Shih Tzu Information Center
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Exercise and Activity Requirements for the Shih Tzu
Exercise and Activity Overview
The Shih Tzu is most certainly an indoor dog. Bred originally in Tibet as companion dogs to Royalty, they are bred to live inside. Happy in even a small apartment or a sprawling farm, the Shih Tzu does require a short exercise period each day.
Although this dog does not need to live in a house with an accompanying yard; it is strongly suggested to offer daily exercise. This will be both inside and outside.
Studies have shown that Shih Tzu's who do not receive this daily release of energy have more behavioral issues.
Although this dog does not need to live in a house with an accompanying yard; it is strongly suggested to offer daily exercise. This will be both inside and outside.
Studies have shown that Shih Tzu's who do not receive this daily release of energy have more behavioral issues.
The Shih Tzu loves play time to run around
Outside Exercise
Outside activity for the Shih Tzu is vital to its overall health; both physically and emotionally. Owners who live in areas that receive severe cold weather and snow will need to limit the outdoor activities during this time. The Shih Tzu may certainly be lead outside to eliminate. A path should be shoveled for the dog first, and the larger the area the better. Your dog can remain outside, leashed or supervised for about 15 - 20 minutes before coming back inside. Ice melt chemicals should not be used in the area in which the Shih Tzu will walk, as this may cause harm to its paws. There are specially formulated ice melt products made for where dogs will walk. Beware of hot weather as well. A Shih Tzu can quickly become overheated. To prevent this, do not go for long walks in hot weather (above 85 degree Fahrenheit, 29.4 Celsius). At any temperature, if you notice your Shih Tzu panting heavily or acting confused, take actions immediately to get your dog to a cooler environment and lots of water.
Exercising your Shih Tzu outside can be filled with a wonderful range of activities. These dogs love to walk along the beach or run through fields. At the very least, they must have a daily walk (weather permitting), as they throughly enjoy and savor every moment that they are allowed to walk with you. Many owners find that their Shih Tzu enjoys playing catch with a tennis ball the most out of any game.
Exercising your Shih Tzu outside can be filled with a wonderful range of activities. These dogs love to walk along the beach or run through fields. At the very least, they must have a daily walk (weather permitting), as they throughly enjoy and savor every moment that they are allowed to walk with you. Many owners find that their Shih Tzu enjoys playing catch with a tennis ball the most out of any game.
Indoor Exercise
When the weather is too cold or too hot, it is important to provide indoor exercise for your Shih Tzu. This dog does not need to be at constant play; a quick burst of a fun game for about 1/2 hour to 1 hour will be sufficient. There are many games that you can play with your Shih Tzu.
One of the activity games you can play with your dog is Hide and Seek. This is a game that your dog will love and begin to look forward to. It is best to begin with a new and special toy that is only used for this game. You begin making sure your dog is paying attention to you. Once his gaze is watching your hand, hide the toy in an easy area such as under a couch cushion. Encourage your dog to find it, act excited and pretend you are looking for it also. Your Shih Tzu will know where you hid it and will just need to search for a moment or two to find it. Once he finds it, act excited again and reward your dog with very happy words and praise. The game goes on as you choose more and more difficult hiding spots. This will get your dog moving! Once the game is done, make the final reward be a healthy doggie treat so that your Shih Tzu learns to understand that the treat means the game is over for the day.
Giving your dog an ice cube is a very simple and easy way to provide quite a bit of activity. Dogs will spend a lot of time chasing around a slippery object that seems to come alive as it slide across a bare floor each time their nose touches it. This simple activity is also fantastic for puppies that are teething, as when they finally catch their "toy", chewing on this applies cold directly to their aching gums.
One of the activity games you can play with your dog is Hide and Seek. This is a game that your dog will love and begin to look forward to. It is best to begin with a new and special toy that is only used for this game. You begin making sure your dog is paying attention to you. Once his gaze is watching your hand, hide the toy in an easy area such as under a couch cushion. Encourage your dog to find it, act excited and pretend you are looking for it also. Your Shih Tzu will know where you hid it and will just need to search for a moment or two to find it. Once he finds it, act excited again and reward your dog with very happy words and praise. The game goes on as you choose more and more difficult hiding spots. This will get your dog moving! Once the game is done, make the final reward be a healthy doggie treat so that your Shih Tzu learns to understand that the treat means the game is over for the day.
Giving your dog an ice cube is a very simple and easy way to provide quite a bit of activity. Dogs will spend a lot of time chasing around a slippery object that seems to come alive as it slide across a bare floor each time their nose touches it. This simple activity is also fantastic for puppies that are teething, as when they finally catch their "toy", chewing on this applies cold directly to their aching gums.
More
There is much to know about Shih Tzu exercise. Some of the issues include:
There is much to know about Shih Tzu exercise. Some of the issues include:
- How to handle a Tzu who does not want to go outside to exercise
- How to handle a hyper dog
- How to keep exercise time safe
- How to handle an overheated Tzu...and Much More...To see how to obtain all of this information, click here.
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