Shih Tzu Information Center
Your Subtitle text
Top 8 Shih Tzu Dog Behavior Issues (cont'd)
Growling: When it comes to a dog growling, one should understand that this can sometimes be a good thing. How can this be? Because when a dog growls, this is their way of communicating that they are aggravated or feeling threatened. The noise that the dog makes is a warning that a bite may be coming. Therefore, there are many situations in which it is a positive thing that your Shih Tzu growls. While you certainly do not want your dog to bite anyone or ever have someone feel threatened by your little pooch (unless there is an intruder in or near your home), this type of dog behavior can teach you a bit about your Shih Tzu and also can be controlled with proper training.
One must first make a determination as to what is causing the dog to growl. A dog will make this warning noise in many situations including:
However, if your dog only growls during certain events, you can do 2 things:
A Shih Tzu may also give a small growl if they are tired and are being patted and played with too much. An example would be an adult dog who has played with children for an hour and has had enough. They may then growl a bit to say, "Please leave me alone for a little while". This is acceptable if they dog does not make any motions of attempting to bite. Those playing with the dog should cease for a while...even dogs need a break every now and then!
In all other instances, the dog must learn that growling, this warning that a bite may be on its way, is not acceptable. Repeatedly showing your Shih Tzu that what they perceive as a threat is indeed not, will train them to become more accepting. If visitors cause your dog to become upset, have them bring a small treat to give to your pet. If going in the car causes unpleasant growls, offer them a fun new toy.
If your dog ever crosses the line from growling to aggressive biting, professional training should be implemented immediately.
One must first make a determination as to what is causing the dog to growl. A dog will make this warning noise in many situations including:
- When someone goes near their food
- When a visitor comes to the home
- When they put into the car
- When they see other animals
- When sensing a threat
However, if your dog only growls during certain events, you can do 2 things:
- Desensitize your dog to the triggers
- Offer a more comforting environment
A Shih Tzu may also give a small growl if they are tired and are being patted and played with too much. An example would be an adult dog who has played with children for an hour and has had enough. They may then growl a bit to say, "Please leave me alone for a little while". This is acceptable if they dog does not make any motions of attempting to bite. Those playing with the dog should cease for a while...even dogs need a break every now and then!
In all other instances, the dog must learn that growling, this warning that a bite may be on its way, is not acceptable. Repeatedly showing your Shih Tzu that what they perceive as a threat is indeed not, will train them to become more accepting. If visitors cause your dog to become upset, have them bring a small treat to give to your pet. If going in the car causes unpleasant growls, offer them a fun new toy.
If your dog ever crosses the line from growling to aggressive biting, professional training should be implemented immediately.
