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Behavior - Multiple Dogs

Multiple Dogs - Having More than One Shih Tzu or a Shih Tzu and Another Dog Breed

Overview

The decision to bring multiple Shih Tzu dogs into your home, or to get a new Shih Tzu to be a playmate for an established dog, is one filled with both excitement and challenges. Known for their affectionate and playful nature, this breed makes wonderful companions, but having multiple dogs requires a deeper understanding of their needs and behaviors.


This article explores the various aspects of having more than one Shih Tzu or multiple dogs, including the pros and cons, introducing a new puppy to an existing pet, tips when getting two pups at the same time, establishing boundaries, and identifying red flag behaviors. 

Pros and Cons of Having More than One Shih Tzu

three Shih Tzu dogs at beach
three Shih Tzu dogs at beach

Missy, Oska and Bo-boy enjoying a day at the beach

Photo courtesy of Trudie R. 

Pros:

  • Enhanced Companionship: Shih Tzu dogs thrive in the company of other dogs, which can greatly reduce their anxiety and boredom. This is particularly beneficial when owners are away, as the dogs can keep each other company and this may resolve separation anxiety issues.
  • Exercise and Play: With multiple dogs, there's a higher likelihood of regular play, which is vital for their physical health.
  • Training Benefits: Dogs often learn by observing their peers. In a multi-dog household, a well-trained Shih Tzu can serve as a role model for the others, potentially making training sessions more effective.

Cons:

  • Increased Responsibility: More dogs mean more responsibilities. This includes additional time spent on feeding, grooming, vet visits, and training. 
  • Double the Expense: Owning two Shih Tzu dogs mean doubling expenses for food, grooming products, toys, and other supplies as well as double the veterinarian visits. Ensure financial readiness for these increased costs. 
  • Potential for Conflict: Even the most amicable dogs may have moments of aggression or jealousy. Issues such as food aggression or competition for attention can arise, requiring careful management.
two shih tzu dogs outside
two shih tzu dogs outside

Gizmo and Daisy Duke, photo courtesy of Rich O.

Introducing a New Puppy to the Household

Introducing a new Shih Tzu puppy into a home with an existing dog should be approached with care and planning. It's important to respect the existing hierarchy and allow the older dog to naturally assert their position. Supervised initial interactions are crucial, gradually increasing in duration as the dogs become more comfortable with each other.


To aid this process, consider the following advice:


  • Create Separate Spaces: Provide each dog with their own area, using barriers like pet gates to let them interact safely. This helps them get accustomed to each other's presence and scent without direct contact.
  • Controlled First Meeting: Conduct the first meeting in a neutral area, such as a park, keeping both dogs on leashes. Ensure the environment is calm, with minimal distractions.
  • Use Positive Reinforcement: Encourage good behavior with treats and praise. Reward them for calm and non-aggressive interactions, allowing them to approach each other at their own pace.
  • Watch for Body Language: Be attentive to signs of stress or aggression. Relaxed ears and tail wagging indicate positive interactions, while growling or stiffness signals the need for intervention.
  • Gradually Increase Interaction Time: Start with short, supervised sessions and extend them as the dogs show comfort with each other. This helps them adjust without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Feed Separately: To avoid food aggression, feed the dogs in different areas. This establishes a routine and respect for each other's space.


These steps can help ensure a smoother and less stressful introduction of a new Shih Tzu puppy to your established dog, fostering a harmonious relationship between them.

Tips When Getting Two Shih Tzu Puppies at the Same Time

two shih tzu puppies

Cosmo and Henry, at 3 months old, photo courtesy of Elizabeth H. 

Maybe you planned on getting just one puppy, but another caught your eye too and you couldn't say no, or perhaps getting sibling Shih Tzu dogs was your plan all along. Either way, raising a pair of Shih Tzu dogs can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with unique challenges. 


Two puppies means double the joy and companionship, but also double the training, socialization, and care. It's essential to manage their development individually to ensure they grow into well-adjusted, independent dogs. This approach helps prevent issues like over-dependence on each other, which can lead to separation anxiety or difficulty in learning.


Here are some key points to consider when bringing home two Shih Tzu puppies at the same time:


  • Individual Training Sessions: It's crucial to train each puppy separately to promote individual learning and bonding with you. And this ensures that each dog develops its own identity and confidence.
  • Separate Socialization: Socialize them separately to different environments, people, and other animals. This ensures they don't rely solely on each other for security and are well-adjusted in various settings.
  • Balanced Attention: Give each puppy equal attention and affection to prevent rivalry and ensure both feel equally loved.
  • Individual Bonding Time: Spend quality time with each puppy separately to strengthen your bond with them.
  • Monitoring Play Time: While it's good for the puppies to play together, it's important to monitor their interactions to ensure they are positive and not overly dominant or submissive.
  • Intervene if Necessary: Stop any aggressive behavior and teach them to play nicely.


By taking these steps, you can successfully raise two well-adjusted Shih Tzu puppies who enjoy each other's company but are also confident and independent. This approach lays the foundation for a harmonious household and a rewarding relationship with both of your canine family members.

two shih tzu dogs one white one black
two shih tzu dogs one white one black

Sissy at 4 years old and Bentley at 3 years old, photo courtesy of Mary Ann R. 

Red Flag Behaviors

Of course, you hope things will go fine, and it probably will. But it's wise to prepare for possible red flag behaviors when having two dogs. Such behaviors, if left unchecked, can escalate and lead to a stressful environment both for the dogs and the household.


Key red flag behaviors to watch for include:


  • Aggression: This can manifest in various forms, such as growling, snapping, or biting. Aggression might be directed towards people, other animals, or even inanimate objects. It's essential to notice the context and frequency of these behaviors to address them effectively.
  • Resource Guarding: This occurs when a dog becomes overly protective of certain items, such as food, toys, or even a favorite spot on the couch. Signs include growling, snapping, or a stiff body posture when others approach their guarded item.
  • Excessive Competition for Attention or Resources: In multi-dog households, competition for resources like food, toys, and attention can lead to stress and conflict. Signs include pushing the other dog away, becoming overly clingy to the owner, or showing distress when not the center of attention.
  • Fearful Behavior: Excessive fear or shyness, especially in non-threatening situations, can be a red flag. This might include cowering, trembling, or trying to hide. Fearful dogs are more prone to defensive aggression.


Here are some steps to address these behaviors:


  • Professional Help: Severe aggression, with being warrants intervention by a professional dog trainer. If it's in the early stage, there are some things you can do to if a Shih Tzu is aggressive toward another dog in the home, such as separating the dogs as needed and offering positive reinforcement.
  • Positive Reinforcement Training: Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior, rather than punishment which can exacerbate the issue.
  • Socialization and Exposure: Gradually expose your Shih Tzu to various situations, people, and other animals to build confidence and reduce fear.
  • Routine and Structure: Establish a consistent routine for feeding, walking, and playtime to provide a sense of security.
  • Separate Resources: In multi-dog households, provide each dog with their own food bowls, beds, and toys to reduce competition.


By catching these red flag behaviors early and addressing them appropriately, you can help ensure your Shih Tzu dogs, and any other canine family members, lead a balanced, happy, and healthy life.

More Articles:

How to Fix Shih Tzu Bad Breath - If your Shih Tzu's breath is a bit stinky, this is a helpful guide. See what causes this and some great at-home treatments to banish bad breath for good.

The Best Toys for a Shih Tzu - From durable chew toys for teething pups with itchy gums to companion toys for Shih Tzu that spend time home alone, this article covers all the best types of toys and recommendations.

Shih Tzu Puppy Teething - What to expect during the teething phase, how to react to gnawing on non-toy objects and a list of helpful teething toys for pups with strong chewing urges. 

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