Crash!! One more item is broken….Ah, this Shih Tzu!! Why is he so cute? How can I scold him?
Do you own a little lion…oh I mean Shih Tzu puppy. I know he is super active. Do you wonder at what age my Shih Tzu puppy will calm down? How can I train Shih Tzu to calm down?
Well in this article we will try to answer your entire question. Also, we will give you a new perspective to see your little Shih Tzu.
Topics this article will cover:
- Shih Tzu dog breed and his temperament
- A Little story of your little Shih Tzu
- Shih Tzu growth stages
- At what age does a Shih Tzu stop being a puppy
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu…oh it is pronounced as SHEED Zoo or SHID Zoo. This little pup translates to little lion…roar… because of its long lion-like hairs. This dog is a small dog breed with long, luxuriant, straight locks. His face and prominent eyes are enough to melt anyone’s heart.
He is also nicknamed Chrysanthemum because of his facial hairs growing out in all directions, making him looks like a flower. These dog breed are so beautiful that no one can resist owning them.
With his long fur sweeping the round and topknot tied elegantly, he is no less than a noble. This breed also has a royal background; they were originally kept by the royal Chinese family of the Min Dynasty.
Shih Tzu personality
Though Shih Tzu’s names translate to little lion, there is nothing ferocious in this do breed. Lively, Friendly, hyper-active, and playful are some traits of this breed.
- Shih Tzu are good-natured and friendly dogs
- They can easily adapt to apartment living
- He can make a perfect family dog. They also love children.
- This dog breed will easily become your cuddling partner.
- This dog is highly sociable. They get along with everyone including kids, strangers, and other dogs. So he will make friends every time you take him out.
- He loves attention and will love to be spoiled by your love.
- They are hyperactive and need a lot of exercises.
A legend regarding Shih Tzu
It is said that Once Buddha was traveling with a dog that fits the description of Shih Tzu. One day, several dacoits came intending to loot and murder Buddha. The little dog sensed their intention (Shih Tzu can sense the surrounding environment and are known as theocratic dogs) and turned into a lion and chased them away. Afterward, he transformed back into a little puppy. Buddha picked him up and kissed him on his forehead (a white spot on Shih Tzu’s forehead).
Interesting story right…I know there is no such breed as royal, legendary, and cute like a Shih Tzu.
Now let us look at Shih Tzu’s growth stages.
Shih Tzu growth stage
The lifespan of an average Shih Tzu is 10-16 years. Height ranging from 9 to 10 inches and weighs around 9 to 16 pounds.
Shih Tzu like other dog breeds has two main aging stages. Consisting: Puppyhood and Adulthood.
Puppyhood and Adulthood are further divided into sub-categories:
Puppy
- Newborn: Birth to 3 weeks old
- Young puppy: 4 weeks to 4 months old
- Older puppy: 5 to 11 months
Adult
- Adult: 1 year to 9 years old
- Senior Shih Tzu: 10 years and +
So in which category your dog belongs?
Super Relaxing Sleep Music For Shih Tzu Dogs Puppies: Calm Relax Your Pet
Ok coming back to our main question.
At what age do Shih Tzu calm down
Though there is rarely anything negative about Shih Tzu. But here are some standalone issues.
Shih Tzu breed is known to be a bit stubborn and somewhat independent type. If not closely monitored and trained at a young age, these little puppies will try to rule over you.
They can sometimes get out of hand and refuse to calm down. Almost every dog owner has dealt with this stage with their respective dog breed. But with a consistent and appropriate level of control, you can calm your Shih Tzu down.
Generally, with proper training, your Shih Tzu will calm down from 6 months to 1 year. But it depends on your Dog and the training you give him.
You can calm your Shih Tzu by dealing with his super activeness. You can do this by getting him to exercise more, training him to behave positively, and looking for factors leading to such behavior.
Still confused, Lets us discuss it in more detail.
How to calm down your hyperactive Shih Tzu
#1. Drain his extra energy
Shih Tzu is a very active and highly energetic puppy. They are usually filled with energy and waiting for action. As they were originally bred for retrieving and herding, therefore, they have the stamina to keep up the whole day.
The only way to calm down your puppy is by draining his energy. Involve him with jumping, running, etc for hours to drain out his excess energy.
#2. Engage him
It can be possible for Shih Tzu to be fussy because of his boredom.
Try redirecting his energy and focus on a different game.
Wondering which games will be good? Here is the list of games:
- Fetching game: Every dog loves this game. Try throwing a stick or something like that and ask him to fetch it. It will prove a good exercise for him.
- Tug of war: Do you want to come a little closer to your puppy? Then try playing this game. This will not only burn his extra energy off but you do would love this game.
- Jumping games: All you need to take a fishing pole and tie some treats on it. And hang it around your dog and see how high he jumps to grab his treat.
#3. Avoid Giving him attention
Your Shih Tzu is simply acting bratty. Sometimes Shih Tzu is just acting up to get attention. So if this happens rewarding him with any kind of attention will just worsen the situation.
Hence, all you need to do is Ignore…I know it’s hard to ignore those eyes but… You need to ignore him till he calms down and then just give him an reward (treat).
#4. Proper training
You need to train your Shih Tzu to behave appropriately. Teach him the correct manner and not to throw tantrums.
Teach your Shih Tzu to obey to sit-down command. And reward him if he obeys. Before playing with him or giving him any toys, command sit first.
Also, you must teach your do to behave appropriately everywhere.
#5. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is known to calm people down for many years. No wonder it can also help to calm your puppy down.
Shih Tzu has a great sense of smell. So it will be easy to get them relive using odors and aromas.
You can seek advice from your vet on which product to use.
#6. Mental training
If you have tried physical training and your dog is still active, then you can try some mental exercises. This way is more effective than physical exercise.
So, start teaching your dog some tricks and games that require focus and mental energy, And afterward, let him cuddle all he wants.
#7. Spend time with your little puppy
Your Shih Tzu might be acting naughty because you are not providing him with enough attention. As mentioned above, Shih Tzu are big attention seekers and they can feel neglected easily. They are trying to draw your attention towards them.
So don’t forget to spend some quality time with your puppy. Learn to play with your Shih Tzu and shower him with your love and attention in the correct way.
#8. Look for causes
Shih Tzu is known as therapeutic dog as they can sense the environment around them. They can act bad if they are surrounded by negative energy.
So if you are feeling depressed, anger and any negative emotion, stay away from your pet. As they can feel it and are likely to mirror it.
So next time your Shih Tzu is hyperactive remember to follow these tips. Otherwise, Shih Tzu makes up to be a great pet. Shower him with your love and care, and your little adorable best friend will be good in no time.
