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.
Missy, Oska and Bo-boy enjoying a day at the beach
Photo courtesy of Trudie R.
Pros:
Cons:
Gizmo and Daisy Duke, photo courtesy of Rich O.
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:
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.
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:
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.
Sissy at 4 years old and Bentley at 3 years old, photo courtesy of Mary Ann R.
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:
Here are some steps to address these behaviors:
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.