You Can Train Your Shih Tzu To Stop His Endless Barking by Chris Boshoff

Barking is part of a dog's normal behavior, but excessive barking can become a nuisance and make you very unpopular with your neighbors. It is best to acknowledge the problem and to let your neighbors know that you are working on the problem. You can even ask your neighbors to help you in this regard, as they will be able to tell you when the barking occur, as you may be at work and unaware of the problem.

Determine the reason for your dog's barking.

The first step to rectify excessive barking is to determine the reason for the barking. Dogs bark because they seek attention, are bored, suffer from separation anxiety, are scared or are protecting their territory.

Attention seeking starts at a very early age and it is important not to pay attention to your dog every time he barks. If you do, he will associate the barking with getting attention and that will create a lot of problems later on in life.

To limit a bored dog's barking, you need to introduce excitement into his life. Take him out for short walks, play games with your dog, teach him new tricks and introduce toys into his life. It will take a bit of your time, but remember Shih Tzu were bred for companionship in the first place, so you owe it to your dog. Exercising is not only good for your dog's health, but you will find that a tired dog also barks less than a dog full of energy. Just keep the walks short as a Shih Tzu gets tired rather quickly due to their flat noses. If your dog is alone you may think of getting him a companion.

To stop your dog barking at children in the street it is best to take your dog to an area where he cannot see the children. This is not always possible and you may need to try something else. When your dog starts his barking tell him to be quiet. When he stops tell him good boy and reward him with a treat. If he continues you need to take more drastic measures like shaking a can filled with stones - dogs hate the sound. Another drastic measure is to throw water in your dogs face. The technique may sound harsh, but it works. He will quickly associate the quiet command with water in his face and stop his barking.

If your Shih Tzu is very territorial and protective (this is highly unlikely), you can ask a friend to walk in the street approaching your home. If the dog doesn't bark tell him good boy. Ask your friend to come closer and keep on praising your dog if he doesn't bark. The friend can eventually enter your premises and be sure to give your dog a huge bonus if he allows the friend to enter without barking. Also ask the friend to pat the dog. If you repeat this enough times your dog will learn that people are not a threat and that there is no reason for his barking.

Collars

There are collars on the market that will produce an offensive smell or an irritating noise or electrical impulse each time your dog barks. The problem with collars is that it does not address the underlying reason for your dog's barking. When you remove the collar barking will generally return. However, citrus collars do work and you may want to try it if the other techniques do not work.

About the Author

If you enjoyed this articles visit Chris's website http://www.shihtzuparadise.com where he discusses many more issues affecting the Shih Tzu.

Miniature Shih Tzu - Half the Size, Double the Price by Chris Boshoff

Let me warn you. If you think a Miniature Shih Tzu is going to cost you less because they are small, think again. Yes, they eat less and you may save a dollar or two on their food bill, but their price and the price you pay to your vet will quickly erase this saving.

But then again, novelties in life cost money.

The price you pay for the dog

Miniature Shih Tzu are more expensive than the regular size Shih Tzu and for good reason. It is simply a matter of supply and demand. Small dogs have fewer puppies than bigger dogs, and in miniature breeds one or two puppies per litter is not uncommon. This, the fact that Miniature Shih Tzu puppies require a lot more attention than a regular Shih Tzu and the fact that it is more difficult for a Miniature Shih Tzu breeder to cover his cost, cause less breeders to go into the breeding of the miniature version. The breed is also not recognized by the American Kennel Club or the American Shih Tzu Club as a separate breed, which create even less of an incentive.

Vet fees

Nature has a tendency to eliminate the weak, thereby increasing the chance of the offspring to survive. However, instead of the stronger puppies, the smaller and weaker puppies of litters have been used to breed the Miniature Shih Tzu. By breeding with the weaker dogs, we are going against the laws of nature and should expect more health problems. That is indeed the case, and problems such as fragile bones, diarrhea, problems with blood sugar levels, and problem teeth are not uncommon.

All is not lost. The following are things you can do to reduce your vet bill.

1. The first thing, and in my opinion the most important, is to buy from a reputable Mini Shih Tzu breeder. A good breeder will have no problem to supply you with a written guarantee, as he has confidence in his dogs. Money sharks on the other hand will not supply you with a guarantee, as they do things like underfeeding Shih Tzu to keep them small, breed with weak and unhealthy dogs, sell you very young puppies so they appear small and sell the smallest puppy of a regular Shih Tzu litter as a miniature; the list goes on. Just remember that although you significantly reduce your risk when you buy from a good breeder, the risk is still much higher than with the normal Shih Tzu.

2. Look where you go. The bones of a Miniature Shih Tzu are fragile and if you step on them or they fall from a couch, they can break their bones, so be careful. People with very small children should also think twice before they buy one, as children can easily hurt a Miniature Shih Tzu due to their small size.

3. Measure their temperature frequently. For a start feel the ears. The ears should be warm and if the ears are cold the puppy run a big risk of getting chilled. You can also put your finger in the puppy's mouth. It should feel warm. If in any doubt, use a thermometer.

The cost you pay for your dog is nothing compared to the price a puppy pays as a result of bad breeding. In many cases they pay with their life - choose your puppy carefully.

About the Author

There are of course more to the Miniature Shih Tzu than can be discussed in one article. I am interested to hear what you have to say about the Miniature Shih Tzu. Please take a poll on my website about the Miniature Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu Postpartum Care by Connie Limon

Whelping a litter of Shih Tzu puppies can sometimes be physically and emotionally exhausting for both you and the Shih Tzu matron. Before you take your well deserved rest, be certain the Shih Tzu matron and Shih Tzu puppies are comfortable, each Shih Tzu puppy has nursed well, the heat lamp is not too close, and the heating pad is not turned up too high.

At this time it is crucial to maintain proper environmental temperatures. Newborn Shih Tzu puppies are incapable of controlling their own body temperatures. Chilling to any degree leaves newborn Shih Tzu puppies susceptible to infectious disease. Room temperature should be maintained at about 85 degrees Fahrenheit for at least their first few days.

Initially offer your Shih Tzu dam only soft, messy-type foods and supplements of a high quality milk replacement added to her food. I like using Pedigree Lamb and Rice canned formula with Just Born milk replacement powder sprinkled on top or mixed within.

Most Shih Tzu dams are ready for a good meal once whelping is over and the puppies are all settled in nursing well. However, do not worry if she refuses one or two feedings during her first 24 hours of motherhood. Do not expect her to leave her newborn Shih Tzu puppies. If she is too exhausted to eat right after whelping, she will be ready by the next day most usually.

To prevent serious cleanup problems, place four interlocking layers of open newspaper on the floor over heavy plastic film such as that used by painters. Plastic sheeting covered by newspaper saves all flooring, is nonporous, makes any cleanup easy and is inexpensive to purchase.

Use Clorox bleach, ¾ cup to a gallon of water to disinfect the Shih Tzu whelping box and immediate area. You will need to disinfect daily.

Two days following whelping, offer your Shih Tzu matron soft food mixed with a high quality dog food. I use HealthyPetNet Life's Abundance and have found it to be the absolute best food for my Shih Tzu.

Your Shih Tzu dam should be seen by a veterinarian for a postpartum examination within 24 hours of whelping. It is not uncommon for a Shih Tzu dam to retain one or more placentas, large amounts of blood and other body fluids in the uterus. It is also possible that she retained one or two Shih Tzu puppies as well. All of these need to be expelled immediately. Retention will predispose the Shih Tzu dam to infection. Many veterinarians will give the oxytocin shot within the first 24 hours of whelping to help her expel any retained fluids, placental material and/or puppies.

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

About the Author

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Pet clothing is offered on the website. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com