In the world of dogs, a few things are certain: their undeniable cuteness, the initial cluelessness about bathroom etiquette until trained, and their natural tendency to bark. Of course, no one desires a dog that is constantly vocal. But there are some non-barking scenarios that can be disconcerting for new pet parents.
This includes a puppy that barely barks at all or an older Shih Tzu that used to bark but has now fallen silent. This article discusses the age to expect barking to start, why young puppies may be hesitant to bark, and way to help your Shih Tzu learn to bark and find their voice.
So much happens so quickly with a Shih Tzu's development:
As we touched on, many - but not all - puppies transition from making noises to letting out barks by the age of 8 weeks. Which, coincidentally, is the age that pups generally go to their new homes. For this reason, owners of course, expect their Shih Tzu to bark.
For those super quiet Shih Tzu that are not barking at all, there are some legitimate reasons:
#1 Finding Their Voice: Some puppies may need more time to discover their vocal abilities. They might make various sounds as they experiment, but if they're under 4 months old and not barking, it's usually just a matter of time. Once they start, they'll likely continue as they learn to express themselves.
#2 Lack of Need to Bark: Puppies may not bark if they have everything they need. They're often showered with attention and care when first in their new home, leaving them with little to complain about. As they mature and life returns to normal and they experience moments of loneliness or dissatisfaction, they'll begin to bark to communicate.
#3 Environmental Factors: The level of activity in a household can influence a puppy's barking. A lively home with constant activity might stimulate more barking, while a calm, quiet environment might result in a less vocal puppy. The amount of stimuli and interaction they receive plays a significant role in their vocal behavior.
#4 Health and Wellness: Occasionally, a lack of barking can be related to health issues. If a puppy is very lethargic or if there's a sudden change in their vocal behavior, it's a reason to consult a veterinarian. In older dogs, conditions affecting the throat or respiratory system can influence their ability to bark.
As we discussed, most cases of a Shih Tzu not barking will be a matter of a puppy needing to find his voice and in other cases, a need for a reason to bark.
Before you continue on, please be aware that having a quiet dog that does not bark is often seen as a positive thing. You may regret encouraging your Shih Tzu to bark. So, think about it, and proceed with caution.
While you do not want to do anything to upset your Shih Tzu, there are some things you can do to encourage vocalization. Here are some gentle methods:
Remember, every dog is different, and some may naturally be more vocal than others. Always prioritize your Shih Tzu's comfort and well-being in any training or play activit
5) Other less likely but possible serious issues include:
Whenever a Shih Tzu suddenly stops barking, they should be taking for a veterinary checkup to be diagnosed.
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