Adopting a Shih Tzu
Jaschu
6 years ago
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Jaschu
6 years agoRelated Discussions
Dog Breed and Breeder Advice Requested
Comments (44)Rescues get puppies ALL the time! It's breeding season down south and they are euthanizing entire litters every day. I just got a plea for a litter of what looks like purebred Labs that are going to be gassed in one of those rural death camps. I don't know where you live but the chances are that you can get something you will all be happy with as there are so many litters now. What concerns me is your price range. It's practically nothing to be honest and you won't find a breeder who will sell puppies for that unless they are a mill or just making a buck off their female. You need to drop the idea that you can train your dog to stay in the yard. It's not going to happen. The dog will stay until something catches his or her attention and then the dog will be off like a shot. They think on about the level of a 3-4 year old child and are very distractable and very likely to forget rules if they get excited. A friend lost her obedience trained Sheltie this way. Teddy had every obedience degree in the US and Canada but one day she took him out to get in the car, he saw something across the street and dashed in front of an oncoming car. Without a fence you absolutely can't trust a dog to stay in the yard. So, you end up having to tie them up to keep them safe. By the way, getting a puppy is taking a chance on a future dog. You can't really tell that much about a dog's personality as an adult by the way it is as a puppy. Like people, puppies change as they grow and today's peppy dog could end up being a couch potato and vice versa. Puppies are fun, messy, expensive, loud, exasperating and will love you to death. From your original description of what you wanted in a dog I was actually tempted to tell you that what you want is a pit bull. Your description fits my two to a T. ;)...See MoreCrating and crying
Comments (6)Yes, I thought of that joepyeweed, but he outlasted us; we wanted to sleep, he was content to bark and cry and batter himself against the wire of the crate longer than we were willing to wait him out. Plus, I think that allowing him to become truly hysterical in the crate is a good way to make sure he never goes into it again. The crate was immedately at the foot of our bed; he wasn't much closer to us lying on my husband's jeans on the floor. mes444, he seems to be a pretty good dog. He wet on the floor about 5 minutes after we brought him into the house, and it was a big puddle; I think he just hadn't figured out how to ask to go out or where to go because there have been no problems since then. I've been taking him out to the yard and staying with him until he pees and then telling him what a Good! Dog! he is and he's getting accustomed to that. I would still like to be able to crate him at times when I need to confine him; I just think it's good for dogs to tolerate crating. You never know. I do plan, when I know him better, to allow him the run of the house with our other older dog. What do you all think about just having the crate around and open and encouraging him to lie in it when we're all just hanging around? Would that acclimate him, do you think?...See MoreHelp with newly adopted/rescued Shih Tzu
Comments (6)Everything will be fine. Your Shih Tzu needs time to adjust. After a few days of consistency and love, she will be the sweetest dog. It is very stressful for Shih Tzus to be changing homes. They are creatures of habit and consistency. They learn quickly, and even remind you to do something if you forget, but you have to be patient, consistent, and loving. They are independent, but always want to please you. They may be a bit stoic and resilient, not showing you that you HURT them, or that they have something wrong with them, UNTIL they are really sick. She may have a bladder infection due to *dehydration *stress *not being taken out when in shelter *she has bladder stones or other things going on which require testing... SHE NEEDS TO SEE A VET ASAP. She may need bloodwork, Urine, xrays... She probably is nervous and confused. I doubt that she is in heat. They usually spay the dogs before adoptions My first thought would be a bladder infection, due to stress, and confusion in her life. If I had her, I would have her evaluated by a Vet quickly, and see what I'm dealing with. IMO, EVERYBODY should take their new pet to be seen by a Vet, sooner than later. Also, I would crate her until she gets adjusted (a month)-Just in case she was not properly trained, or is nervous, the crate will help with boundaries and training. Do take her out for periods of time out of the crate. Show her love and afffection. Reward good bahavior. Take her for walks and exercise. She'll settle into a routine and will be a very easy dog to enjoy. She will require a lot of grooming, like every 6-8 weeks-haircuts, hair trims aroud the nose and eyes, earplucking, and MAY need anal glands cleaned, occasionally. I've had Shih Tzus all my life, so if you have any questions, just ask. Please let us know how you make out....See MoreShih tzu lovers out there?
Comments (1)It sounds as though she has an extreme case of separation anxiety and unless you are confident in your abilities to retrain such a dog I think you are going to need to contact a dog behaviorist. The only thing I can suggest at this point is to see how she does when confined to a small room (laundy/bath) that opens to the main living area. Install a gate in the doorway so that she can see and hear you and the other dog, then start feeding her in the room with the gate always open. I suggest you also place a dog bed in the room so that she sees it as a safe place to hang out. Once she appears comfortable eating in the room (this may take several days or longer) close the gate and watch for any signs of stress. Don't baby her or talk to her when closing the gate.....in other words.....don't make a big deal out of it. If she likes food, reward her with some small liver bits when she's quiet and not showing signs of anxiety. If she likes toys or chews, give her one or more of those and if you think having the other dog with her lessens the anxiety, then leave him with her in the small room. It's possible that you may only be able to leave the gate closed for a few minutes, or less. If you see signs of her anxiety building up when you close the gate, distract her or give her a command to sit, reward her for obeying the command, then open the gate. You could start with one short session a day and over time increase the time the gate is closed. Increase the time only if she's showing improvement. Here is a link that might be useful: Separation Anxiety This post was edited by annz on Sat, Nov 22, 14 at 12:42...See MoreJaschu
6 years agonannygoat18
6 years agoJaschu
6 years agoMrs. S
6 years agoJaschu
6 years agovickie52
6 years agoJaschu
6 years agoMrs. S
6 years agonyboy
6 years ago
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