Friend

Do not let the small stature of your Shitzu fool you. These dogs can be a handful if you are not careful. When it comes to the Shitzu-its small stature is synonymous with active, busy, curious, and creative. Finding toys to entertain and to keep them busy should be a top priority. If you do not provide toys, they will find activities on their own to keep themselves busy like digging, chewing, barking, and exploring.

If you plan to own a Shitzu, then it is important to make sure you have a fenced yard (primarily for supervised exercise), doors that close securely, lots of toys and activities, and lots of time to exercise, socialize, train and groom this little bundle of energy. In addition, be conscious of sudden bursts of energy. The Shitzu might be a decorative dog,but they are constantly on the go and very playful, so be prepared.

Shitzu's are very good-natured dogs; however, they can be effervescent at times. The Shitzu is not easy to train. however, they are a very intelligent breed. They depend greatly on human companionship; therefore making them easy to spoil. Sometimes you may even notice a stubborn streak, with a little pride and arrogance. Additionally, they also have short memories, are easily distracted, and have selective memories.

Shitzu Dogs

Shitzu's have a good sense of humor. They would rather play than get serious about a training session. Making your Shitzu want to cooperate is the best way to train them. Make a conscious effort to spend some time with your Shitzu to teach her the basics. Remember, when it comes to housetrainingshe may require several refresher courses.

Do not push them too hard, and keep expectations realistic. There are Shitzu's that have won some high-level obedience awards; however, yours may not be able to follow in those footsteps. Do not get me wrong, your Shitzu might be able to reach those levels; they most certainly have the intelligence, but keep in mind that they were bred to be flamboyant companions not working dogs.

Shihtzu Training-Patience is Your Best Friend

It takes dedicated, patient, skilled, talented, and experienced owners to take a Shitzu to the level of an obedience champion. Keeping a Shitzu focused is not an easy task. Shitzu's can easily learn house manners; however, shihtzu training is unquestionably going to be a challenge.

Your Shitzu will enjoy making you happy by obeying a few commands, butwill tire of that activity quickly and will want to be held and coddled. If you ask for a repeat performance, she may refuse stubbornly, and no matter how much you beg, it will not work.

Remember, these dogs have a mind of their own, so don't push too hard. However, if you are an experienced trainer and your Shitzu have a love for obedience training, you will both be surprised with the outcome.

Shihtzu Training-Patience is Your Best Friend

Some Simple Tips on Shih Tzu Puppy Training

Shih Tzu Puppy Training

The joys of having a Shih Tzu puppy, which is also called a lion dog and chrysanthemum dog, is incomparable. You will appreciate it's cute and cuddly appearance, soft and smooth fur, and adoring eyes that make it one of the most desirable pets around. It's quality as an excellent guard dog, despite its small size is a bonus!

Shitzu Dogs

Like all dog breeds, however, you must train your lion dog to integrate fully into human society whilst staying true to its natural tendencies and temperaments. You can achieve this through proper puppy training, of which many benefits can be had.

Some Simple Tips on Shih Tzu Puppy Training

Build Good Relationships

The basis of a good relationship with your Shih Tzu puppy is trust, which should be nurtured from the first contact. When you havemutual trust, your pet will follow your commands without the attendant displeasure, confusion and anxiety present in most untrained puppies.

Of course, your pet and the people around you will appreciate your relationship. For one thing, your dog will follow commands that can put it out of harm's way specifically with dog fights. For another thing, your family members and neighbors will appreciate your pet happy, thanks to good puppy training. Ultimately, your relationships with your dog and with other people will benefit from a well-behaved Shih Tzu, puppy or not.

Fix Behavioral Difficulties

It must be emphasized that dogs, like people, have different temperaments although certain traits can be attributed to lion dogs. In addition to their naturally sweet,trustful and playful nature, lion dogs can be very stubborn and easily distracted as well as snappy. Thus, if you are training your pet, always keep these general personality traits in mind.

When you do succeed in your puppy training, you will delightedly discover that your dog behavioral problems wonderfully vanish. You can say goodbye to poop and pee littering the house and the lawn, to neighbors being annoyed with your Shih Tzu's bad behavior, and to children being snapped on by a temperamental puppy. In short, you will have a healthy, happy puppy that will and huggable bring plenty of joy to the family. What more can you want in a pet?

Encourage Socialization

Amongst all the dog breeds, the lion dogs are said to be the most sociable, most affectionate and mostplayful. You will observe that your pet constantly craves human attention and contact, which can lead to behavioral problems with both the dog and the human kinds.

Puppy training, however, minimizes the problems associated with such an attention seeker mentality. Of course, you will train your puppy in the correct ways that he should interact around other dogs and humans. Besides, you can establish who the alpha dog is in the pack, thanks to said training. In a Shih Tzu, you must assert your authority or else you will be taken over by its arrogant and dominant qualities!

So, don't ever hesitate! As soon As you read this article, you can go ahead to my website to learn more about puppy training.

Some Simple Tips on Shih Tzu Puppy Training

The Adwords Trick Methods Revealed

Making some green with Google Adwords is a great way to work online. It can be a quick and lucrative way to bring in the dough right from your computer. Many already know this and have been doing extremely well. Yet others getting in on the game have discovered it to be more difficult than it seems. Especially now days with everyone in on the action and ad costs becoming expensive, for some to the point of not even being worth it. This is where the cunning and sly will not give up, but rather will employ an Adwords trick or two. Here are two Adwords trick methods that successful people have employed.

1. Optimizing. This Adwords trick is pretty simple, while being very effective. It basically entails figuring out which key phrases are getting the clicks and turning overwell. The Adwords trick here is to try and focus on phrases with longer rear ends to them. That is phrases that are not so one or two word general, but rather say three or four word specific. For instance the term "Shitzu dog is less likely to turn over than say" how to groom my shitzu dog. " You're targeting something specific laser that people are actively, and specifically, searching for.

2. Offsetting transaction. This adwords trick method is the biggie. Done right it can lead to essentially not having to pay for your Adwords! What this entails is Adwords trick your ad costs, offsetting transaction over to your competitors. That is, actually using Adwords to make money selling other ads! This obviously can be a powerful Adwords trick that has the potential to put you way ahead of thegame.

The key is in fact staying ahead of the game and the only way to do that successfully is first learning, then employing an adwords trick or two such as the above methods. This can guarantee forward progress in the google adwords game and lead to very successful earnings.

Shitzu Dogs

The Adwords Trick Methods Revealed

The Adwords Trick Methods Revealed

Show Off Man's Best Friend With Designer Dog Accessories

People who like to look stylish when they go out in public, or just sitting around the house, also want their dogs to have the finest in designer dog accessories and clothing. Why not treat your dog like you'd treat the rest of your family? Hats, shoes, sweaters, beds, collars, harnesses, and jewelry are all things you can pamper your precious puppy with.

It may seem like an unnecessary expense to many of us, but designer dog accessories are really no more expensive if you buy them online from the manufacturer, than if you went into your local pet store and bought a generic accessory. You also get the benefit of being able to customize many apparel items with jewels, snaps, buttons, colors, stitching, fabric etc.

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Those of us out there that want to keep our manlydog looking rugged may settle for a hip collar, or a designer bed with frame to keep our pal comfy. Others may want to class their poodle, shitzu, or dachshund with trendy-looking sweaters, booties and hats to make them sparkle out in public or to show off their expensive custom haircuts.

Designer dog accessories are suitable for all breeds of animals, but some like the Italian Greyhound are treated like royalty in certain countries and it's tradition to have them sporting a fashionable Martingale Collar or various "Lord" inspired collars to show off their sleek necks. A little research will show similar traditional wears for many exotic and non-exotic canine breeds.

Show Off Man's Best Friend With Designer Dog Accessories

Show Off Man's Best Friend With Designer Dog Accessories

Should You Choose a Shih Tzu? Pros and Cons

Shih Tzus can be a joy or a pain depending on your situation, and like any breed there are pros and cons. Here are a few things to consider:

Pros: They have the ideal temperament for singles or couples with older kids are people dogs-outgoing, confident and alert. While they may appear somewhat arrogant on sight, the breed usually possesses a sweet-natured temperament. can go from being the ultimate TV-watching couch potato companion to playful pet at the dangling of a toy or toss of a treat. These little guys seem to know they're irresistible and enjoy being treated like royalty. But all the spoiling their owners lavish them with is returned a hundredfold with their fierce loyalty.

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With: They are not always good for babies or young children
Because are used tobeing the center of attention, they can get jealous of babies or young children who constantly need adult supervision. And an older Shih Tzu may snap if bothered by boisterous kids who are not respectful of its space. But some are more tolerant, and if pup and child are introduced properly at an early stage, they may get along swimmingly.

Pros: The breed requires minimal exercise
Unlike other action-loving breeds, are usually content with a short walk around the block or indoor play sessions. If you have a yard, letting your out for brief periods during the day will thrill him, but this breed is also well suited for apartment dwellers.

Should You Choose a Shih Tzu? Pros and Cons

With: High maintenance when it comes to grooming
The is a long-haired breed, and without regular brushing, it can become a matted,knotted mess. If you can't commit to setting time out daily to comb your dog's fur, you'll have to make regular appointments with the local dog groomer for frequent trims to keep his coat short and clean. also require a weekly bath and nail clipping.

Pro: A storied history
If you want a piece of history ambling about your house, look no further than the. Based on the breed's appearances in ancient Chinese paintings, it is thought that have been around since 624 AD and while the breed's origin is a subject of much debate, they were known to be part of the Chinese court.

With: A history of health problems
While generally healthy creatures, Shih Tzus are subject to a kidney disease called renal dysplasia. Also, because of their short faces, this breed has to be handledwith more care than some other breeds-a Shih Tzu's respiratory system is compromised by his short nose, I don't smoke or use strong chemical cleaning products around him. Also, short-faced dogs have a high risk of heatstroke, so minimizing your dog's outdoor activity during the summer is essential.

Pro: All the cool kids have
Because are awesome, they have been a staple in the American Kennel Club's Top 10 Most Popular Breeds since 2004.

With: All the cool kids have Shih Tzus
The burden of any popular breed is abuse by puppy millers and backyard breeders, who damage the gene pool by mass-breeding dogs for profit and not for the betterment of the breed.

Should You Choose a Shih Tzu? Pros and Cons

How to Train a Shih Tzu Dog

If you just got a Shih Tzu puppy, there are a few common characteristics that they display. They are a small, yet sturdy, long body and legged dog, that will grow a long flowing coat in different colors. They don't need much exercise, and typically are proud, dignified, yet happy and playful. They are friendlier with strangers than most smaller breeds and less yappy.

The downside to owning this breed of dog is that they also suffer separation anxiety and can become destructive and barky if left alone too much, and they are also stubborn. Of course, high coat maintenance is required such as brushing and trimming, and they can be difficult to housebreak. You might hear them snoring and another sniffling, snorting and some can have serious health problems.

Shitzu Dogs

The main thing toconsider with training puppies is that they are quick to think of themselves as humans, and on equal ground with their owners, so it is important to be consistent in training, and they are intuitive with intonation of your voice, so you may have to be strict when training the playful and stubborn Shih Tzu.

They love cuddling and snuggling and like being pampered. These are positive rewards that can be used when training a Shih Tzu puppy.

How to Train a Shih Tzu Dog

Housebreaking can be done with puppy crate training, and it is important to get them on a schedule after they are 12 weeks old, when it comes to feeding, watering and letting them outdoors. A schedule that allows feeding every few hours, press several times a day, and letting them outside 5 or 6 times a day, works best. After 12 weeks, youcan feed less frequently, but you will still need to water and let them out frequently up until they are at least six months old. Housebreaking depends on vigilance, and it is not unusual for puppy crate training to take 4 to 6 months.

Because of their small size and body shape, it is important to realize that their food and water intake in smaller, yet more frequent sessions, and tend to need to go outdoors more frequently than larger dogs. They are prone to more serious health risks due to their long back, which is susceptible to disk problems, and also can develop joint, kidney and skin problems.

Sometimes they have breathing problems, due to their unnaturally short face and nose, so the potential for heat stroke in hot humid weather is riskier with a Shih Tzu, thanother breeds. Do not leave your dog outside in hot weather for long periods of time, and make sure that their puppy training crate is large enough for them to turn their long body around, and is kept in a cool, comfortable place when you are away.

Because of their separation anxiety, it is best not to leave them in the cage for long periods of time, and also be mindful that they can become destructive and chew things up when nervous. Hard rubber chew toys are all that should be allowed with a Shih Tzu, and nothing that could cause choking small.

Training the proud and stubborn Shih Tzu demands consistency in tone, commands and schedule, but you can still expect it to take a little longer than most breeds in the majority of cases.

How to Train a Shih Tzu Dog

Is Cesar Millan the Gay Communities SuperNanny " "?

Taking on the ' dog whisperer '

OK, I admit, I've gotten sucked into episodes of '' The Dog Whisperer '' and been intrigued by Cesar Millan's magic with canines. The guy's likable enough, and he's an animal lover (I presume), so I give him points for that. And I've even tried his training methods (sort of) with my dopey but headstrong Rottweiler. But for some reason I'm not completely sold. The skeptic in me says that this Mexican guy hit the jackpot one day when he realized he could make a buck by convincing desperate shitzu/pitbull/goldendoodle/shepherd owners that he could rehabilitate their growly, ill-behaved "terrors.

Shitzu Dogs

Is Cesar Millan the Gay Communities SuperNanny " "?

Is Cesar Millan the Gay Communities SuperNanny " "?