The importance of correcting Shih Tzu problem behaviors quickly is because if you wait to fix it, the harder it will be and the longer it will take to fix the problem. Although it is never impossible to retrain a dog, it is much easier on both you and the dog if it is done quickly and properly. Taking action quick will help make sure the issue is controlled right away and will remind your dog that they are to submit to you and follow your lead and instruction. It is a matter of safety not only for your dog but also for the safety of you and those who come into contact with your dog. This is not only bad for friendships but for your pocketbook as well as attacks from dogs often times end up in court. When thinking about Shih Tzu problem behaviors, jumping up is often a problem that many owners complain about. This is even an issue that non-owners who have been around Shih Tzu will mention. If this problem behavior is not addressed in a quick manner, it can lead to many more issues. Something that seems so innocent, like jumping up, can become so much more and before you know it, your little pup will be in trouble and will not understand why. Consider that your Shih Tzu, even though so small, jumps onto a small and unsteady toddler who is then knocked back onto the floor and then hits his head. Once down the Shih Tzu continues to jump on the toddler thinking it's a game, the toddlers face gets scratched up, and the dog is yelled at. Your dog will be left confused because his jumping up never bothered you before and your dog does not have the mental capability to understand why something is okay one minute and not the next. Have you ever seen a dog walk their owner? It happens all the time as more and more owners report that their tiny dog is dragging them all over town or the park. This often becomes a Shih Tzu problem behavior with inexperienced owners. The second most complained about action in regards to Shih Tzu problem behaviors is that of lease pulling. Even though the Shih Tzu dog is small, they are able to bring out a lot of strength and can end up walking you around instead of it being the other why around. This is a problem for many reasons. Besides the most obvious fact that it can hurt both your back and the dog, allowing this to continue tells your dog that they are in charge, when in fact, they should be following your lead and direction. Also, although you do your best at putting a secure leash and collar on your dog, you can never be completely sure that it will not break. A dog who is left allowed to pull and tug on their leash will end up running away if suddenly the leash breaks or you drop it. There are so many dogs lost every year because of that same bad behavior. With the proper training and action, you can prevent this from happening. This is another behavior that must be stopped right away.
Eyes and Ears: Because of the anatomical structure of the Shih Tzu’s head, their eyes are especially vulnerable to being injured. This can be caused by collisions with foreign objects, encounters with other animals, rough play, etc. Eye injuries are probably the most avoidable of all ailments that affect the Shih Tzu and can be prevented to a large degree by providing a safe environment for the dog to play in, with special care taken to removal of potentially injurious objects. Shih Tzu should always be supervised when interacting with other animals and should discouraged from rough play. Another important preventive measure is to keep the eyes and eye area as clean as possible. Avoid allowing crustiness or dirt to accumulate. When grooming, it is recommended that the hair covering the eye area be left at a reasonable length as it protects the eyes from dirt and debris.
A genetically linked disease that often affects the Shih Tzu is Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA. PRA is basically the de generation of the retina and retinal tissue over time and can lead to blindness at an early age. If a dog is suspected of having PRA, veterinary care should be provided. As PRA is an inheritable disease, dogs that suffer from the affliction should not be bred.
Shih Tzu are also very susceptible to ear infections. Ear infections are generally not serious and can be treated easily by a veterinarian. Some preventive methods include keeping the inside of the ears immaculately clean and free of hair and other debris.
Bones, Joints, and Internal Organs: Another genetically linked disease that affects ShihTzu is Hip Dysplasia. Hip Dysplasia is a degenerative disease that affects the function of the ball-and-socket joint of the hip. This can be an extremely debilitating disease and cannot always be corrected by surgery. Dogs suffering from Hip Dysplasia should not be bred.
Renal Dysplasia is an inherited disease that affects normal kidney function which, in turn, affects the overall health of the dog. Although Renal Dysplasia is more prevalent in older dogs, it can also affect young puppies and in some cases, can be fatal. Dog with Renal Dysplasia should not be part of any breeding program.
Other Concerns: Just as in humans, some Shih Tzu suffer from abnormal thyroid function. This can be treated with medication prescribed by a veterinarian, although the dog may have need of the medication for the entirety of their lives.
Shih Tzu also seem to be prone to certain types of allergies including food allergies, flea allergies, and hypersensitivity to environmental substances. This can lead to any number of secondary ailments, such as irritated skin, hair loss, and overall poor health. Allergy testing can be performed by a veterinarian and can be treated with medication.
Article Source :
About Author
Both Rebecca Simpson & Don Krnel are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Rebecca Simpson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets Puppies for Sale, Prospects and Puppies Dogs. Rebecca Simpson is an avid lover of the Shih Tzu and owns a popular website that can show you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved . Rebecca Simpson's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
Don Krnel has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dog Pet Food, Internet Marketing. Learn more about Dogs and Puppies on Don Krnel's site. Don Krnel's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.