My Dumb Dog

May 6, 2009

Find Out More About Rottweiler Training

Filed under: Rottweilers — admin @ 12:18 pm

Understanding Your Puppy’s

A well-socialised mother dog is more likely to have well-socialised puppies as the puppies ‘feed’ off of their mother’s calm or fearful attitude toward humans.

Puppies are usually weaned at six or seven weeks, but are still learning important skills as their mother gradually leaves them more and more. Ideally, puppies should stay with their litter mates for at least 12 weeks

Puppies that are separated from their litter mates too early often don’t develop appropriate ’social skills’ such as:
• Learning how to send and receive signals,
• What an ‘inhibited bite’ means,
• How far to go in play wrestling, etc

Play is important to help puppies to improve their physical coordination, social skills and learning limits. Interacting with their mother and litter mates helps them to learn ‘how to be a dog’, and is also a way to explore ranking (i.e. who’s in charge).

Skills not acquired during the first eight weeks may be lost forever. While these stages are important and fairly consistent, a dog’s mind remains receptive to new experiences and lessons well beyond puppy-hood. Most dogs are still puppies, in mind and body, through the first two years.

Dogs communicate with their actions, movement of their eyes, ears, mouths, etc, body gestures, tail wagging and more. Know to tune into your dog’s body language, you’ll realize what he’s talking about and what he needs. Of course, each dog, like each human, has his own personality traits. Over time, you’ll no doubt come to learn these individual traits. But there are general moods and behaviors that you can expect from dogs.

Barking
Dogs bark for many reasons, such as when perceived intruders (humans, dogs, or other animals) approach its territory, for identification, when hearing an unfamiliar or unidentified noise, when seeing something that the dog doesn’t expect to be there, or when playing. Barking also expresses different emotions for a dog, such as loneliness, fear, suspicion, stress, and pleasure. Play or excited barks are often short and sharp, such as when a dog is attempting to get a person or another dog to play.

Dogs generally try to avoid conflict; their vocalizations are part of what communicates to other dogs whether they mean harm or are in a playful mood.

The bark of a distressed or stressed dog is high pitched, atonal, and repetitive (and tends to get higher in pitch as the dog becomes more upset). For example, a dog left home alone and who has separation anxiety might bark in such a way.
Some research has suggested that dogs have separate barks for different animals, including dog, fox, deer, human and cat.

Growls
Growls can be used to threaten, to invite play, and to show dominance. Growling should be watched with special attention because it can indicate dominance or aggression. A soft, low-pitched growl often indicates aggression; the dog may feel threatened and may be provoked to attack. An intense growl, without showing any teeth, may often indicate a playful attitude. Always consider the context of a growl, and exercise caution.

Whines and Whimpers
Dogs whine and whimper to show that they are either in pain, or are afraid, or when excited, such as when greeting another dog, or in anticipation of a treat or an outing. Some dogs may use whining as a means of getting attention.

Howls
Howling provides long-range communication with other dogs or owners. Howling can be used to locate another pack member, to keep strangers away, or to call the pack for hunting. Sometimes dogs howl in response to high-pitched or loud noises such as alarms, sirens, music, or singing.

Confidence
Dogs that are confident and comfortable will stand erect. Their tails will be up and wagging in a sweep. The ears may be pricked up or relaxed, and they will look directly at you. The mouth will be partially open in what some call a smile.

Fear
Dogs that are fearful will lower their stance. The tail will usually be down, tucked between his legs, although some dogs actually wag their tails when they are unsure and evaluating a situation. The fearful dog will not look directly at you. When he turns his head away, he’s thinking, ‘hmmm… if I don’t see you, you don’t see me, and nothing bad is going to happen to me.’

Dogs that are fearful or unsure may use “calming signals” to reduce stress for themselves or others with whom they’re interacting. Some of these signals include yawning, barking, intentionally becoming distracted, lip-licking, circling, sniffing the ground, or just sitting or lying down.

Aggression
Certain breeds are hard to read - their tails are naturally curled up, and their ears are always perked up. Some dogs don’t ever give any indication that they are going to bite so watch the dog’s muzzle. A muzzle will twitch before a bite.
Other signs of aggression include stiff legs and body with the tail straight out, ears “pinned” back close to the head, a lowered head with eyes fixed intently at you. The lips are sometimes drawn back in a snarl and a low growl is heard.

Many people mistakenly believe that hackled hair on a dog’s back means they are aggressive. However, these are usually dogs who aren’t at all confident - they’re apprehensive so hackled hair makes them look bigger.

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April 21, 2009

Does My Dog Have Separation Anxiety?

Filed under: Behavior Issues — admin @ 9:35 pm

A common issue that many dog owners have with their 4 legged friends, is separation anxiety. What exactly is separation anxiety? It is a condition that is disruptive behavior that occurs when a dog is left alone as a distress response to separation from the person or persons to whom it is attached. Fortunatly, there are several ways you can help soothe and ease your dog if they are suffering from separation anxiety. Be sure to get your dog a nice orthopedic pet beds to help relieve his stress and anxiety.

First, while it is healthy and positive for you to give your puppy or dog lots of attention and affection, avoid spending all your time with your pooch! From the very beginning you should be getting your pet used to being without you. This should be done gradually so as not to cause your pup or dog trauma which can lead to negative behaviors and mindset. Start by going to a different room and closing the door behind you, leaving your dog by himself in another room. Do this several times every day. Next, leave him alone in the house for five minutes, then fifteen, and so on, until he is comfortable enough to be left alone for several hours at a time. You may also look into getting a nice big dog beds for your dog, so he will be comfortable.

Secondly, being home alone should be a positive and enjoyable experience for your dog. So to insure a positive association when you go away, give your dog a new toy before you leave the house. Provide him with different toys when you are home so he doesn’t associate the toys with you going out and leaving him. Another strategy is to give him his favorite snack or a hollow bone filled with tasty treats that will take the dog a while to finish. By doing these simple things, you are relieving their tension, anxiety, and feelings of fear. Your dog will enjoy these comforting activities while you are away. Be sure to view these dog supplies and choose some that will comfort your doggy.

When the time comes when you must confine your dog when you will be away, you will need to create a positive association with the room they will be staying in. Use special toys that are only to be used when your dog is confined as well as chew treats to make the room or space fun! Make a point to spend time with your dog in that space or room to further give them a wonderful association and experience. Do not put your dog in a crate! This will only reinforce loneliness and anxiety.

Next you want to not make a big deal or fuss about leaving. Don’t feel guilty about leaving either. Ignore your dog for atleast 10 minutes before leaving the house and then do the same thing when you return. The reason for this is it will diminsh your dog’s need for excitement and anxiety for you leaving and when you arrive home.

Last but not least, you can eliminate separation anxiety by giving them enough exercise. This does not mean run them until they are ragged or put them through a “boot camp”. Simply give them enough exercise so that they are relaxed and tired. A brisk walk or jog are great ways of exercise that will relax and tire your dog without pushing them to exhaustion. If they are tired and relaxed then they are less likely to have the energy to dwell on you leaving and being stressed out by it.

April 5, 2009

Labrador Problems: Difficult As Pups

Filed under: Labs — admin @ 4:59 am

The Labrador is without a doubt a very beautiful creature that is also well built and sports a sturdy frame that is almost like that of an athletic animal. The breed comes in a number of skin colors including Black, Golden and Chocolate and in addition, the coat is generally thick and short and the hair is extremely straight. In fact, a Labrador Retriever has a double layered as well as dense coat. The Lab has a very intelligent bent of mind and at the same time he is docile with the elderly as well as with young children.

However, as with any other breed there are certain Labrador problems that every owner will have to look out for including those related to their health as well as their behavior. Nevertheless, the Labrador is generally a healthy animal though it can suffer from hip as well as elbow dysplasia and cataract as well as epilepsy. What’s more, if you fail to give proper Labrador training, or if you let your pet become bored, it could lead to some behavioral problems that can only be prevented by expending some extra effort, and providing better care and proper training.
There are certain Labradors that can prove to be a handful and these pets will not easily learn to behave properly unless sent to a behaviorist. This and other Labrador problems such as having a pet that always seems to be dreaming can be reason for you to become worried, though in reality these can be overcome through proper Labrador training. A typical Labrador problem that many pet owners will have to deal with has to do with a pet that chews up everything he can sink his teeth into. Such a problem can arise when the Labrador is too energetic and it also occurs when having someone or something invade his territory frustrates the Labrador.

To overcome these Labrador problems, it would pay to talk to a veterinary behaviorist or provide strict Labrador training and also ensuring that you spend a lot of time with your dog in helping him release his energy in a more productive manner.
Typical of Labrador problems is that of chasing cats and since this is more of an instinctive driven behavioral problem it can best be changed through giving your pet proper Labrador training which may require spending a lot of time and being patient so that he is taught how to stop this instinctive reaction on his part. Another common behavioral problem that your Labrador can show is that of becoming destructive and this in turn is generally due to his becoming anxious about something. Because dogs have advanced hearing capabilities, they can become aware of things even before humans get wind of these things and thus your Labrador may behave in a manner that is incomprehensible to human beings and so, this is another common Labrador problem that pet owners will have to contend with.

It is also always possible to condition your Labrador to not become skittish when he hears various kinds of sounds and a simple Labrador training step you can use is to play recordings of certain sounds at low volumes and then increasing the volume gradually to make your Labrador get accustomed to these sounds. In fact, this is an especially useful way to becalm your Labrador who could otherwise become so nervous that you may even be forced into giving him anti-anxiety medicines to overcome his fears.

Most Labradors are well behaved and enjoy good health, though if you notice Labrador problems in your pet such as chasing cats, daydreaming or chewing up things, you need to start Labrador training. To find information about expected Labrador problems, you can read dog training books that highlights a few common behavioral problems noticed in the Labrador retriever.

March 29, 2009

Control Dog Biting Problem Now

Filed under: Behavior Issues — admin @ 11:11 am

Most people have seen the signs of aggressive dogs like bared teeth, growling, and biting, yet often people do not understand the reasons for aggressive behavior in dogs. Getting a good grasp of the underlying reasons for this aggressive behavior is the first step to learning to curb them in your own dog. A well-behaved dog is often a happier dog, so getting the root of aggressive behavior in dogs is important to you as well as your dog.Do you have a dog? If yes, then surely you need help to cope up your problems relating with you canine. click here dog psychology

Reason why your dog bites:

Generalized Fear

Generalized fear comes from a fear response to a sight, sound, smell, or touch that we, as people can understand. However sometimes when those things occur, causing fear in a dog, there may be some other sight, sound, smell, or touch that happens at the same time that your dog then associates with that fear.

This is why you may not be able to understand the reason why your dog bites, because the fear seems so irrational to you.

Responses to Fear

Conscious living things, like people and dogs, have built in responses to fear and also learned responses to fear. The action associated with a generalized fear is a learned response, and so is seeking human comfort, urination, pacing, running, and aggression.

However, there are instinctual response in our dogs and us alike. The first instinct of a dog will tell them to take flight when facing a fear. Often dogs will bite out of fear because they may feel cornered, like they cannot get away.

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December 30, 2008

Ways To Breed A Golden Retriever Also Find The Best Dog Beds Fast And Easy

Filed under: Golden Retriever — admin @ 5:05 am

You would have difficulty in teaching your dog not to bark. This is because you are not aware about what you are doing. There are many ways of teaching your pet not to bark. Barking would do the work of door bell. But sometime you may get annoyed by the barking of your pet. You may get annoyed when your dog would bark at your neighbor and at that point of time the neighborhood dogs would join your dog.

Give your dog the best, go to doggy dog supplies to get your Dog Supplies today. You will find a huge line of Small Dog Clothes like a beautiful and elegant Small Dog Beds that will allow your doggy to look beautiful all day long.

If you wan to that your dog should not bark then you need to find out the reason why it is barking. If you know the problem then you would not have any problem in teaching your pet not the bark. Dogs bark due to many reasons. The following are some reasons that your dog might start barking:

Your dog would bark whenever it feels isolated and irritated.
It may bark when it wants to gain attention of others.
It may start barking when some unknown person would entry your house or it would bark whenever it feels hungry and wants to eat something.

You would not have any problem in solving this problem of your pet. But there are many people who find wrong solution to this problem. If you offer it food whenever it barks then it would form a bad habit of barking every now and then.

Before training your pet you need to undergo a special training. Then only you can train your dog. If you train your dog in a wrong way then you would have some problem is finding perfect solution to the problem. If you scream whenever your dog barks then your pet might think that you are appreciating your pet. You should not shout but you try to ignore and don’t give any reactions to your pet.

If you have proper knowledge then you would not have any difficulty in training your pet. Knowledge is considered to be power. If you want to train your dog then you need to have proper knowledge and not experience. If you have given training to some dogs then you would not have any problem in training other dogs.

This way you would not have any difficulty in training your dog. If you are planning to take training form others then you are sharing other experience of ways of training your dog. You should give perfect training to your pet.

December 29, 2008

Learn Why Poodles Become Aggressive

Filed under: Poodles — admin @ 5:39 pm

The Poodle is a hot favorite for many mostly because it is very docile animal, easy to train and even easier to exercise. However, there are many Poodle problems that you might encounter if the training you impart is faulty or the dog was rescued and had been badly mistreated when it was younger.

There are many ways that will indicate that your Poodle is not well adjusted to its environment. The most obvious is that it will bark incessantly when you have people visiting and you do not pay enough attention to it. These dogs suffer from separation anxiety and at the same time might feel threatened by the large crowd it finds around them. Some Poodles will act aggressive or go on a chewing rampage destroying everything that they can put their teeth on. These dogs too suffer from separation anxiety and the destructive behavior is to attract your attention towards them; particularly asking you not to leave them out of your sight.
Fear is one of the most common causes for all Poodle problems. This fear can be of many types. The Poodle might fear to be left alone or it might fear rough handling. At other times it might fear other animals or it might fear your strict attitude. Take a close look at what it might be scaring it before launching into a disciplinary action when your Poodle is exhibiting bad behavior.

Whatever it might be that causes your Poodle to misbehave, you need to know that it can be redressed with easy steps. The Poodle is a dog that responds very well to love and positive reinforcement. If you want your dog to behave better, all you have to do is praise it, reward it and be with it as much as you can.
Pay attention to the fact that sometimes – and this is as often as you will find it misbehaving or being aggressive – your Poodle is a spoilt brat. In other words, its tantrums and bad behavior are due to too much pampering and attention, which is causing it to become too demanding.
Poodle problems nay be caused by boredom. These animals love company and become very upset if they are neglected or kept aloof from you or the family they live with. A bored Poodle is simply dynamite. They will throw tantrums exactly as a small child will do to attract the attention of their parents. That means they will do everything that you will not want them to do – such as chewing everything that they find within their reach, urinating in your bed and shoes, etc.

The good news is that all these Poodle problems can disappear if you start paying attention to your dog. Avoid these problems by training the dog well from the beginning. In case your Poodle is from a rescue center, you will need to be very patient and kind with the dog to make it forget its traumatic past before it accepts you. You will need to have a lot of patience, while at the same time you will have to reinforce good behavior with treats and praise until your dog behaves properly.

When you are planning to go for Poodle training remember to use only positive reinforcement and praise. Before you buy those big and voluminous dog training books, read this article. You might find all your answers here.

December 27, 2008

Discover Important Information About Hybrid Vigor In Labadoodles

Filed under: Labs — admin @ 7:26 pm

Various contentions have been put forward in the dog world by some, (eg those against mixed breeds), that ‘hybrid vigor’ is allegedly not possible (for example) when breeding labadoodles (ie mixed breeding of Labradors and Poodles) as it is alleged that hybrid vigor is only possible with mixed breeding of unrelated animals (eg horse and donkey). However, that it not correct.

For example, see http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/resources/publications/pdfs/ER-IS-03-01.pdf:

“What is a hybrid?

A hybrid is an organism resulting from a cross between genetically different parents. Hybrids can arise from crosses between closely related species (interspecific hybrids) or by crosses between different types (subspecies, varieties, cultivars) within a species (intraspecific hybrids).

Hybridisation occurs naturally, but it is also widely used in selective breeding programmes for both plants and animals. The mule is an interspecific hybrid between the horse and the donkey, bred to combine some of the favourable characteristics of each parent. Intraspecific hybrids often show ‘hybrid vigour’ (heterosis), growing more vigorously and yielding more than in-bredlines.”

Hence, labrodoodles are ‘intraspecific hybrids’ (ie are within species breeding) and do show hybrid vigor.

Also, see http://www.country-wide.co.nz/article/449.html:

Another important but often forgotten principle is what happens when you interbreed the first cross (F1) progeny. In essence if you breed (F1) sires and dams together, there will be less hybrid vigour in the progeny. Like wise hybrid vigour also drops if you breed back to either of the parent breeds.

Our Labradoodle puppies are F1 generation (ie first cross between Labrador & Poodle), maximising hybrid vigor (or heterosis), and minimising inbreeding depression, etc. And have purebred parents with champion bloodlines/pedigrees.

The F1 (ie first generation) of Labradoodle puppies have more hybrid vigor than the second or so generation, are less likely to be more variable then some other generations, and also have the least inbreeding depression.

Another interesting scientific point to note about our F1 Labradoodles is that research has shown that these have increased longevity or rates of survival (eg research has shown up to 4 years longer), due to the absence of inbreeding (such as that occurring in purebred dogs). And the same research has shown that the higher the rate of inbreeding (eg in purebreds), the lower or shorter the longevity or survival rates. This relates to the term known as ‘inbreeding depression’, and which is
described in more detail at inbreeding depression and inbreeding depression.

And this may be due to the benefits from hybrid vigour, especially compared to the negative effects known as ‘inbreeding depression’ present in purebreds.

Unlike some breeders, we can guarantee the genetics of the puppies are solely Labrador/Poodle, as the parents of our Labradoodle puppies are purebred, and with pedigree papers. And this also ensures that they are definitely F1 puppies.

The term ‘hybrid vigor’ is used in various fields, such as breeding livestock, rabbits, aquaculture, plants, cats, dogs, etc.

And rather than just us giving you our opinion etc re hybrid vigor, we thought you may like to read information from other sources. So that you can make an informed choice or decision.

So, below are some relevant extracts re hybrid vigor, and links to their sources:

From MSN encarta online:

‘hy-brid vig-or

improved traits resulting from crossbreeding: the increased growth, disease resistance, or fertility seen in hybrid species.’

From Encylopedia Brittanica online:

‘Increase in such characteristics as size, growth rate, fertility, and yield of a hybrid organism over those of its parents.’

‘Plant and animal breeders exploit heterosis by mating two different purebred lines that have desirable traits. The first-generation offspring generally show, in greater measure, the desired characteristics of both parents. Since this vigour may decrease if the hybrids are actually mated together, the parental lines must be maintained and crossed for each new crop or group desired.’

From Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary:

‘heterosis

the marked vigor or capacity for growth often exhibited by crossbred animals or plants — called also hybrid vigor’

From report by CSIRO:

“The benefits of hybrid vigor only appear in crossbred animals that have parents of completely different breeds.”

From a transcript of the Senate:

“veterinarians recognize the concept of ‘hybrid vigor,’ especially in first generation hybrids”

From United States Department of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, and County Governments Cooperating:

“The highest level of hybrid vigor is obtained from F1’s, the first cross of unrelated populations.”

“Hybrid Vigor - An increase in the performance of crossbred animals over that of purebreds, also known as heterosis.”

So, there should be little (if any) doubt that the first generation (ie F1) Labradoodles have the maximum hybrid vigor and the least inbreeding depression compared to other generations etc.

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How To Control Dog Barking Problem

Filed under: Behavior Issues — admin @ 3:02 am

Barking is a perfectly natural canine behavior. Birds sing; frogs croak; and a dog barks, whines and howls. If you have a dog, you better expect some barking, whining or howling. It is unrealistic and unfair to think you can train your dog to stop barking altogether. However, you, your neighbors and your dog will all be much happier if the barking is under control.

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Before you can fix barking dog problems, you should first identify what is making your dog bark. In general, dogs bark because they are:

The Weather

When it comes to vocalizing dogs, the general rule is: the warmer the weather, the more the dogs will bark. Of course, you expect to hear more barking as the weather gets warmer, because the dogs are more likely to be outside and you are more likely to have your windows open. But I don’t think it’s just that you hear them more, I’m convinced they actually bark more as things heat up, especially at night.

Nature Versus Nurture

Beyond the weather though, what accounts for the differences in barking patterns between dogs? Why does one dog bark while another dog, in the exact same situation, remains silent, or, for that matter, why does a given dog bark at one thing and not another?

Nurture

The extent to which a dog will tend to bark is determined by his genetics. However, whether or not the dog actually barks is ultimately determined by the consequences of vocalizing. If barking works out well for the dog, he will bark some more. If barking consistently brings about an undesirable consequence, the dog will soon stop barking. So, like most other behavior, barking is the product of its consequences.

Divert Your Dog’s Attention

Sometimes controlling your dog’s barking habit is as simple as using one of many diversion techniques. In many cases, the principle of “out of sight out of mind” works well to control dog barking. Some dog owners have changed see-through chain-link fences to solid fences to keep passers by out of view of their dog. You can also get the object of their barking out of sight by changing what the dog is looking at. Perhaps there’s something in your own yard that’s triggering his barking, maybe a resident squirrel? or the neighbors cat that sits up on the wall while you’re at work?

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How To Treat Dog Behavior Problems

Filed under: Behavior Issues — admin @ 1:00 am

If you want to know more about your dog’s essential nature - his sensitivities and disposition regarding different situations, look no further than his eyes.

Iridiology is the ancient practice of looking at the iris of the eye(irid) and anaylizing colors, textures, and markings to reveal systematic health. A dog’s constitution or systematic health is their inner nature, character, and what happens in the body according to how the dog lives each day. By using Iridology you will be able to have a better understanding of your dog’s behavior and personality.

Iridology will help you to determine what behaviors are natural for your dog as well as if possible behaviors could have resulted from something such as trauma. Iridologist have classified 3 types of constititution on dogs that show anxious, phobic, or nervous behaviors.

By studying your dog’s constitution, you’ll be able to figure out the main cause of his behavioral problem, and then determine the best way for him to solve it. Iridologists classified three types of constitution on dogs that have the tendency to show anxious, phobic, or nervous behaviors.

1. Dogs With Emotional Bodies: These are dogs that have a series of “openings” shaped like flower petals all around the iris. These openings are called lacunas. Dogs with emotional bodies are believed to be born healers. Also inherent in them is the ability to sense emotional energies of everyone he meets.

Because of his keen perception, an emotional body dog has a tough time letting go and handling these different energies. Because of the overwhelming outside energies, he usually exhibits emotional behaviors such as possessiveness, clinginess, destructiveness, and depression.

2. Dogs That Are Nervous Sensitive: These are dogs that show lines running around their iris. These lines are nerve rings and indicate that the dogs are experiencing stress, which has a direct influence on the nervous system. Nervous sensitive dogs are usually demanding, rigid, controlling, and bossy.

On the positive side, they are hard-working and love a set routine. In order to feel safe and secure, they need to stay busy and have the assurance of knowing what is going on around them at all times. Precise commands and clear directions are crucial.

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3. Dogs That Are Immune Reactive: These dogs show a thick, white halo around the iris. This halo signals “turbulence” in the nervous system. This “turbulence” is a result of being overwhelmed by different stimuli, both internal and external.

These dogs also lack the ability to sort out certain information that they receive. Dogs with this constitution are reactionary and overexcited. They are unable to differentiate between threatening and non-threatening situations.

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December 21, 2008

Shih Tzu Problems You Can Expect

Filed under: Shih Tzu — admin @ 4:04 am

You love your new little Shih Tzu but you can probably expect some problems, if you haven’t already begun to experience them. Shih Tzu problems usually stem from the dog’s hereditary disposition and personality as much as anything else. Environment usually does not have much of an effect on a Shih Tzu unless that environment is very negative. So the better you understand your dog the better equipped you will be to deal with any potential problems that may spring up during training.

Shih Tzu dogs are high-strung little animals that do not respond well to noises and commotion of any kind. The natural response for a Shih Tzu that feels excessive stress or any other tension from their environment is a biting response. They will bite anything in their path and it doesn’t matter who or what it is. This is one of the main reasons why Shih Tzu dogs are said to not be great dogs for kids. Of course not every dog is the same but for the most part the Shih Tzu is not a great dog for kids unless you take the time to train it very well- and it does take time.
The Shih Tzu is a very proud and regal dog that descends from the dogs that used to find favor with Chinese royalty. They can be very arrogant and stubborn and this is probably the only Shih Tzu problem that can lead to more problems than anything else. They will do what they want to do and they take a long time to learn that you are in charge and not them. As was said it takes patience to train a Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu dogs can be playful when they want to be but they do not require a lot of exercise so any activity they do get is on their terms. They are not very likely to fetch a stick for you and they certainly won’t be playing catch with a Frisbee thrown by you any time soon. If you are looking for a rough and tumble play dog then the Shih Tzu is probably not for you.
This stubbornness and high-strung personality are detrimental to important tasks like housebreaking. A Shih Tzu normally can take months to housebreak and if anything happens to upset them during the process, or they just decide that they don’t want to learn anymore, then you are usually back to square one. Your only weapon is positive reinforcement and a lot of praise because if they don’t understand what you want then they will do whatever they want.

Shih Tzu problems can come from any direction and it usually has to do with their independent personalities. They carry themselves very well and are very self-assured animals, which means they usually do not care what you have to say. It takes a lot of time and patience to overcome these issues and it can cause a great deal of frustration as well, but no one ever said it was going to be easy.

Many of the challenges of Shih Tzu training are in this article. This article will augment the information you can find in many dog training books.

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