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Ralph at 9-months. Courtesy of Sarah from Bedfordshire, UK.

Bailey at 8-months. Courtesy of Neil from Dorset, UK.

Lady Mia with and without her lip gloss. Courtesy of Toy from Oregon.

Bailey, courtesy of Karen from Saskatchewan.

Luna aged 3-years, with her pink monkey. Courtesy of Ida from Putnam County, New York.

Dixie aged 1-year. Courtesy of Vicki from Jacksonville, Florida.

Charlie in the car.

Bruno in the car

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Our Most Popular Articles:

- Best Toys For A Shih Tzu – What To Look Out For
  PlaytimeWhat Defines What Are The Best Toys For A Shih Tzu? To understand what the best toys for a shih tzu are we need to know what a shih tzu actually needs from a toy. It’s all too easy to build up a collection of toys for your shih tzu where most of them are redundant, totally ignored by your dog. However, you do need to experiment to find out what toys he really likes so it is almost inevitable that this will happen. The answer to this problem is, once you have found the toys that your shih tzu likes, to have a clearout and pass the ignored ones onto a shelter. Your shih tzu will need different toys to fulfil different needs and it is best to shop only for toys that will specifically meet these needs rather than randomly purchasing on impulse just because you like the look of something. This will go some way to preventing the build-up of a “toy mountain”. What Does A Shih Tzu Need From A Toy? There are a few different reasons why a shih tzu will require a toy and I will go through these one by one. TOYS TO HELP WITH TEETHING From the age of 3 to 4 months up to around 7 to 9 months, perhaps a little longer in some cases, a shih tzu puppy has a tough time as the 42 adult teeth push through and displace the 28 baby teeth. During this period he will experience great soreness and discomfort and will instinctively try to chew anything in an attempt to alleviate the pain. Any toys you can provide to help with this will be most welcomed by your shih tzu and also by you as he will have something to chew on that isn’t your expensive shoe, purse or furniture. Of course, he is only a puppy and you will, through positive reinforcement, have to teach him what are the correct items to chew and what are not to be chewed. The most important quality a teething toy must have is durability. It must be able to resist a constant onslaught from strong, sharp teeth and attempts to rip it asunder. It must not fragment into small pieces that could become choking hazards. Next is size, a teething toy must be the right size for your dog. It must be not so small that it could be swallowed and block the airway and it must not be so large that it cannot be gripped comfortably between the jaws. Another essential quality of a teething toy is texture. Rather than be smooth all over it helps if there are different shapes and protrusions that can get into all of the crevices inside a dog’s mouth and between the teeth to soothe the gums. Rubber or plastic bones or balls with raised nubs are good for this, as are rope toys. Some teething toys a flavored or scented with something like chicken or bacon to encourage your shih tzu to actually pick it up and chew it. If you have problems getting your puppy to use teething toys it may be worth a try buying one of these. Toys that can be chilled or frozen can bring great relief to a puppy’s sore teeth and gums. Finally, teething toys can become very dirty, coming into contact with doggy saliva and, especially if your puppy is not fully potty trained, urine and excrement, making it a playground for bacteria. So a teething toy needs to be easy to clean, perhaps even machine washable or dishwasher safe. STRONGER CHEW TOYS FOR ADULT SHIH TZU Just because your shih tzu has passed the puppy and teething stage, his urge to chew at times during the day does not disappear. This is a good thing as regular chewing keeps your dog’s jaws strong and his teeth and gums healthy, especially if you buy him toys designed for this. Some dogs will chew out of boredom or stress and at times like this will often chew their paws. Providing and encouraging the use of chew toys rather than the paws can help with this. Adult chew toys, faced with the prospect of stronger teeth bearing down upon them, need to be even more durable than teething toys but with enough “give” to allow the jaws, teeth and gums a good work out. As with the teething toys, they need to be the right size for your shih tzu’s mouth. INTERACTIVE TOYS Interactive toys are designed to entertain or give your shih tzu something to think about, something to occupy his mind, keep him busy and prevent boredom especially at times when you are busy or not there with him. These toys will stimulate a reaction through various means. Perhaps the toys will squeak, produce an animal noise or speak in a voice. Or it may move, either through inertia, i.e. as in a bouncing ball, or by electromechanical means, perhaps it will move along the floor, wiggling as it does so. Or, an interactive toy may keep a shih tzu interested just by having several different textures to explore. Rubber or plastic balls with nubs protruding make great interactive toys. Some shih tzu learn to roll and chase them themselves, not only keeping them amused but providing good cardiovascular exercise, too. GO FETCH TOYS Speaking of cardiovascular exercise, this comes in abundance with toys designed for you to throw for your shih tzu to chase and retrieve. You can play indoors if you have enough space, somewhere like a hallway where your shih tzu can get a decent run, but it you go outside into the yard or the local park it can be good exercise for you as well. If you are outdoors, perhaps you don’t need a toy, the traditional stick may suffice! Empty plastic bottles with the lid off so that they can collapse are a great favorite because of the noise they make and the change in texture. Bouncy rubber balls are good, shih tzu love to chase the pitch of the ball and catch it before it lands again. Frisbee like discs designed with the shape and durability suitable for a dog’s mouth are also good toys to play chase and catch with. Playing fun fetch games with toys like this for as little as fifteen minutes a day can increase the bond between you and your shih tzu immensely. It also allows your shih tzu to fulfil the need to work off excess energy, something many of the breed will do by running around in an apparently mad, haphazard manner for a few minutes if they don’t get enough exercise. LEARNING AND REWARD TOYS Shih tzu are an intelligent breed that sometimes need something to focus their minds on to stop them becoming bored. Hence there is a great variety of learning toys on the market designed to make a dog think of how to solve a puzzle that usually will ultimately lead to a reward as an incentive to complete the puzzle. The reward may be something like a squeaky toy or it may be kibble or other treat. Generally, though this is not always the case, the puzzles that offer toy rewards are for you and your shih tzu to work on together and the treat toys are usually for keeping him amused when his in on his own and you are out for a while. TIP: To make treat toys extra special, fill them with dry treats or kibble mixed with smooth peanut butter. Learning toys come in various degrees of difficulty with the better ones having the ability to adjust the difficulty level. If your shih tzu isn’t used to puzzle toys, start him off on easy level 1 or level 2 and, as he gets used to how to complete them, work him up the levels one by one until he is able to complete the most difficult puzzles. Among things a shih tzu may be called upon to do when playing with learning toys and to progress with the puzzle are to open flaps, reach into openings or crevices, remove covers, press buttons and switch levers. The best treat toys will only release a part of the treat at a time which will encourage your shih tzu to continue playing with it and keep him occupied for some time. This is good for when you are busy with something else and can also help prevent separation anxiety when you are out of the home. All toys need to be durable and easy to clean but this is more so with treat toys, especially if you are going to use the peanut butter mix. It also helps if they are dishwasher safe. COMFORT TOYS Comfort toys are basically soft toys that will help a new puppy through that difficult transition stage from parting the safety and warmth of his mother and litter siblings to moving into the initially strange surroundings of his new home for life. They will also help a shih tzu of any age that is left alone at times to get over any separation anxiety issues. The better comfort toys will mimic an animal in some way, probably with the ability to make a noise of some sort. Some are really sophisticated and can emit a simulated heartbeat and even simulate body heat. These toys are usually see a lot of life, will get dragged around the home a lot and perhaps even be used as a humping toy. Once your shih tzu gets attached to a comfort toy, you will never be able to dispose of it. So it is essential to buy the best quality you can for maximum life and durability; it must also be machine washable with the ability to remove any electronic components first. Size is not such an issue with these toys as with all of the others but they still shouldn’t be so big and heavy that your shih tzu cannot move it around with his teeth. The Bottom Line Surveys show that most shih tzu owners buy their dogs rubber and plastic balls, rope toys, squeaky toys, soft toys and synthetic bones. The dogs themselves like toys that taste or smell of food, are chewable and make a noise. Armed with this information and all of the previous information in this article, you should now have a reasonably good idea of what to shop for to build up your shih tzu’s toy basket and keep him happy. If you have any thoughts or questions about this article, shih tzu issues in general or about this website, please use the comments box below or contact us. Happy toy shopping, Shih Tzu Steve.... Read more...
- Is CBD Oil Good For Dogs? – The Story So Far
  Health and FitnessThe Jury Is Still Out On This One Now that there has been a relaxation in the cannabis and marijuana laws in many parts of the world, there has been a growing interest in cannabis products. You cannot view a pet-related website these days where a banner ad for CBD oil is not present. Apart from this one, that is. There are so many different CBD products with varying levels of quality on sale, especially for pets. None of the pet products have ever been formally, scientifically tested, so the answer to the question, “Is CBD oil good for dogs?” is, no-one can say for sure. Because of the lack of scientific tests, we cannot be 100% sure of the benefits of CBD oil, what any side effects are and how severe, how much is a safe dose, how much is a toxic overdose and what the long-term effects are. All we have to base our judgment on at the moment is word of mouth from people that have given it to their dogs over a period of time. Buy Quality If You Are Going To Use CBD Oil CBD, or cannabinoid, oil is derived from either the hemp plant or the marijuana plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the constituent part that gives a psychoactive high, is removed entirely or as near to entirely as possible from the product so that what is left is an apparent relaxant that has a therapeutic effect on the nervous system. Because of the lack of scientific testing, the market has not yet been regulated. This means there are a lot of rogue traders out there selling inferior products that may be diluted, may contain no cannabinoids at all or may even be harmful. If you are going to buy CBD oil it is important that you avoid these inferior products which will mean paying a little more for a quality product from a reputed source. 6 TOP BUYING TIPS CBD oil can come on its own as a tincture or ready mixed in with foods and treats. Choose the tincture simply because you are then in control of how much you are giving your dog. Make sure it is made from hemp and not marijuana. It probably will be made from hemp, but check the label anyway.Buy human grade rather than pet grade. If this is not possible buy the highest quality pet grade you can.Buy organic. Non-organic may contain traces of pesticides, fungicides, solvents and other unwanted additives which may make your dog’s health worse rather than better.Make sure the product is not diluted and contains a decent amount of CBD. If in doubt, ask to see a lab analysis report. A reputed manufacturer will supply one.Make sure the product contains no THC. This probably will be the case, but check anyway. ID: 177959728 © Omstudio | Depositphotos What Are The Benefits Of CBD Oil? There are so many reported health benefits of CBD oil, it makes one wonder why everybody doesn’t use it and why it isn’t dripped into every pet’s food bowl. It certainly makes me wonder if they are all true, but I have had conversations on social media with many dog owners that give CBD oil to their pets and all but one say their dogs show signs of improvement, sometimes remarkably so. Even the one that didn’t see any improvement thought that it was because she had picked an inferior product. THE 8 MOST POPULARLY BELIEVED BENEFITS Remember, the purported benefits of CBD oil on pets has not been scientifically tested and the ones that are written here are based on manufacturers’ claims and comments from people that have been giving it to their dogs over a period of time. CBD oil can help reduce epileptic seizures. The shih tzu breed does appear to have a higher than average incidence of cases of epilepsy compared to all other breeds combined. Apparently, CBD oil can help reduce the frequency of seizures, especially in cases where drugs have been ineffective. The relaxing properties of CBD oil can reduce stress and calm down dogs with anxiety disorders, including separation anxiety, panic attacks and post-traumatic stress.Blood circulation and the heart can be improved. Irregular heart rates might be corrected. High blood pressure can be lowered, blood vessels protected, damaged blood vessels improved and arteries dilated.CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties that particularly help with arthritis, diseases of the nervous system and inflammations of the bowel. Reduced inflammations of the bowel and improved bowel movement lead to increased appetite and fewer incidences of vomiting and nausea. This can be a great help if your shih tzu is fussy at feeding times.Allergies can be alleviated. It is claimed CBD oil can reduce the production of inflammatory immune system secretions called cytokines that cause allergic reactions. CBD oil is an efficient antioxidant, more so than either vitamin C or E, useful in clearing the system of free radicals. This is good for preventing brain cell death in older dogs.There are claims that CBD oil can stop the spread of cancer cells and even send them into remission. It does this by helping the cells of the immune system that kill off intruders to destroy the cancer cells. It kills off the cancer cells by blocking their energy building ability. CBD oil can also augment established cancer cell treatment. What Are The Possible Side Effects? It is claimed that you cannot administer an overdose of CBD oil but, as I said earlier, this has not been proved and too much of anything can be toxic, even too much water can be toxic. There are a few side effects that have been reported, however, so for this reason, if you are going to give it to your dog, start with very small amounts and observe any reactions before either increasing the dose, keeping it the same or stopping it altogether. 4 SIDE EFFECTS OF CBD OIL If your shih tzu is on medication, it is probably not a good idea to give him CBD oil. Whatever the medication is, it may be prevented from doing its job due to the CBD oil suppressing the action of the liver enzymes that react with the medicine to fight diseases.CBD oil reduces saliva production leading to increased thirstiness and a dry mouth.High doses of CBD oil can lead to a temporary and very slight fall in blood pressure which may cause dizziness.The calming and relaxing nature of CBD oil can cause drowsiness, especially when administered in high doses. How Do You Give CBD Oil To Your Dog? ID: 106919782 © vchalup2 | Depositphotos As previously suggested, the best way to control how much CBD oil your shih tzu is imbibing is to use the bottled tincture. You can use the dropper to administer the oil directly to your dog’s mouth but it will probably provide a more pleasant experience to mix it in with food or to drop it onto a treat. The oil can also be dropped onto a paw to be licked off, or, for skin disorders and ear infections, rubbed directly into the skin or dropped in the ears respectively. Again, start with a small dose until you are sure how much is required. The amount will depend upon the complaint, but for an initial dose, it is reasonable to calculate at 1 mg to 5 mg for every 10 lbs (5 kg) of body weight. For a 15 lbs (7 kg) shih tzu that’s around 2 mg to 7 mg of oil. Improvements can happen in as little as half an hour, but if there is no change after one day try increasing the dosage a little. For chronic pain, administer a dose every eight hours. Well, Is CBD Oil Good For Dogs – Should You Give It To Yours? As I have stated more than once in this post, none of the observations of the effects of CBD oil written down in this post is a scientific fact, they are just observations and hearsay. Popular opinion does lean towards CBD oil being beneficial in the improvement of certain conditions that your dog may be suffering from. If you do want to give CBD oil to your dog, please discuss it with your vet first. Personally, I have decided not to give CBD oil to my older shih tzu, Bruno, simply because he is on a lot of medication and the last thing I want is for his medication to be ineffective due to the oil. It’s a shame because he has heart problems, seizures and allergies but I don’t want to take chances where his life may be at stake. However, my younger shih tzu, Charlie, is only taking Apoquel to relieve the itchiness of his allergies. I believe that CBD oil may help with his condition, so I expect to try it out with him. I think that CBD oil will prove to be a good thing for dogs generally but for now, the only people who can decide if it is good for your dog are you and your vet. I hope that you have enjoyed this report on CBD oil for dogs. If you have any relevant comments or questions about this post or this website, please use the comments box below or contact us. You can be assured that your contact details will be held securely on this website and that it will never be shared with or sold to any third parties. Bye for now. Shih Tzu Steve.... Read more...
- What Are The Best Professional Dog Grooming Clippers?
  Shih Tzu Product ReviewsHow I Came To Pick The Winning Clippers To earn the title “best” the clippers have to be of the highest quality. But with so many high-quality models on the market, how did I arrive at the conclusion as to what are the best professional dog grooming clippers? Well, by process of elimination actually. For my readers, I felt the best model would have to reach certain criteria, the foremost of which, after quality, is “Are they suited to fully grooming a shih tzu?”. I Can Now Reveal Just What Are The Best Professional Dog Grooming Clippers Wahl Creativa Cordless Clipper SHIHTZUANDYOU RATINGQuality of Build:?????Ease of Use: ????Versatility:?????Battery Life:?????Charging Time:?????Value For Money:????Overall Rating:????? PROSCONS● Adjustable “5 in 1” blade● Expensive● Blade will not overheat● No variable speeds● Two batteries for continuous use● Not for salon use● Automatic speed control● Constant power level● Very light● Very quiet WHAT’S IN THE BOX 1 x Wahl Creativa Cordless Clipper1 x “5 in 1” stainless steel contour blade set, adjustable to sizes nos. 9, 10, 15, 30 and 40.4 x clip on guide combs, nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4.1 x charging stand1 x blade guard1 x cleaning brush1 x blade oil1 x instruction book It’s Not As Expensive As It Seems This clipper set won my recommendation because it is so comprehensively designed. It may seem comparatively expensive up front but apart from new blade oil when the included pot runs out you won’t need to buy any other accessories for this unit. The “5 in 1” adjustable contour blade set means you will not have to go to the expense of buying extra blades for this unit. The blade will adjust to sizes from no.9 for general body trimming work, down to size 40 for getting in between the paw pads. It also adjusts well for face work, the head and around the rear end. Being only 1.8” (46mm) wide, the blade is an ideal size for working on small breed dogs. You can extend the cutting range to full body grooming by using one or more of the four included guide comb attachments. With a guide comb in place, you are able to achieve coat lengths of around ½” (13mm) with the no.4 down to ⅛” (3mm) with the no.1. With practice, these tools can help you become quite an adept home groomer. Another useful feature of the blade set is a quick-release mechanism for cleaning and maintenance. Then when you replace it on the unit it automatically resets itself saving you the trouble. Performance That Gets Results I think is important for the shih tzu home groomer to have the tangle-free mobility offered by a cordless unit, especially if you have to chase after your little one after he sees what is coming! But you also need the power of a corded clipper and the Creativa certainly delivers enough on that count. The German-engineered blade set is driven by a powerful, XXL lithium ion battery. The power of the battery driving the DC motor is enhanced by a system called “Automatic Speed Control” that maintains a constant power level. This prevents the blades from slowing down and snagging even when encountering a tough spot such as a mat or tangle. This is one of the reasons I think these clippers are a match for a shih tzu as the blades simply zip through mats with virtually no resistance. The maximum speed of the blades is 5,300 strokes per minute and this speed is maintained until the battery is absolutely flat. There is no “winding down” of the stroke speed. When the battery runs flat you simply swap it for the fully charged spare and carry on with your shih tzu tonsorial masterpiece. An LED indicator light will warn you of when to swap batteries. Place the spent battery on the charger and you are set for uninterrupted all day grooming if you so desire. Because the motor is cool running and because the blades will not snag, the blades do not overheat. They will stay cool enough throughout the entire clipping process so as not to damage your dog’s skin through blade burn. This also saves you further costs as you will not have to buy and use potentially messy coolants to keep the blades cool. When you take your Wahl Creativa clippers out of the box for the first time expect to find the battery conveniently ready charged and ready to go. Wahl claims that this clipper will run 180 minutes without a charge while you charge the spare battery, which, again according to Wahl will take 120 minutes on the quick charge to reach full capacity. While they may have achieved these results under laboratory conditions and in practice the batteries may fall a bit short of these figures, it will take less time to charge the spare than it does to run down the one in use. A good safety point is that the battery cannot be overcharged, it will only power up on the charger until full. Comfort For You And Your Dog The clippers are very lightweight at 10.16 oz (288g) which is a good thing for you especially if you are on a lengthy grooming session. The lightness of the unit and the well designed, ergonomic grip area makes it much less likely that you will succumb to hand or wrist fatigue. You are protected also from succumbing to “white finger” from prolonged use of the clipper as the DC motor is very securely housed and produces little vibration. Of course, this will cause less irritation for you shih tzu compared to other clippers. The housing of the DC motor is soundproof, a major plus point if your shih tzu is usually spooked by the noise of a motor. The Creativa produces hardly any noise at all. The Final Verdict The Wahl Creativa Cordless Clipper is not generally favored by grooming salons as they are not up to a full day of grooming dog after dog. However, for home use on up to three shih tzu or shih tzu sized dogs at a time they are a perfect choice. The two coats of a shih tzu tend to get matted with loose hair and these blades just glide through these with ease. Yes, they are at the high ticket end of the market but they will pay for themselves within in time-space of eight to ten visits you would have made to the grooming salon. Much less if you have more than one dog. Also, the 5 in 1 blade system and the comb attachments means there are no expensive extra blades to buy. To find out how you can own your Wahl Creativa Cordless Clipper, click here. If you really don’t want to pay so much for grooming clippers, then Omorc has the best budget buy cordless grooming kit, for less than the price of a trip to the groomers’. For more information on Omorc clippers, click here. If you are taking up grooming as a business you will need salon grade clippers. For this, I recommend the Andis Pulse ZR2 5-Speed Clippers. Read more about the Andis Pulse ZR2 5-Speed Clippers by clicking here. I hope that this review has proved useful in helping you choose the perfect clipper set for your shih tzu. Please leave any comments or questions you have regarding clippers, shih tzu or this website in the comments box or you can contact us. See you next time. Shih Tzu Steve.... Read more...
- Furbo vs Petcube Bites 2 – Which Is Best?
  Shih Tzu Product ReviewsWhy Furbo vs Petcube, Why Not A Security Camera? I first started to realize the need to watch my two shih tzus, well one of them in particular, while I was away from home for some hours when my wife had to stay in a hospital overnight and I accompanied her. As some of my regular readers may know, Bruno has multiple health issues, including seizures. I felt the need to keep an eye on him as he was only going to have Charlie for company while we were gone. Furbo vs Petcube was not a comparison I was aware of at the time, so I opted for a generic indoor security camera. Actually, I had to install two cameras. Although my chosen model had 360º of swivel, the actual lens angle was too narrow to capture all of my dogs’ domains in one field of view. Although the connectivity was good, the picture quality I can only describe as adequate and the two-way audio was poor. I wanted to interact with my boys but it proved impossible. On top of that, I received so many motion detection alerts on my iPhone that I switched alerts off. I thought that there had to be something better on the market. That’s when I started researching cameras specifically designed to watch over pets. I found that the best ones had high quality HD video and high quality two-way audio enabling the viewer to see their pets in fine detail and also to have the ability to interact with their pets remotely. I was particularly drawn in by the cameras that also featured treat dispensers. This feature, along with the clear two-way audio has the ability not only to entertain your dog while you are away but can also help with separation anxiety issues. Some even feature a clicker that activates just before dispensing a treat. This can help with any positive reinforcement training, particularly with controlling barking issues. It didn’t take much research to discover that the two leading treat-dispensing pet cameras are the Furbo and the Petcube Bites 2. Both have individual features that may suit one dog parent and not another, so to help you decide which one is best for you, here is a comprehensive breakdown and comparison of what these two cameras have to offer. If you already know which camera you want, click on the appropriate button. These and any more buttons in this review contain affiliate links. Not ready to make that decision yet? Then read on …… How The Two Treat-Dispensing Cameras Compare Image Quality As the camera is, I suspect, usually the main reason for buying such a product, let’s start with image quality. Both of these devices boast 1080p full HD and, as long as your viewing device can support this, gives crystal clear images as if you were actually there with your pet. Where full HD really pays off is when utilizing the digital zoom. Anything less than full HD and the image tends to become blurry and pixelated. Both the Furbo and Bites 2 feature a 4x digital zoom that retains a reasonably sharp image of the subject. Both cameras capture their images through a 160º wide-angle lens which allows you to view a large portion of an average-sized room in the field of view. If you purchase either of these contraptions you won’t have to leave a light on to view your pet when you go out in the evening as both have an LED night vision facility. Video And Image Capture Each device connects to your WiFi to live stream video footage to your mobile device via a dedicated app. If your household has the greater capacity 5GHz WiFi, then the Bites 2 has the edge. The Furbo has only 2.4GHz WiFi while the Bites 2 has the option of 2.4GHz or 5GHz for a more solid, jump free live stream experience. If you want to save any of the video streaming, you can use your mobile device’s screen recording and screen capture facilities. However, if you want to take advantage of the various recording features offered by the Furbo app or Petcube app, you will need to purchase one of their subscription services. Audio Quality Two-way audio is present with either device, allowing you to hear and speak remotely to your pet or anyone that is within the range of the unit. When it comes to the quality of the audio, again the Bites 2 is the clear winner. The Furbo audio quality is decent enough but it only has one microphone and one speaker. This compares to the four microphones and speaker bar of the Bites 2 which gives a much improved depth of sound for both pet and viewer. Alexa, Should I Buy Bites 2 Or Furbo? The reason a mere treat-dispensing camera has such an impressive array of audio components is because the Bites 2 also doubles up as a stand-alone Alexa unit. But buyer, beware! The Bites 2 Alexa system does not have ESP (Echo Spatial Perception} installed. If you have multiple Alexa devices spaced around your household, this is the technology that deduces which speaker you are closest to. It allows only the closest device to answer you rather than all of them. Therefore, if you already have an Alexa device or devices installed in your household, your better choice of treat-dispensing camera may be the Furbo. The Furbo can be controlled by your existing Alexa system. If you don’t have Alexa already, then the Bites 2 may be the better choice. If you don’t want Alexa at all, the Bites 2 has a privacy setting on the app that allows you to deactivate its Alexa capabilities. Receiving Alerts When activated, Furbo will send an alert to your smartphone when your dog barks. The sensitivity level for this alert can be adjusted. Furbo does not send motion alerts to users of its free service. Petcube’s free service offers a little more with notifications available for sound and motion. Both devices have smart alerts available with their respective subscription services. Read on to discover more about these subscription services below. Treat-Dispensing Capabilities The treat-dispensing capacity of the Furbo is around 8-ounces (227g) of dry kibble. Furbo recommends using round-shaped treats around 0.4-inch to 0.5-inch (1cm to 1.25cm) in diameter. This relates to approximately 100 pieces. The treats are dispensed several at a time, usually five or more. The distance the treats travel cannot be controlled. Unless the Furbo is paired with an Alexa device, the intervals at which the treats are tossed out cannot be scheduled. Just before a handful of treats are going to come out, the unit emits a loud click-click noise. This could be distressing for a puppy that is spooked by loud noises. On the other hand, if you are using a clicker to train your dog, the noise can be utilized for positive reinforcement training. The treat compartment cannot be removed from the Furbo, making it difficult to get it thoroughly clean. The makers recommend using a damp cloth for cleaning. A much larger treat storage facility is afforded by the Bites 2. 1½-pounds (680g) worth of treats can be accommodated in its spacious compartment. The manufacturers advise rounded treats and these can be up to 1” (2.5cm) in diameter. There are three different inserts that can be put into the treat-dispenser compartment. The one to choose depends upon the size of the treat and how many you want to come out each time the device fires. Typically, the machine will launch between one and three treats at a time. You have some control over the distance the treats are fired with three settings for short, medium or long range. You can distribute the treats via Alexa, the app, or you can set up an automatic dispensing schedule. The latter you can set up exactly how you would like to. If you want you may vary the interval between each firing and you can also vary the distance each time, which can help keep your dog guessing when the next treat is coming and where it is going to land. The Bites 2 treat-dispenser tray can be completely removed from the unit for cleaning, either by hand or in the dishwasher. Quality Of Build Designed specifically for watching over dogs, the Furbo is built with a hard, white plastic body, rather like a kettle, and has a bamboo lid. It’s about as robust as a plastic kettle also. The unit is designed to stand upright on a shelf or table top. To help prevent it from being knocked over and possibly damaged by an over enthusiastic dog there are industrial strength 3M double-sided sticky pads underneath the base. Be careful with these, though, as they may permanently mark the surface it is mounted on. A more sturdy, slightly heavier, hard black plastic and aluminum construction is apparent with the Bites 2. This camera has been designed with both dogs and cats in mind. It has a high-friction rubber pad on the base for grip when positioned on a shelf, floor or table. To save space, the Bites 2 can also be wall mounted using the kit supplied. Expansion – What If You Need Multiple Cameras? If you need more than one camera to watch over your dog while you are out, then your best option would be the Bites 2. With a Petcare Premium subscription you can operate an unlimited number of cameras from the Petcube range on the same account. This includes the Camera, Bites, Play, and Play 2 models. It’s back compatible, so if you already have an older Petcube camera in working order, it should fit seamlessly into the same network. With the Furbo, if you wanted more than one camera you would have to have separate Furbos with separate accounts. This means that when you have finished looking at one camera, you would have to log out of that account and then log in to the account of the next camera you wanted to view. Social Sharing Both systems make it easy to share your video clips and photos with family and friends via their apps. Furbo, however, for some reason appears to encourage passing on your login details to allow family and friends access to your account, which doesn’t sound very secure to me. Petcube seems to have its finger more firmly on the security pulse. They include a data security statement on their sales page confirming that they use TLS protocol and 128-bit encryption for data transmission. I’m sure Furbo adheres to the same practices, but it would be nice of them to let us know before buying. Have you made your decision …….. …….. or would you like to read about the paid subscription services first: Furbo vs Petcube – The Paid Subscription Services Compared Both of these devices are adequately usable without paying for the extras their respective paid subscription services offer. To tempt you into signing up for these extra services, both manufacturers offer free trial periods when you open your account to experience what they have to offer. With Petcube you have 14-days to assess whether you want to continue with the premium services. Furbo gives you a more generous 30-days free usage before asking you to pay if you want to continue. The Furbo Subscription Furbo subscriptions are only available in the USA, Canada, Hong Kong and Taiwan. They have only one subscription level. At the time of writing, it costs 6.99 USD per month or 69 USD per year. For your money you receive a service called “Furbo Nanny Cam”. This service has several features that you may find useful. Perhaps the most important of these is the range of alerts now available. Apart from the free barking alert, if you subscribe you can then receive dog activity, dog selfie, person and home emergency alerts. Most of these alerts can be adjusted for sensitivity. The Furbo software has an in-built AI that learns about your dogs movements, making alerts more and more accurate as time goes on. The dog selfie alert activates when your dog walks face-first in front of the camera. You are then sent the resultant snapshot. The person alert lets you know when there is a human in view of the camera. Home emergency alerts are triggered if your smoke alarm sounds. Furbo promises to bring in new alerts for dog vomit, choking and seizures in the near future. As the alerts are app based, if you were to buy a Furbo and subscribe now these new alerts should be available to you when they eventually appear. In addition to the alerts, there is an automatic “Cloud Recording” service and an automatic “Doggie Diary” service. Cloud Recording saves 15-second clips of your dog when in view of the camera for you to play back later. In a similar vein, Doggy Diary makes a daily highlights video of your dog’s activities. The Petcube Care Subscription Petcube has a free basic level plus two levels of subscription services. Here is an at-a-glance chart showing what you can expect for each level of service: Petcube Care sends you Smart Alerts when your dog barks, if there is pet activity in front of the camera and if a person moves in front of the camera. As with the Furbo, the sensitivity levels of these alerts can be adjusted and AI within the Petcube app ensures that these alerts become more accurate as time passes. You can potentially save up to 500 USD should you take advantage of all of the partner deals Petcube has set up in its Pet Care Perks package. You can enjoy large discounts on such items as dog clothing, dog furniture and accessories, dog walkers and sitters, dog treats, dog DNA kits, and more. Furbo vs Petcube At-A-Glance Comparison Table So, Which Is The Better Treat-Dispensing Camera? I believe the answer to this question depends upon your individual needs. They are both efficient treat-dispensing cameras with spade loads of after sales back up that makes them worthy of their respective price tags. I hope that I have given you enough here to make an informed choice. If you are only going to have a single camera, have an existing Alexa system, or do not want to pay the higher price tag, then perhaps the Furbo is for you. If you are going to have a multiple camera set up, want a treat-dispensing camera that doubles up as an Alexa device, or price isn’t a major issue, then I would opt for the Petcube Bites 2. If you have any questions or comments relating to this Furbo vs Petcube comparison review, please use the comments box below or, if you prefer, send a message using the contact us form. Happy treat tossing! Shih Tzu Steve.... Read more...
- How To Train a Shih Tzu Puppy Not To Bark
  Behavior Issues / Training TipsBefore we go into how to train a shih tzu puppy not to bark let us consider why your puppy is barking in the first place. If we can understand the cause of the barking we may be able to take preventative or remedial action and perhaps not have to indulge in any training at all. Shih tzu puppies develop their ability to bark at around eight weeks old. This is also the age many puppies are being introduced to their new home and these new, unfamiliar surroundings may lead to feelings of insecurity. In this case try to reassure the little one with cuddles and comforting words. Granted, he won’t understand what you are saying but it is the soothing tone of your voice that will have a reassuring effect. If your puppy is left alone for any length of time, say, for example while you are at work, his barking may be because he is suffering from separation anxiety.Just before you leave your puppy alone try providing him with something to stimulate his mind for the first hour or two that you’re gone. This may be something like a rubber toy stuffed with treats that he has to work out how to remove from the toy himself.If cost isn’t a factor, have a dog sitter or dog walker call in to break up the time he’s left alone.In our own personal case, my wife and I were worried about the amount of time we sometimes had to leave Bruno alone. That’s when we decided to get our second shih tzu, Charlie. At first Bruno was a little unsure of his new companion but they soon became inseparable. Barking may also be caused by excessive pent up energy due to a lack of exercise, walking and stimulating activity.Try to take your puppy outdoors more often, preferably somewhere safe where he can have a little runaround. For his safety and your peace of mind I recommend you keep him on the leash for this.If you can’t get out, try playing some stimulating games indoors with him. Try hiding his favourite toy for him to sniff out or perhaps bounce a soft rubber ball for him to jump up and catch or chase. If you have already house trained your puppy he may be barking because he needs to answer a call of nature. Again, try to take him outside more. See my post “How Often Should You Walk a Shih Tzu” for more information.If you just can’t get outside try allocating a space, maybe in the bathroom or perhaps on the balcony, where you can put down a puppy training pad for him to do his business on. You will probably have to show him where this is the first few times until he gets used to it being there. He may just be barking to gain your attention. Be careful with this one. If you give him what he wants when he barks he will think he can get you to do what he wants every time. The bouts of barking will increase rather than stop.This is known as “small dog syndrome”. Your dog is instinctively a pack animal and until you show him otherwise he thinks he is leader of the pack. Giving in to his barking will only reinforce this belief.In this situation it may be better to employ one of the training methods set out below to control the barking rather than give in to his demands. How to train a shih tzu puppy not to bark As with all shih tzu puppy training, start as early as possible, the same day you bring him home for the first time if you can. Remember that consistency is the key to achieving the required results from training. In the case of barking, for instance, if you aren’t consistent with your stop barking commands and use them every time your puppy barks then the poor thing will become confused and won’t know whether he’s supposed to be barking or not. Training is more effective when your puppy is calm so avoid training during times when he is stressed or excited such as when you’ve just got home work or you’ve just brought home the shopping. During the text I often refer to giving your puppy a treat; bear in mind that giving a treat every time as a reward may not work. You may have to alternate rewards between treats, favourite toy, petting and praising. Before training your puppy not to bark you need to decide whether or not you want him to bark in certain circumstances, say, when a stranger is trying to access your home, or whether you don’t want him to bark at all. Never shout at your puppy while he is barking as he will just think that you are barking along with him. ID 81651387 © Daniel Malinowski | Dreamstime.com How to train a shih tzu puppy not to bark – method 1 This first method gives you control over commanding your puppy to bark or not to bark. Enlisting the help of a willing volunteer who your puppy isn’t familiar with will enable you to carry out this particular method more efficiently.Have your volunteer go outside your front door and knock or ring the bell to start your puppy barking.When your shih tzu barks give the command “speak”. You can use an alternative word if you wish but whichever one you choose you must be consistent and use the same one each time.Repeat the knock on the door followed by the speak command action several times.The aim is to train your puppy to bark just on the speak command.So, try using the speak command without the knock on the door.If your puppy barks, reward him with a treat.If he doesn’t bark, repeat the whole process again and again until he does.He will get there eventually!Once your puppy has mastered the speak command it’s time to teach him the “quiet” command to stop him barking.Have your volunteer knock on the door again to start your puppy off barking again.Give him (your puppy, not the volunteer) another treat when he stops barking on the quiet command.You may need at first to gently hold his muzzle closed get across the message that you want him to stay quiet. Or, another trick would be to have prepared a spray bottle filled with plain water. As you issue the quiet command spray a little water on his nose. The water spray method works for other behavioural problems, too.Persist with the training and before you know it you will have an obedient shih tzu puppy who will bark only on the speak command and will stop barking on the quiet command. How to train a shih tzu puppy not to bark – method 2 This method is solely concerned with stopping your puppy barking and is arguably the easiest to implement.It also helps to rid your puppy of small dog syndrome.Again, have a volunteer knock on the door or ring the doorbell, anything that will start your puppy off barking.Make sure as the barking starts to turn your back to the offender.Keep on ignoring your puppy until he stops barking.When he does stop, give him a treat.Repeat this training several times.Eventually your puppy will realize that his barking will not gain your attention and hopefully he won’t do it anymore. How to train a shih tzu puppy not to bark – method 3 This is another method solely concerned with stopping your puppy from barking.Again, as in the previous methods, you need somebody to knock on the door to start your puppy off barking.Give your puppy the quiet command and at the same time hold his mouth closed by the muzzle.Don’t hold his muzzle for more than a few seconds.When you release him and he doesn’t bark, give him a treat and plenty of praise.After repeating this a few timeseventually you will not need to hold his muzzle anymore as he will stop barking on just the quiet command.When this happens make sure you give him an extra special treat and really pile on the praise. So, these have been my best solutions for how to train a shih tzu puppy not to bark for both quick fix and long term situations. I hope that you have found them useful for trying out with your own shih tzu puppy and that they work for you. If, in the unlikely event that they don’t then you may like to consider the services of a professional trainer. You can either take your puppy to formal classes or there are trainers that make home visits. These days there are also some excellent online dog training courses. Once again I hope that you have enjoyed this post. If you have any questions related to shih tzu please make a comment or use our contact us form. See you in the next post.... Read more...
- All About The Shih Tzu Temperament
  Behavior Issues / Thinking of owning a shih tzu?The Shih Tzu Temperament The shih tzu is a small dog that packs in a lot of a character. It must have one of the best character to size ratios of all dogs. You may have a mental picture of the shih tzu temperament being a stubborn one; well, there is some truth in that, even the best trained shih tzu can have their moments when they pretend not to hear you or when they dig their paws into the ground and refuse to budge. Largely, though, they are loveable, loyal and affectionate companion dogs that will stay by your side, watch out for you and follow you around everywhere if you treat them right. The Compact Pack Leader Unless you show them otherwise, they will try to assume the role of pack leader, or alpha, in your household. Sometimes this is referred to as “small dog syndrome” but, personally, I don’t think that the size of the dog has anything to do with it. All dogs are pack animals and it is only natural for any dog to vie to be at the top of the hierarchy of his pack. This desire is more apparent in independent-minded breeds such as the shih tzu. The shih tzu is easily trained out of thinking he is the alpha. This is just as well as it is essential for the owner to assume this role. Any dog will leave all decisions to the alpha; food, when to go out, where to walk, when to play and, most importantly, when to be aggressive. For example, young children, especially those in the household born after the shih tzu became a family member, are particularly at risk from a shih tzu that thinks he is the alpha, as a young child may, in all innocence, act in a way that the shih tzu thinks is a challenge to his leadership, resulting in a stern growl and a nip on the child as a warning to back off. This nip would be just strong enough to break the soft skin of an infant. As long as the owner has established his or herself as alpha this won’t happen. For another example of what can happen with the alpha syndrome is if a shih tzu thinks he is the leader in a household containing more than one dog, he may assume the role of protector and become aggressive towards other dogs when out and about. Again, training the shih tzu to believe that the owner is pack leader is the remedy that will prevent this from happening. I’ve painted a bit of a dark picture here, I’m just giving you examples of the worst case scenarios of what could happen with an untrained dog. Generally, shih tzu are peaceful, friendly, good with children and strangers and almost never vicious. But do establish yourself as alpha should you own or are going to own a shih tzu. You can find out more about this in my post “How To Stop A Shih Tzu Puppy From Biting”. ID: 53626293 graphicphoto | Depositphotos Not Barking Mad Shih tzu do not bark very much compared to some other small breed dogs. The only times a shih tzu might bark continuously are to warn you of possible intruders, warn other dogs away or when you leave if he has separation anxiety. All of these can be trained out of them, though you may want to keep your biological intruder alarm. However, they will develop a vocabulary of different barks for various occasions. There will be a “going out” bark, a “feed me” bark, a “need a pee” bark, a “play with me” bark, an “I want attention” bark and several more. If you own a shih tzu for a while you will know what I mean. You will come to understand what the different barks mean. Playful Pal When a shih tzu is not out walking or at home eating, sleeping or resting, he is likely to be in a playful mood and will let you know, either by staring at you, using his “play with me” bark, or both, that he wants you to join in. This may involve throwing his favourite ball or toy for him to chase, playing a game of tug with his rope toy or tug toy, or just rubbing his tummy. He will let you know that he wants tummy rubbed by lying next to you flat on his back with his legs in tha air. Or he may provide his own entertainment by running around the home in an apparently frenzied and random manner, jumping on and off of furniture. My opinion is that these energetic outbursts are actually quite controlled as nothing ever seems to get broken and there are never any injuries to people or dog. As described in “How Often Should You Walk A Shih Tzu?”, a shih tzu will only be getting exercise through walks of twenty minutes to one hour per day. So any further exercise a shih tzu can get through play will be of great benefit to his health and well being as well as using up any excess energy he may have. If you have a backyard he will enjoy being let loose around there. ID: 5284680 thephotoguy | Depositphotos It’s Your Call Although these are the stereotypical traits of the average shih tzu, each shih tzu is different with his own distinctively individual character. The basic building blocks of his character are there at birth, but how that character develops depends upon his surroundings, the way he is treated and his upbringing. This is where the responsibility of the owner lies, to provide the correct training, socialization and guidance a shih tzu puppy, or on occasions adult, needs to develop into a healthy, happy and loving dog that is at ease with other people, children, other dogs and other pets. ID: 2039005 stevebonk | Depositphotos If you are thinking of owning a shih tzu puppy I urge you to give him or her the best possible start in life. Take a look at my post “Crate Training A Shih Tzu Puppy – Cruel Or Kind?”. When the time comes for me to find a companion for Charlie, this post describes the method I will use to train the new puppy for the first year or so. I believe it is the most reliable way to develop the aforementioned healthy, happy and loving dog with efficient house training thrown in. There is also a free shih tzu training course that I recommend that is delivered by my friends at TrainPetDog. If you would like to read more details about this, click here. By clicking the link you will be taken to TrainPetDog.com where you will, under no obligation, be given details of how to sign up for their free shih tzu training course email series. If you then decided to make a purchase, Shihtzuandyou.com would receive a commission at no extra cost to you. This commission will help with the running costs of this website and to keep it pop-up and banner ad free. If you have any thoughts or questions related to shih tzu or this website, please leave a comment or contact us. I will endeavour to give you an answer within 24 hours. See you soon.... Read more...
- Deciding On A Shih Tzu Bed
  Shih Tzu Product ReviewsIn this post: Orthopedic Dog BedsBolster Style Dog BedsDonut Style Dog BedsTent or Cave Style Dog BedsFlat Dog BedsElevated Dog Beds Click above on your favorite style to jump straight there. How To Pick The Correct Shih Tzu Bed For Your Dog If you are searching for a shih tzu bed, then you are probably already aware of the confusingly diverse amount of styles, designs, materials and sizes. You may be wondering how you can pick out the bed that’s going to be right for your shih tzu. Of course, each individual shih tzu has its own character and characteristics. Then there are environmental factors to consider, such as: is your dog living in a hot or cold climate? What I am trying to say here is, there are no one choice suits all solutions. What Is The Right Size Of Bed? One thing is going to be common with all beds and that is what size bed is correct. Your choice of bed should just have enough room for your shih tzu to completely stretch out in all directions and not much more. Shih tzu need to stretch out to relax their muscles and bones, and to breathe properly when sleeping. If you are opting for a tent-style bed, there should be just enough room for your dog to stand up and turn around. Why the snug fit? First of all, if you have read my post “What Size Crate For A Shih Tzu”, you will know that any spare space in the sleeping area is subject to being treated as a bathroom area. But from the shih tzu’s point of view, it’s the type of small space a dog would choose himself as a safe sleeping place where he is cozy, safe, secure and sheltered from the elements, enemies and predators; a place where he can relax and sleep easy. Some shih tzu even like their beds to be placed under furniture such as coffee tables and chairs for the same reasons. So, before buying a bed measure your shih tzu and allow for an extra inch or 2.5 cm all around. If you are buying a bed for a puppy, allow an up to an extra 20% for growth. This means for the average adult shih tzu somewhere around 25” x 15” (64 cm x 38 cm). Manufacturer’s standards vary, most of the time this will be the “small” size but sometimes it will be “extra small” or “medium”, so always check the specified dimensions. Which Material Is Best? ID: 193888550 © PongMoji | Depositphotos Apart from the elevated beds which tend to be a steel frame covered in plastic mesh, most other designs are usually stuffed with poly fiber in varying degrees of firmness, along with a covering of polyester or a polyester and cotton mix which can be finished in various ways such as fleecy, fluffy or hard. Some bed designs are contained in basketware. It’s just a case of knowing what sort of surface your shih tzu likes to spend his many resting and sleeping hours and going for something like that. Where does he like to lie down and sleep now? Is it on a rug, the sofa or, perhaps, even on your bed? It may be an idea to look at the texture of the surfaces he likes now and looking for a bed of a similar texture. Also, look for words and phrases such as “pet-friendly” and “hypoallergenic” in manufacurers’ descriptions. There are two properties of the material that are essential, though, if you want the bed to last a few years: 1 – Durability – I expect that you have noticed that when your shih tzu really wants to settle down for a long, relaxing sleep, there is a lot of intense scratching and plumping of the surface. The bed may also be subject to some other rough treatment from your dog. An inferior product is not going to stand up to this sort of treatment for very long. When you think you have found the bed you want, it pays to read some of the reviews first to help assess the quality of the build. 2 – Washability – After you receive your dog bed and your shih tzu makes it his home within a home, his place to relax, sleep and generally spend a lot of time, it is not going to take long for the surfaces to become soiled, especially if your shih tzu likes to roll around a lot. Shed hair will be released from its trap between his two coats and oil from his skin together with shed skin cells will be rubbed into the surface along with any allergens that were attached to the coat. Then there are the inevitable invisible bed bugs that occur naturally in bedding. Therefore, to keep your shih tzu’s environment as hygienic as possible, look for beds with an easily removable cover with a good zipper that can be machine washed on a regular basis. If the cover isn’t removable, check to see if the whole bed can be laundered and how well it stands up to repeated washes. Your shih tzu may become very emotionally attached to his bed, so the longer you can make the bed last, the better. If you do have to replace the bed at any time, try to retain an element of it, for example, a cushion, and incorporate it into the new one so that at least some of the old, comforting smells are still there. Now, let’s look at some of the different types of shih tzu bed available: Which Style Of Bed Is Right For Your Shih Tzu? ID: 10765677 © rudyumans | Depositphotos Orthopedic Dog Beds Don’t let the term “orthopedic” put you off, even if your shih tzu is in the best of health and full of beans. Because of their long backbones bearing on short legs, some shih tzu, in their later years, are prone to arthritis in the hind legs in particular. Also, a small percentage of shih tzu may develop the usually genetic joint diseases hip dysplasia or patellar luxation. If your dog is unfortunate enough to be suffering from any of these, an orthopedic bed that offers support for sore joints is an essential choice. However, if your shih tzu is in the best of health, buying an orthopedic bed for him now will support his joints throughout his life and, who knows, may even help to stave off joint problems altogether, or at least make them less severe. Here’s an example of a good orthopedic dog bed: JOYELF Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed I find it surprising that this bed only comes in at 11th on the Amazon best sellers list of orthopedic dog beds when it is clearly of a far better quality than the ten that appear above it. Awarded a score of 4.3 stars out of 5 by the people that have bought this bed, there is general praise for the quality of build and the value for money it represents. Their dogs appear to take to the bed as soon as it is presented to them. Soft To Touch Perhaps it is the warming, soft and breathable outer cover that attracts them. Or it could be the firm but comfortable, double-density cotton bolsters that surround the bed providing welcome head and neck support. These bolsters remain in place and do not buckle over as with some inferior products. Then there’s the 2” (5 cm) thick memory foam mattress that moulds itself around the dog’s contour and gives all round support for bones and joints. Tear Resistant, Washable Cover The cover of the bed is sewn together with strong stitching that does not come apart easily. The material itself is tear resistant and will repel most attempts to bite through it. Should you dog ever actually manage to do this, you do not have to buy another complete bed as replacement covers are available. It is possible to remove the cover from its memory foam mattress and cotton bolsters for washing by opening a cleverly hidden zipper. It can be safely washed on the cold cycle with no loss of shape afterward. Tumble drying on low heat is possible, though the manufacturer recommends air drying. One more pleasing feature of the cover is the non-slip, textured rubber pad underneath, ideal for keeping the occupied bed stable on shiny floor surfaces. Resilient, Hygienic and Safe After unpacking the memory foam mattress, you should be able to place it in the cover and use it straight away, though one or two people complain of having to wait up to 48 hours for it to regain its full size of 25½” x 17½” x 2” (65 cm x 44 cm x 5 cm). I guess the beds of those with complaints must have become squashed in transit but it does prove that the foam will regain its shape even with rough treatment. The manufacturer claims that your dog’s imprint will disappear from the foam five seconds after leaving the bed. With such a solid bed that has just enough give to contour itself to your dog’s shape, you know that it is going to give great support for tired muscles and bones. This is good for even a healthy dog but vital for the comfort of a perhaps older dog that has orthopedic problems. The mattress is supplied with a water resistant liner. While a house trained shih tzu wouldn’t normally wet the bed, you cannot legislate for accidents, particularly if there are health issues such as epilepsy or bladder infections. In the event of this, the mattress will be protected. Another important feature of the mattress, and for me this is a deal maker, is that it is made from fire retardant material. According to the manufacturer, if the bed is pulled from a fire, it will self-extinguish within six seconds. Free Toy The bed comes with a “free gift”. It’s a bone-shaped squeaking chew toy that, by some accounts, isn’t going to interest your dog as much as the bed. Apart from being a nice gesture by the manufacturer, it’s difficult to understand why they have included this gift as it’s hardly likely to sway the decision of somebody wondering whether to buy the bed or not. Just The Right Size For A Shih Tzu The inside of the bed measures 20” x 13” (51 cm x 33 cm) and the outside 27” x 20” (68 cm x 51 cm). This is the ideal size for a shih tzu to lie flat with his head supported by one of the bolsters. The only thing I can find to criticize about the bed is its lack of color choice. It is only available in a three-tone grey design. However, it is a neutral color that will fit in with most home decor, so we can live with that. You can see the JOYELF Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed on Amazon here. Be sure to select the “Small” size option when buying for your shih tzu. Bolster Style Dog Beds Charlie resting in his bolster bed. These are the beds you are likely to see commonly available in pet stores and veterinary surgeries everywhere. They can be round, square or rectangular, usually with a smooth outside and warm, fleecy inside. The edges are raised to form bolsters for head and neck support and can be all around the outside of the bed or only partly, The center, where the dog sleeps, will be cushioned but the degree of softness can vary from hard and firm to very soft and squidgy. The thickness of cushioning can vary, too. When choosing a bed of this style, look for the quality of stitching and whether the material is robust enough to stand up to some rough treatment. If the cover is removable, look at the quality of the zipper. Test whether, when you push in the mattress if you can feel the floor underneath. If you can, it is probably not going to be comfortable for your dog. This is my bolster bed of choice for quality of build and value for money: ANWA Rectangular Durable Machine Washable Dog Bed For those shih tzu parents that don’t like the idea of a memory foam or orthopedic bed for their dogs but still want a traditionally styled design, I think you will find it hard to find one that matches the ANWA for quality, comfort and value for money. It has a 4.4 star rating from Amazon customers. Many owners that have purchased this bed have gone on to buy a second one after seeing for themselves how well made, soft and supportive it is. One satisfied purchaser went as far as to say, “As someone who has easily purchased fifty plus dog beds in her time, take it from me, this is one of the best ones.” Good Quality, Pet-Friendly Materials The outside of the bed is made of a durable cotton oxford fabric given a faux sheepskin appearance, fleecy side inside for comfort and warmth. A firm bolster for neck and head support surrounds three-quarters of the perimeter, with the front cutaway for easy shih tzu access. Inside is polypropylene “cotton” stuffing that gives the bed a comfortable, soft feel and the ability to regain its original shape. As with the Joyelf bed, the base of the bed is covered with non-slip, studded, high-density rubber so that the bed stays where it is on hard and shiny floors whether your shih tzu is sleeping or playing in it. Hygienic – The Whole Bed Goes In The Wash The bed does not have a removable cover but the whole bed can be placed in the washing machine without fear of the bed losing its shape. Machine wash cold and tumble dry on a very low heat and the bed comes out still looking like new. When you receive your bed and remove it from the air-tight packaging, it immediately regains its full 24” x 22” x 6” (61 cm x 56cm x 15cm) size. It is very likely that your shih tzu will make it his own just as fast. Click here to see the ANWA Rectangular Durable Machine Washable Dog Bed on Amazon. If you decide to order one, the “24 INCH” is the option to choose for a shih tzu sized dog. Donut Style Dog Beds ID: 69799105 © cynoclub | Depositphotos These have become very popular recently, both with shih tzu and their owners. As the name suggests, they are round with a hole in the middle. Unlike a donut, though, the hole is a not very deep, blind hole and is where the main sleeping area is. These beds are very warm and cozy as they are usually covered in faux fur and the sleeping dog is surrounded by the raised bolster around the edge. As they can be quite high off the ground compared to traditional beds, your shih tzu may have to climb into it or hop over the edge, so this style of bed may not be suitable for a dog with orthopedic problems. Here is a donut bed that is of a better quality than some of its peers: Focuspet Faux Fur Donut Dog Bed If you need a warmer, much softer bed for your shih tzu, then this one from Focuspet represents a good combination of quality, durability, comfort and value for money. At the time of writing, it’s only 37th on the Amazon best sellers list but, again, it appears to be a better, all-round (no pun intended), bed than those in the same class that appear above it in the list. It does have a 4.4 star average customer rating, which is usually a good indication. A Very Soft And Warm Bed The Faux Fur Donut Dog Bed has a very soft feel to it, thanks to the polyester faux fur finish and the consistency of the deep stuffing inside. The faux fur traps warm air and together with the draft-excluding properties of the encircling raised bolster, this makes for a very cozy and snug bed for your shih tzu to relax and sleep in. As well as keeping out the drafts, the raised bolster also acts as a pillow for supporting the head and neck, should your shih tzu prefer to rest and sleep that way. Support is also provided for the joints and muscles by the padding materials of the main bed. It’s Not An Orthopedic Bed The manufacturer goes as far as claiming the bed provides pain relief for joints and muscles but I take this with a pinch of salt. If one of my shih tzu had painful joints I would buy a bespoke orthopedic bed rather than this one. As with the Joyelf and ANWA beds, the Focuspet also features an integrated non-slip base. However, instead of the rubber of the other two, the base of the Focuspet bed is constructed of the slightly less efficient but perhaps more durable nylon. Although this bed lacks a removable cover, the whole bed can be safely machine washed on the easy care wash and tumble dried on the lowest heat setting without fear of loss of shape. No Small, But Medium Will Do Nicely Bizarrely, there is no “Small” size but the “Medium” size of 23” (58 cm) diameter x 8” (20 cm) high is a good size for a shih tzu. The bed comes compressed in a vacuum-sealed pack but should reach these dimensions after being unpacked and plumped up a little. Once again, as with the Joyelf, you can have it in any color you like as long as it’s grey. Small dogs, in particular, seem to take to this bed straight away with a passion. You can see the Focuspet Faux Fur Donut Dog Bed on Amazon by clicking here. Tent Or Cave Style Dog Beds ID: 170378124 © topntp | Depositphotos This type of bed is enclosed all the way around with just a small opening at the entrance. The shape can be an actual tent in shape, a wigwam, a cave, an igloo or a novelty shape such as an open-mouthed shark, bear or another animal. The tent style bed will feel like a nice, cozy den to a shih tzu, somewhere he will feel safe and secure. If crate training is not for you, a tent bed would be an excellent alternative for a little space your shih tzu can call his own. It took me a while to find a good example of a tent bed. Apparently, there aren’t that many on the market big enough for a shih tzu and even less of a good enough quality, but I finally found this one: ManxiVoo Dog Igloo Kennel Bed This is about the only easily available tent-style dog bed where there is a consensus of opinion from people that have bought the bed that it is a well made, quality item. The outside is made of a strong, polyester-cotton faux suede material with minimal soft filling and minimal faux fir trim. Attached to this material underneath the base is a water-resistant, non-slip nylon material. All of the material is easy to wipe down and keep clean. Machine Washable Cushion Cover The tent comes with a removable, soft, yet firm polypropylene cushion that forms the actual bed. The cushion is encased in a faux fur cover that easily unzips for removal when it can be machine washed on the cold or easy-care setting. Two Beds In One This bed is adaptable. Although primarily designed as a tent bed, if you remove the cushion, press the top right down and then place the cushion in the resultant recess, you now have a bolster-like dog bed. Converting back to a tent is as easy as pushing the top back out again from the inside. A Range Of Sizes And Colors This bed comes in three sizes, I recommend for a shih tzu “Size L”, 24” x 18” x 18” (60 cm x 45 cm x 45 cm). There is also a choice of 7 colors. The bed arrives flat and vacuum packed. When opened and assembled it will take one to two days to recover its full size. It is easy to assemble, the ends just zip into place. Then for washing or packing flat for travel, just unzip the ends again. This bed is very lightweight and features a handle at the top, so it is easy to carry around even when fully assembled. The only problem that I can see anyone having with this bed is that it ships from Hong Kong but as long as you can wait for the 12 to 20 days for delivery, that shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. Click here to see the ManxiVoo Dog Igloo Kennel Bed on Amazon. Flat Dog Beds ID: 41604977 © cynoclub | Depositphotos If your shih tzu will not take to a conventional dog bed and insists on sleeping on the floor or a rug, you might like to try buying him a plain, flat, mattress style dog bed as a sort of half-way compromise. If you buy one and he still refuses to use it, you can try placing his favorite blanket on top in an effort to encourage him. If you are crate training your shih tzu, one of these beds would be ideal to fit inside the bottom of the crate to help create a warm and comfortable environment. Flat dog beds are sold in orthopedic and non-orthopedic versions. MidWest Homes for Pets Ombré Swirl Pet Bed Scoring 4.3 out five from user reviews, the Ombré Swirl Pet Bed from MidWest Homes is the number one best-selling pet bed on Amazon. A product does not achieve that position unless it is of the optimum combination of high quality, ease of use and value for money. Soft, Plush Materials The cover of the bed, made from a very soft polyester material that has been finished in a dog-comforting, furry swirl pattern. This material does not snag in a dog’s toenails and also does not ride up like fleecy materials often do. Inside the cover is a tufted poly-fiber cushion that is firm enough to support a shih tzu but with just enough give to give maximum comfort. It’s thick enough for a resting shih tzu not to sink through to the floor but not so thick that it gives the appearance of being overstuffed. Underneath all of this is an integrated non-slip, studded, black rubbery material that will hold the bed fast on shiny surfaces while your shih tzu lies on it, yet if he decides to get off and drag the bed somewhere else, he will be able to do so with ease. Simple Maintenance The bed is very easy to keep clean. The cover is not removable and there are no zippers to break. Instead, the whole bed can be machine washed. The manufacturer recommends a bleach-free wash on the cold or easy-care setting, though there are reports from people who have purchased the bed that, because of bad soiling, have washed it at higher temperatures and have not noticed any resultant loss of shape or any deterioration in quality. Tumble drying on low heat is possible but, following the manufacturer’s recommendations again, re-shaping the bed after washing and laying the bed flat to air dry produces the best results. Long-Lasting There is a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty that comes with the Ombré Swirl but it is a very durable bed and in normal use should last for several years of shih tzu slumber. There are seven sizes of this bed available, of which the 24-inch is ideal for the average-sized adult shih tzu. The actual dimensions are 23” x 18” x 2½” (58 cm x 45 cm x 6 cm). These dimensions will fit snugly inside standard-sized crates. The bed comes in a choice of three colors, grey, mocha (a two-tone light brown) and coco chic (dark brown). For some reason that I haven’t been able to discover, the coco chic is almost double the price of the other two options. At the time of writing, the grey and the mocha are available at a very good price that even undercuts the price of the very similar AmazonBasics Plush Pet Bed. To view the MidWest Homes for Pets Ombré Swirl Pet Bed on Amazon, click here. Elevated Dog Beds ID: 40489747 © Jstaley401 | Depositphotos Elevated dog beds usually consist of a synthetic canvas-like mesh material stretched taut over a tubular frame made of steel or plastic. The bed part is raised typically 7″ (18 cm) or more above the ground to allow airflow underneath. The materials used make elevated beds suitable for indoor or outdoor use and are usually easily to clean with a cold water hose or by rubbing with a sponge soaked in cold water only. These beds are particularly suitable for a shih tzu that is living in a hot climate. If, when the hot weather comes your shih tzu sits or lies panting with his tongue out for long periods in an attempt to regulate his body temperature, he could benefit from the cooling effect the all-round airflow of an elevated bed would bring. Here is one of the better constructed models: The Original Elevated Pet Bed By Coolaroo Of the three elevated dog beds that feature in the top 100 Amazon best sellers, this is the one of the the best quality construction and is the most durable. The mesh part of the bed is made out of a parasite resistant and mold resistant, high-density polyethylene that, when stretched over the steel frame, provides support for your dog’s joints and muscles, although the bed is not classed as an orthopedic bed. The steel frame, which outperforms the plastic frames available on other beds, is nylon powder coated for the best rust and corrosion resistance. The fabric is easy to maintain, wipe down or hose down with cold water only, no detergents. If it does ever become damaged, replacement fabric is available separately; you don’t have to buy a completely new bed. If you want to be eco-friendly, the fabric is recyclable. The “Small” size option is available in four colors and with dimensions of 35” x 22” x 8” (89 cm x 56 cm x 20 cm) there is ample room for a shih tzu to spread out and relax. The bed comes flat-packed but can be easily assembled by the purchaser. There is a hexagonal key provided to assist with this. See The Original Elevated Pet Bed by Coolaroo on Amazon by clicking here. Just The Tip Of The Iceberg So there you have my pick of the best value for money versus quality shih tzu beds easily available online. Of course, there are thousands more available in the styles I have featured and yet more in styles that I have not featured. I hope that this post has helped point you in the right direction. If you have any comments or questions about beds for shih tzu, anything else about the shih tzu breed or about this website, please use the comments box below or, if you prefer, drop me a line using the contact us form. Until next time, bye for now, Shih Tzu Steve.... Read more...
- Trim Shih Tzu Paws Like A Professional
  Grooming AdviceTrim Shih Tzu Paws And Nails – A Necessary Task Why does the particular need to trim shih tzu paws arise? All long haired dogs grow hair on the bottom of their paws in between the pads. Problems can occur if this hair is allowed to grow beyond level with the pads. The shih tzu is no exception. The protruding tufts of hair can become matted and tangled. As well as making it painful to walk on and stand on for long periods of time the mats will trap substances and objects as the shih tzu walks along. Caked in mud, gritty sand, stones, glass, thorns, burrs, feces and carelessly discarded gum are examples of what can become tangled in the mats of excess paw hair adding to the pain and discomfort. In winter, compacted snow that freezes into ice expanding between the pads can be a problem also. To ensure that your shih tzu does not encounter any of these problems it is essential that this inter-pad paw hair is trimmed back below the level of the pads and that nails are trimmed back above ground level on a regular basis. Keep The Paw Hair And Nails Trimmed Back Charlie shows his hairy paw pads. Depending upon your personal taste, your shih tzu is going to need a haircut every six to eight weeks or so. Any groomer worth their name will trim the excess hair and trim the nails back as part of the grooming process. What do you do, though, if further trimming is required in between visits to the groomer? An option is to ask your vet to perform this but do you want to go to the trouble of taking your shih tzu to the surgery just for this? Why not perform your own paw grooming in the comfort of your own home? With the right equipment, a little bit of practice on your part and a little bit of training on your shih tzu’s part you can execute your own paw hair and nail trimming. The Equipment You Will Need Good, professional quality, home pet grooming kits can be bought these days for very little money compared to what a visit to the groomer or the vet will cost you. Also, purchasing your own equipment is a one-off cost, as opposed to the recurring cost of the groomer or vet. When purchasing your pet grooming kit, make sure it consists of at least the following items:- Electric Clippers ID: 185849010 © adogslifephoto | Depositphotos To avoid nasty power cord tangles with your shih tzu and for convenience of movement, go for cordless, rechargeable clippers. The traditional “buzz” of clippers may upset your dog so try to buy clippers with a silent, low vibration action. You have a small dog with small paws therefore it is necessary that the chosen clippers have small blades. For the paws size 15 (3/64”, 1.2mm) to size 30 (1/50”, 0.5mm) blades are best for getting into the crevices between the pads, though if the smallest blade you have is a size 10 (1/16”, 1.6mm), you may just get away with it. Many clippers have adjustable blades so if purchasing such a model double check that you can achieve a setting of somewhere between 15 to 30 with them. Scissors ID: 64401355 © frank11 | Depositphotos There are many designs of pet grooming scissors. Whichever design you decide on make sure that they have rounded ends for safety should your shih tzu make any sudden, unexpected movement while you are cutting. Ideally, have two pairs of grooming scissors in your kit. A larger pair for general work and a smaller pair for finer, finishing work. If you can, get the type that curve up at the end for added safety and ease of use. Stainless Steel Comb ID: 37806587 © VIPDesignUSA | Depositphotos A good pet grooming comb will be made of stainless steel and have fine teeth on one half and coarser ones on the other. Nail Clippers ID: 24063703 © Amaviael | Depositphotos For small breed dogs the “guillotine” type clippers rather than the scissor is the most suitable. These are the clippers that resemble an electrician’s wire cutters. Styptic Powder Accidents happen and it is best to be prepared by having some styptic powder at hand to stop the bleeding should you accidentally nick your shih tzu’s skin or cut his nail back a little too far. Essential Checks Before Trimming Check out each of your shih tzu’s paws before starting any trimming. If he has been licking, chewing or biting his paw or paws frequently there may be a problem that needs attention. Even if he hasn’t been doing any of this, it’s still better to be safe than sorry and to examine the paws first. Particular attention should be paid to between the pads, also known as the interdigital area, the nails and between the nails. First check that there are no tumors, abscesses or cysts, foreign objects such as glass or tacks that have penetrated the skin, torn or broken nails and any other wounds or injuries. All of these conditions will need to be examined and treated by a vet before you can continue with the trimming. See my post “Shih Tzu Paw Problems – How To Cope With Them” for more details. Foreign objects such as stones and burrs that have not caused any damage can be carefully removed by yourself before commencing trimming. If you find any mats or tangles in the hair, these will need to be teased out with a stainless steel comb as best as you can before trimming. If your shih tzu has been licking, chewing or biting his paws and you have failed to find any evidence as to why, then it is almost certainly be because of an allergy. Whilst trimming the paw hair will not take the allergy away it may help make your shih tzu more comfortable with it. How To Trim Shih Tzu Paw Hair And Nails Like A Professional ID: 160108078 © AllaSerebrina | Depositphotos I am assuming that if you are reading this post that this is the first time you are going to attempt to trim your shih tzu’s paws. It may take your dog some time to get used to the way you will be handling his paws and the noise and sensation of the clippers. He may struggle at first until you have done this a few times. If the situation starts to become too stressful then abandon the clipping for that day and try again the next. Eventually you will become more confident and your shih tzu will become more acceptable of the situation. Let’s Get Trimming A grooming table would be the ideal venue for paw hair trimming but any raised hard surface will do, such as a coffee table, or you could kneel on the floor with your shih tzu either standing or lying on his side. If he likes having his tummy rubbed, you may even get him to lie on his back. Whichever way you find best suits you, start by standing or kneeling behind your shih tzu. If he is standing you will have to lift a back paw slightly and gently bend it towards you at the knee so that the pad is facing you. If the hair between the pads is quite long, first gently pull it up above the pads, teasing out any mats you find if you can. Usually if there are mats they will be between the large back pad and the four front pads. Now, making sure the clippers are set with the correct blade size, start trimming the hair between the back pad and the four front pads from back to front using a rocking motion as if you were drawing a letter “U”. Spread the pads apart with your thumb and only use the edge of the clippers rather than the whole width of the blades. Then move on to in between the four front pads, again spreading the pads with your thumb as you trim, only using the edge of the blades and using the same rocking motion. Repeat the whole process with the other rear paw and then move onto the front paws. Again, if your shih tzu is standing you will need to bend his paw up at the knee so that you can see the pads. If your shih tzu really doesn’t like electric clippers, you can perform the trimming by hand using the scissors with the safety rounded tips. There is potential to cause more damage with scissors than with clippers, so only trim the hair protruding above the pads with a flat cutting motion. Do not attempt to trim in between the pads with scissors. When you have finished all four paws, comb each one out in turn and trim off any protruding hairs with the finishing scissors. Trimming The Nails Trimming the nails can be a scary prospect but if you go about it the right way you won’t hurt your shih tzu. The nails have a vein running through them that finish a small distance from the end. If your shih tzu has clear nails you will be able to see the vein. Place you nail clippers over the nail just in front of where the vein ends and cut off the excess growth. If your shih tzu has opaque nails, trim off a small piece of nail at a time until you can see a small, dark, oval shape in the middle of the cross section. This is the vein, so don’t cut back any further. Use the length of the remaining nail as a gauge for the rest of the nails. Don’t forget the dew claw, the flappy appendage akin to the thumb on the inside of the leg about an inch or so back from the front of the paw. That’s if your shih tzu has them, sometimes they are removed at the same time as neutering. If he does have them, trim the nails in the same way. If you do accidentally cut off too much nail exposing the vein, stop any bleeding by dusting the wound with the styptic powder. Learn More About Home Grooming Your Shih Tzu ID: 191556760 © Serg0403 | Depositphotos Affiliate disclosure: The next paragraph contains affiliate links that will take you to the TrainPetDog.com website. You will be under no obligation to purchase anything nor disclose any personal information. If you do go on and make a purchase, Shihtzuandyou.com will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Now that you know how to groom your shih tzu’s paws, it’s not too big a step to learn how to trim all of his coat exactly how you want it. The finer points of total shih tzu grooming are too much to put into one post on this blog. I will be covering more about grooming in future posts but if you don’t want to wait that long my friends at TrainPetDog.com have a free dog grooming mini course that covers all of the essentials such as how to train your shih tzu for grooming, how to deal with “doggy odor” and how to groom different coat types. Click here for more details. I hope that you have enjoyed this post and it has helped you with the care of your shih tzu. If you have any thoughts or questions about this post, this website or anything to do with shih tzu, please leave a comment or use our contact us form. For more information, take a look at my post about shih tzu grooming tools. See you then!... Read more...
- Should I Get A Shih Tzu? – the bare facts you must consider
  Thinking of owning a shih tzu?So, you’re thinking of buying or adopting a shih tzu but you’re unsure if you’re going to make the right decision. Is a shih tzu the right addition to join your household? Shih tzu are wonderful, loyal and friendly companion dogs that will love you from the bottom of their hearts if you treat them right. They can be stubborn and independent thinking at times, sometimes suffering from “selective deafness” when you give a command they don’t want to comply with but generally all they want to do is please you and to be with you. But before I help you to provide your own answer to the question, “Should I get a shih tzu?”, I urge you to think it over thoroughly before committing yourself to the acquisition of such a fine animal. The most important thing to consider is that bringing a shih tzu home will bring demands upon you twenty four hours a day, seven days a week for hopefully the next fifteen years or more. Think carefully about it, it’s a life changing commitment for you and your family, particularly if you’ve never had a dog as part of the family before. Don’t get me wrong, I want you to be the proud owner of a shih tzu, believe me it’s well worth the effort, but it’s only right for the shih tzu and you that you are ready to make the necessary sacrifices. Registration and Vaccinations – the essential first steps Image courtesy of Cynoclub | Dreamstime ID 51270072 In some countries you may need to register your new shih tzu under a licensing system which will almost certainly involve having a microchip painlessly inserted into the loose skin at the back of his neck and a recording of his DNA profile. Usually this registration will not be granted unless your puppy or dog has had the necessary vaccinations. Even if you don’t have to register your shih tzu it is still a good idea to insert the microchip just in case he one day becomes lost or stolen. The microchip would then allow you, the owner, to be reunited with your dog. Even if you don’t have to register your shih tzu, vaccinations are still a must to prevent him catching fatal diseases and passing them on. The obvious one is the rabies vaccination, usually a legal requirement in most countries, which is given at age three months here in Gibraltar, the UK and the EU though this may be later in other countries. Check with your local veterinarian. The rabies vaccination must then be boosted, for legal reasons, every one year although the original vaccination would last for three years. As well as rabies the other absolutely essential vaccination, though not necessarily a legal requirement, is the combination jab against parvovirus, parainfluenza, hepatitis and distemper. This all-in-one vaccination is usually given in three rounds between age six weeks to age four months. Not only are these jabs essential for a shih tzu’s well-being but also for permission to travel, placing in kennels, joining training classes and similar. This vaccine will need boosting every three years or so. No puppy can be allowed outdoors until these core vaccines have been given. Apart from these two essential vaccines there may be one or two localized vaccines that your chosen shih tzu may need. For example, here in Gibraltar and southern Spain vaccination against leishmania, a disease transmitted by a mosquito known as “sand fly”, is necessary for dogs. If you live somewhere where there are a lot of ticks then vaccination against Lyme disease should be considered. If you live where there are wild animals around then it’s leptospirosis to guard against. If your potential shih tzu is attending classes or staying in kennels a vaccination against kennel cough, more formally known as bordetella, is advisable. These are just a few examples of the vaccinations that may be necessary in certain circumstances. You will have to consult your veterinarian to discuss which your shih tzu needs should you decide to have one. Going On Vacation – how your holiday choices may change Image courtesy of Chaoss | Dreamstime ID 55658263 Owning a shih tzu means planning your vacations very carefully. While you are gone you will either have to put him or her in kennels, have a dog sitter come to your home or take him on vacation with you. Let me tell you, and I speak from personal experience here, that it is heartbreaking for both you and your dog when you part at the kennels. On top of this, he will be pining for you all of the time you are gone. If you choose to leave your shih tzu at home with a dog sitter popping in to feed him and take him for walks, this can be a professional or a family member, neighbour or friend. Whoever you choose, it must be someone your shih tzu trusts and you trust to administer doggy care to the same standard as you. If you take him with you, you will need to go camping or book dog friendly accommodation which narrows your choice considerably. Going to another country involves a lot of organization, a pet passport proving the necessary vaccinations have been administered and, in some countries, may even require a period of quarantine. If your trip involves crossing the sea you may need to take a ferry instead of flying. Shih Tzu Potty Training – time consuming but necessary If the shih tzu you are considering acquiring is a puppy then you will need to take him outside for him to do his “business” every two hours or so to minimize the inevitable incidents of indoor soiling before your puppy is potty trained. Shih tzu have small bladders anyway and that of a puppy is even smaller so cannot hold much liquid and therefore he has to discharge often. As the puppy matures the frequency of having to go outside for a pee diminishes. Shih tzu are notoriously difficult to potty train but with persistent and consistent training it can be done. For more information, click on the link below to see my article on potty training: Are Shih Tzu Easy To Potty Train? Taking a Shih Tzu For a Walk – twice a day is the right way Once a shih tzu puppy reaches fourteen months he has reached adulthood, his bladder will be stronger and he will only need walking then twice a day. A shih tzu doesn’t need much exercise but in an ideal world you need to take your shih tzu for a walk of at least twenty minutes duration every morning and the same every evening, every single day. That’s a massive time commitment that will make you miss out on a lot of events and opportunities. On the plus side, you will be getting some healthy extra exercise that you may not have got otherwise. For further and more detailed information relating to when you should walk a shih tzu and for how long, please see my post “How Often Should You Walk a Shih Tzu?“. Coping With Separation Anxiety – a common problem with stay-at-home shih tzu Shih tzu that are left alone in the home all day, every day while their owner is at work or school are prone to suffer from separation anxiety. A shih tzu with separation anxiety becomes extremely distressed when his owner leaves the house, leaving him all alone. When he knows his owner is going to leave he will make an awful fuss, jumping up, barking and whimpering, even trying whatever he can to stop the owner from leaving. Then for around the first forty minutes after the owner has left there will probably be a period of incessant barking and whimpering plus perhaps some destruction of furniture and clothing, maybe even some defecation, this even if he is house trained. Then when the owner comes home he, the owner will be subjected to the same fuss that was made when he left. Owners not being able to cope with separation anxiety is the most common reason why a dog will end up being abandoned or passed on to a rescue centre or sanctuary. Forewarned is forearmed and if you know before you become a shih tzu owner how to prevent separation anxiety or at least to minimise the symptoms, then hopefully you will be more than able to cope with it. My post “Shih Tzu Separation Anxiety” explains the symptoms, bad behaviour and what you can do to alleviate the situation. Medical Conditions That May Develop Image courtesy of Eduardo Gonzalez Diaz | Dreamstime ID 96625441 Most shih tzu are healthy specimens and I sincerely hope that if you do go ahead and enjoy the delights of owning a shih tzu that yours turns out to be a healthy dog, that you have many years of happiness together and that he never suffers from any of the conditions below. You need to bear in mind, however, that the shih tzu is susceptible to the same health problems as any breed of small dog with an unnaturally short snout and unnaturally short legs. You should never use a collar on a shih tzu as the windpipe, or trachea, is made of cartilage and is easily flattened by the pressure. This leads to difficulty in breathing and in severe cases may need surgery. Breathing problems can also be caused by a shih tzu being born with narrow nasal passages. Again, surgery can fix severe cases. Shih tzu are at risk of heatstroke in extremely hot conditions. Because of the way their respiratory systems are designed they cannot pant fast enough to keep their body temperature normal. In these conditions it’s best to cut their hair short, keep them in an air conditioned room or at least in cool shade and give them iced water to drink plus ice cubes to chew on. You will need to watch out for eye diseases; at the first sign of inflammation, redness or abnormalities, consult your veterinarian immediately. It may be nothing but swift action could save your dog’s sight. Mainly because shih tzu have short legs and a proportionally large back, there can be problems with hip joints, knee joints and even the possibility of a slipped disc. Most of these conditions can be treated, the most severe by surgery. Shih tzu have comparably very long and narrow ear canals which are covered by furry ear flaps. This creates a warm and moist environment that bacteria thrive in and make painful infection likely. For this reason a shih tzu’s ears need cleaning on a regular basis. Shih tzu can develop very itchy allergies that manifest as skin rashes and as a waxy substance inside the ear. Their paws and snouts may discolour due to scooping out this wax followed by licking the paw. These allergies can be treated by experimention in change of diet or products such as shampoo, for example, or by medication. Hypothyroidism is another condition that can affect shih tzu. The thyroid does not function correctly in a shih tzu affected by this illness resulting in varying appetite, weight gain, excessive urination, fatigue and hair loss. Hypothyroidism can be treated with medication. It needs to be diagnosed early otherwise the patient can fall into a coma. Another condition that can send a shih tzu into a coma if not diagnosed and treated early enough is Addison’s disease, a deficiency of the adrenal glands that inhibits hormone production. This condition is hereditary, so as long as you get your shih tzu from a reputable source you should never encounter this disease. Bruno was diagnosed with Addison’s disease after falling into a coma and almost dying when a puppy. Since then he has lived a happy life thanks to his twice a day medication. He is one laid back shih tzu! If you’re speculating about choosing a female shih tzu she will need to be spayed either at an early age, around age six months, this is before she comes on heat for the first time, or, if she is going to be used for breeding, as soon as she has ended her breeding duties. Shih tzu come on heat usually twice a year from age seven months. During these times there will be a small discharge of blood that you might like to contain in a doggy diaper. All of these conditions and more I will be going into in greater detail in future posts. So if you do become a proud shih tzu owner, do please bookmark this site and come back again. Although the chances of a shih tzu developing anything nasty are slight, treatment for most of the above conditions can turn out to be very expensive and it only makes sense to take out pet insurance to dampen the shock of any sudden, unexpected strains on your finances. Grooming -it’s not just about making your shih tzu look pretty Image courtesy of Pavel Siamionau | Dreamstime ID 30102033 Many people, including some “experts” are under the misconception that shih tzu are hypoallergenic. Fact: they’re not! You generally don’t see any shed hair from a shih tzu on your carpet or furniture as they have a double coat. When they shed hair it tends to get caught between the two layers. This is evident when you brush a shih tzu, the loose hairs will attach themselves to the brush. If you keep a shih tzu’s hair long like the show dogs you would have to brush him every day to avoid his hair becoming a tangled mess. I, personally, prefer to take my two to the groomers every four to six weeks to maintain a short hairstyle. This not only prevents problems with matting but helps to keep them cool in the hot Gibraltar climate. I also ask the groomer to pluck the hairs from inside their ears and cut the hair from between their toes. This is for hygienic purposes as these are areas prone to infection. The groomer will also wash the dogs and cut their toenails, the latter being necessary every four weeks or so. There is some routine grooming, apart from the regular brushing, that you will need to do at home. One bath a week with a dog friendly shampoo should be sufficient unless the shih tzu has been rolling around in dirt or worse. Of course, then he would need a bath as soon as possible. A shih tzu’s ears should be cleaned out weekly with special dog ear cleaning fluid and sterile cotton wool. Every time he eats or drinks you need to wipe his face with a clean, damp cloth. This is to prevent a build up of food particles and spilled drink water in the creases, another bacterial breeding ground. In the near future I will be writing about all aspects of grooming in greater detail. Be sure to bookmark this site for all things shih tzu. I hope you now have the answer for “Should I get a shih tzu?” If you have read all of this post you will now be aware of the commitment, both financially and in time, that you will have to make if you want a shih tzu in your home. You will know the way you will have to change your daily routine and be aware of what could, however unlikely, affect your chosen shih tzu during his life. I sincerely hope that after considering the points covered that you go ahead and get your shih tzu and you have a warm, happy, loving relationship together. The companionship and affection you get back from your chosen one is well worth the time, money and effort invested a million times over! If you have any questions that you would like to ask regarding shih tzu dogs or you have any comments about this post or this website, please use the space below or use our contact us form. PS: Don’t forget to bookmark us so that when you have your new shih tzu puppy you can come back for more tips on how to successfully raise your newly acquired friend.... Read more...
- Dog Collars For Shih Tzus – Is A Harness Better?
  Training TipsIn this report: Why Dog Collars For Shih Tzus Are Not Advisable Other Likely Shih Tzu Injuries From Dog Collars The Benefits Of Using A Dog Harness For Your Shih Tzu It’s Important That The Harness Fits Well The Best Harness For A Shih Tzu The Most Common Dog Harness Designs Shihtzuandyou Top Recommended Harness Should You Meet Up With Any Resistance …….. If You Still Want Your Shih Tzu To Wear A Collar …….. The Best Dog Collar For A Shih Tzu Why Dog Collars For Shih Tzus Are Not Advisable Buying dog collars for shih tzus is not the best idea. If you are thinking of doing this, I urge you to think again and consider a harness instead. A dog collar can cause serious injury to a shih tzu, especially a shih tzu that pulls on the leash or if you have to suddenly yank the leash to pull your dog from danger. Your shih tzu may get lucky and never have an injury wearing a collar, but why take the risk? The shih tzu is one of the brachycephalic breeds, that is they have been bred to have a very short snout. The internal parts of the mouth and throat are just the same size as for a long-snouted dog, meaning that everything is squashed into a smaller space. The palette overlaps into the windpipe slightly and the windpipe itself is close to the skin. This windpipe or trachea is protected somewhat by rings of cartilage but is still quite weak. Any pressure exerted upon it, such as that transmitted by a pull on a collar, can cause the trachea to collapse. This injury is usually permanent and can make breathing more labored as well as being very painful. It can be eased a little with medication but in severe cases will require surgery and in extreme cases euthanasia. Other Likely Shih Tzu Injuries From Dog Collars The pressure exerted on the back of the neck if a shih tzu being walked in a leash and collar combination lurches forwards or to one side can lead to intervertebral disc disease and other spinal injuries.Over a period of time, a collar exerting pressure on the thyroid gland can develop into hypothyroidism.A shih tzu that pulls on the leash wearing a collar can suffer nerve damage to the front legs, usually demonstrated by excessive licking of the front paws.A scientific study by the American Animal Hospital Association has shown that dogs wearing collars have shown a higher incidence of eye problems such as glaucoma and disorders of the cornea than dogs that wear harnesses. The Benefits Of Using A Dog Harness For Your Shih Tzu Using a dog harness for your shih tzu will help prevent the injuries that could potentially be caused by using a collar, particularly neck and spinal injuries.Your shih tzu will be more secure and safer in a harness.In a harness, it will be much more difficult for your shih tzu to wriggle free when out walking than if wearing a collar. With a well-designed, well-fitting harness it will be almost impossible to wriggle free.A dog harness will give you more control over your shih tzu than a collar. If you have a shih tzu that pulls you when out walking, a harness with the D-ring located in the chest area can tackle this problem.It will be easier and safer to clip your shih tzu to a car seat when driving. There are harnesses available that are supplied with straps that connect to the seat belt anchor. For extra safety, I recommend using the harness in conjunction with a canine bolster seat. It’s Important That The Harness Fits Well A badly fitting harness can also cause injuries and be a threat to safety, as can badly designed and worn-out ones. So it’s worth measuring your shih tzu first, paying attention to the sizing charts of your chosen harness and spending that little extra for quality. If you have a harness that is frayed or torn, particularly around the armpits area where it can chafe, replace it. To measure your shih tzu properly for a harness, use a dressmaker’s cloth tape measure to determine the circumference of the neck, the circumference of the girth from behind the shoulder blades and around the tummy, plus the length of the back from the back of the neck to the start of the tail. When you try the harness on your shih tzu, it should be a snug fit but not so tight that you can’t just get two fingers comfortably in between the harness material and your dog’s body without using force. For this reason, it is best to choose a harness with multiple adjustment points. The Best Harness For A Shih Tzu Materials used need to be lightweight and breathable. Lightweight because you don’t want your shih tzu struggling with a heavy harness. Breathable because your shih tzu has two coats, an inner one and an outer one. If you then cover these coats with a non-breathable material, it can cause overheating or hyperthermia, especially during hot weather. The most common lightweight and breathable materials used in dog harnesses are nylon and polyester but you can also find cotton ones if you prefer naturally occurring materials. Nylon is the stronger, cleans easily and is water-resistant, but polyester is less abrasive and dries faster after getting wet. The lightness and breathability of all of these materials is increased when used to form a mesh. Many harnesses feature padding for the chest, back and sometimes on the inside of the straps. The padding is often made of neoprene, a soft, synthetic rubber that will mold itself to your shih tzu’s body shape. Chest padding will help distribute any forces caused by pulling on the leash evenly and away from the windpipe. Back padding will support the spine and help prevent intervertebral disc disease. Padding inside the straps will help prevent abrasions and chafing. As I previously mentioned, it helps to find the perfect fit for your shih tzu if you choose a harness with multiple adjustment points. These adjustment points plus the fastening buckles should be made of strong plastic or strong steel. Strong steel should also feature for the D-rings and any rings joining straps together. Some harnesses have the D-ring for connecting the leash at the back, either near the neck, halfway along the back, or both. Some harnesses have D-rings at the front in the chest area and some have D-rings in both locations, known as a dual-clip harness. The back-clip D-ring is probably the most common perhaps because it is in a convenient position to easily clip the leash on and off. The main issue with clipping a leash to the back of a harness is that it makes it easy for your shih tzu to pull you along. If your shih tzu is a “puller”, it is perhaps better to choose a chest-mounted front-clip D-ring. With the leash clipped here, your shih tzu cannot pull you along. If he tries to pull you, instead of moving forwards he will be turned around to face you. After a few walks with this type of harness, the theory is that your shih tzu will realize that pulling gets him nowhere and he will stop doing it. The main disadvantage with the chest-mounted D-ring is that your dog’s legs can become tangled with the leash. For the best of both worlds, choose a dual-clip harness. You can choose to connect the leash to either ring or do as a lot of dog trainers do and connect leashes to both rings at once for maximum control. If you walk your shih tzu in low light conditions, particularly along busy roads or unlit lanes and paths, reflective features incorporated into the harness will help your shih tzu be seen and increase both his safety and yours. The Most Common Dog Harness Designs Photo by Muffin Stretch Mesh Harness This style is good for shih tzus of all ages but is most suitable for puppies. Made from a stretchy, breathable mesh, it is soft, comfortable and cool for the dog. It is easy to put on and remove, this harness usually fastens with snap-buckles at the sides or the back. The adjustment will be at the chest and sometimes the neck as well. This type of harness is available in a variety of colors and most are machine washable. Padded Chest or Chest Plate Harness As the name suggests, this type of harness features a supportive, padded chest plate for comfort. This style will help prevent injury to a dog that pulls by spreading the load over a larger area. It is also good for preventing injury in the event of an accident when strapped into a car seat. The sides of this harness will have straps that the shih tzu steps into before securely fastening. Vest or Coat Harness If your shih tzu wears clothing when out in the winter months, this type of all-in-one harness and vestment may save you the struggle of having to put both a harness and a coat on your shih tzu before going out. You will probably need a second, mesh harness for the summer months, though, as your dog may become too hot in this one. This type of vest, coat or other garment harness has a convenient D-ring fixed onto the back for attaching the leash. It is primarily designed as clothing and as a consequence is relatively weak compared to harness-only designs but is quite adequate for a small dog breed such as the shih tzu. It is certainly secure as it is almost impossible to wriggle out of when fastened up properly. A large variety of designs and colors are available. You do need to be careful that you buy the correct size but when you do, it will be very comfortable for your dog. Most come with padding to decrease the risk of chafing, adding to the comfort. Strap or Roman Harness This harness consists of just a framework of straps typically made from strong nylon but, more unusually, could be of leather. Straps circumvent the back of the neck to the lower chest and also the girth, joined along the back and inside the front legs. The straps are formed in such a way that pressure is kept away from the trachea. The better designs have the snap-buckle at the shoulder or under the tummy. They are difficult for a dog to wriggle out of although they are not as comfortable as other types of harness. The straps can become tangled when putting on or removing and will then need unraveling. Some have a contrast color lower strap to help with this. Designed for adult dogs rather than puppies, this is not the best choice for a shih tzu but it will serve its purpose. Step-in Harness This is similar to the strap harness in appearance. It lacks the neck strap of the strap harness, instead it has straps that circumvent each front leg. The dog steps in and the straps are pulled up to the armpits. It then fastens up at the back, This harness needs to fit and be adjusted properly, otherwise it is easy for a startled dog to wriggle free from. However, if you have a laid-back hound, the lightweight and compact structure of this harness make it perfect for short walks. No-Pull Harness The typical no-pull harness looks similar to the chest plate harness in that it has a chest panel to spread the load. The difference is that the no-pull has two leash attachment points that gives the handler complete control. The front attachment point on the chest plate allows the handler to steer the dog in the desired direction, while the attachment at the back prevents pulling. This harness is designed to be used with a double-ended leash. Shihtzuandyou Top Recommended Harness EcoBark Max Comfort Dog Harness At Shihtzuandyou, we not only think that this is the best shih tzu friendly dog harness for value, comfort and quality of build, we also like the ethics behind it. Not only are Ecobark’s products made from recycled materials wherever possible but also for every harness, collar or leash they sell, they also donate another harness or leash to an animal shelter. This harness is ideal for shih tzu puppies and adults because it is lightweight and has a soft, comfortable fit. The main body is of a strong, padded, breathable double mesh manufactured in such a way as to discourage pulling and protect the dog’s trachea from injury. The mesh will stretch and move naturally with your shih tzu and the breathability helps keep the dog cool, even when running around. The vest is easy to ease on and off over the dog’s head. It has two adjustable chest straps that fix the harness in place with a secure but easy to use snap-buckle. There is also adjustment at the neck as well as the chest to ensure that you get the best fit. The D-ring for the leash is positioned at the back, in between the neck and chest straps. It’s fixed securely in place with reinforced double stitching. The rest of the harness covering is stitched in such a way so as to prevent chafing, especially around the armpits area. The Max Comfort is available in a range of colors and patterns. There are some bright ones if you often walk your shih tzu in low light conditions. Ecobark also sell leashes that match these colors. The surface of the harness can be wiped down with a damp sponge or cloth, so keeping it clean is not a problem. I recommend carefully measuring your shih tzu and paying attention to the manufacturer’s size chart before ordering, as their sizes may be different to those of other harness makers. The harness is virtually escape-proof so long as you order the correct size. Click here to see the Ecobark Max Comfort Dog Harness on Amazon. However, If you drive a lot with your shih tzu with you in your vehicle, you may prefer to buy an all-round harness that has been crash-tested for extra safety. The Max Comfort is not such a harness. In this case, Shihtzuandyou recommends: The Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit Dog Car Harness The Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit Dog Car Harness has been crash-tested for dogs up to 75 lbs (34 kg) using dog-shaped crash test dummies. When this harness is used with the included seat belt tether, your shih tzu’s chances of surviving an accident and not injuring any of the other occupants of the vehicle are greatly improved. What makes the Enhanced Strength a better choice for car journeys than standard Tru-Fit harnesses is the use of mountain climbing standard steel nesting buckles and hardware. The hardware includes a carabiner at the end of the seat belt tether. The rest of the harness is of the same robust and durable build quality of all Tru-Fit harnesses. The “Tru-Fit” brand reflects on the five points of adjustment that ensure a perfect custom fit for almost any dog. The padded chest section helps prevent injury to the trachea and the sternum by absorbing and dissipating the shock of a car accident, so you know your shih tzu isn’t going to be hurt if he starts pulling you on your walks. You can eliminate pulling altogether as the harness has a D-ring at the front, as well as another at the back. The harness comes with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturer’s defects. Click here to see the Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit Dog Car Harness on Amazon. Should You Meet Up With Any Resistance …….. Your shih tzu may not want to put on a harness at first. It’s better to get a shih tzu to wear a harness at the puppy stage when they are more open to learning new ways. If you have an adult dog it may be an idea to first leave the harness somewhere around the main living area of your home so that your shih tzu can sniff around it, play with it and generally get familiar with it. That way the harness will not be a total shock when you try to put it on him the first time. You can further reinforce your shih tzu’s familiarization with the new harness by rewarding him with praise or a treat whenever he shows interest in it, so that he learns to associate good experiences with the harness. In a similar vein, don’t punish him if he gives you a hard time when you try to put the harness on him otherwise he will always associate bad experiences with it. It can take around one to three weeks for a shih tzu to get used to a harness and around the same time for the owner, also! If You Still Want Your Shih Tzu To Wear A Collar …….. ID: 214788448 © viclin | Depositphotos Unless your shih tzu has been diagnosed with a collapsed trachea or another breathing issue, in which case you should never use a collar, there is no other reason why you can’t have your shih tzu wear a collar just for carrying his ID tags or because you think it looks good. I still recommend also using a harness for the leash, though. Choose a lightweight material for the collar that preferably has a snap-buckle rather than a belt-buckle. The collar should be removed when grooming your shih tzu to allow for full, efficient brush strokes and thorough cleaning when bathing. For more information on grooming your shih tzu, click on the link below: How To Groom A Shih Tzu Dog – Easy Home Grooming You Can Do However, having said all of this, there is one harness that strips down to a collar when not in use: The Best Dog Collar For A Shih Tzu is: The Sporn Dog Training Halter The beauty of this device is that your shih tzu can wear the detachable collar section of this harness all of the time, should you so wish. Then, when it’s time for walkies, just clip on the rest of the harness in three easy steps and you’re ready to go on your walk with you in complete control. This is the one collar that does not put any pressure on the trachea, even when your dog is pulling. Even a dog that, unfortunately, already has a collapsed trachea or other throat injury can wear this. It is the only collar that Shihtzuandyou recommends. The complete harness is made from sturdy, quality materials. Braided cord and nylon webbing combine with nickel plated steel fasteners to give a very strong construction. When your dog pulls, restraints under the front legs humanely stop him in his tracks. The restraints are sleeved with a synthetic sheepskin material for your shih tzu’s comfort and to prevent chafing. The whole unit is weatherproof and machine washable. Sporn are so confident about this product that they offer a lifetime guarantee of satisfaction, so hold on to your proof of purchase even though I don’t think that you’ll need it. This is the perfect harness for those who like their shih tzus to wear a collar and want to train them out of a bad pulling habit. As always, measure your dog and use the manufacturer’s size guide before making your purchase. Click here to see The Sporn Dog Halter on Amazon. Thank you for your interest in this article. If you have any comments or questions about this subject, anything concerning the shih tzu breed or this website, please use the comments box below or, alternatively use the contact us form. Best wishes, Shih Tzu Steve. ... Read more...

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