Shih Tzu: Alone time at home
For Shih Tzu at home, change the environment and departure routine before asking the dog to cope with more time alone. Schedule the first attempt after the dog's normal age-appropriate outlet, not at peak excitement. Use gates, safe resting areas, enrichment, and predictable departures while recording the dog's response. Use the camera or a written log to choose the next small change instead of estimating from the clock alone.
What to change at home first
Shih Tzu's exercise is recorded as The Shih Tzu was bred to be a house companion. Here, that matters because it changes the amount and timing of movement, stimulation, and recovery this situation needs.
Make the home routine predictable
- Use gates, safe resting areas, enrichment, and predictable departures while recording the dog's response.
- Use this exercise note (The Shih Tzu was bred to be a house companion) to choose the starting amount of movement and the length of the recovery period.
- Use the camera or a written log to choose the next small change instead of estimating from the clock alone.
Do not leave the dog to panic
Do not increase time alone through panic, destruction, escape attempts, or prolonged vocalisation.
References
Height: 9-10.5 inches
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 9-16 pounds
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 10-18 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: A Shih Tzu with a long coat requires daily brushing. Use a good-quality wire brush with flexible pins, and layer the hair to be sure you reach to the skin. A bath about every three or four weeks will help to keep the coat clean and at its best. Remember to comb the mustache and topknot daily, and gently clean the corner of the eyes with a damp cloth.…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: The Shih Tzu was bred to be a house companion. As such, they require minimal exercise. Short daily walks with their owner and indoor playtime will satisfy the activity needs of this small, short-legged companion.
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: Training a Shih Tzu can be both an amusing and a frustrating experience. The breed tends to charm his owner into letting him have his own way, which can result in a chubby, less-than-completely-housebroken pet who is difficult to groom. Because Shih Tzu are such people dogs, training methods based on praise and rewards work best. Harsh corrections should…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: That face! Those big dark eyes looking up at you with that sweet expression! It's no surprise that Shih Tzu owners have been so delighted with this little 'Lion Dog' for a thousand years. Where Shih Tzu go, giggles and mischief follow.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['No recommended health tests']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ShihTzu.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
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