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Shy

Shih Tzu Shy Behavior

Overview

Shih Tzu dogs are as diverse in personality as they are in appearance. While some may approach life with boundless enthusiasm, others are more reserved, displaying shyness even towards their humans. It's important to understand that dogs, like us, have a spectrum of emotions and won't always be sociable. Extreme shyness, however, can impede daily life and affect a dog's well-being.

In this article, we cover signs of shyness, reasons a Shih Tzu may be shy and how to address this personality quirk.

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Typically, shy dogs will indeed try to hide behind their owners, or snuggle into them for comfort.

Though, in some instances, a shy Shih Tzu will cower under a table or go off running into a small space like under a bed or in a closet.

But, as you know, teaching your Shih Tzu to cope with visitors is an important element for proper socialization.

Once Tucker learns how to cope with these situations, you will have a much more confident, happy dog.

Before we begin with training, let's go over what's happening right now.

When our dogs hide behind us, or try to just about climb onto us, our first reaction is to comfort them.

It is a natural human instinct to want to protect our guys and gals from anything that scares them.

Recognizing Signs of Shyness in Your Shih Tzu

Identifying shyness in your Shih Tzu is the first step to addressing this behavior. And it's important to distinguish between simple shyness and anxiety.

Signs of shyness may include:

Seeking physical closeness or comfort from their owner, especially when out for walks or otherwise out in public
Reduced interaction when guests arrive to your home
Opting for solitude in safe spaces over social interaction with other dogs, other pets or people

If shyness blends with anxiety, you may also observe:

Trembling, even when held or comforted
Vocalizing distress through whining
Heavy panting in stressful situations
Pacing to relieve tension
A dog's continuous struggle with shyness and stress may lead to depression

Causes of Shyness with Shih Tzu Dogs

Shyness can be innate or develop due to various factors:

Emotional Development: A Shih Tzu may naturally transition from an outgoing puppy to a shy dog as they mature emotionally around six months old.
Genetics: Some dogs may inherit a more timid or cautious temperament from their parents, making them naturally predisposed to shyness.
Lack of Early Socialization: Puppies that don't receive ample positive interaction with various people, animals, and environments during their critical socialization period (typically the first three to fourteen weeks of age) may grow up to be more fearful or shy.
Change in Environment: A move to a new home, a change in the family dynamic, or any significant alteration in the dog’s routine can lead to anxiety and shyness as the dog adjusts to the changes.
Inadequate Training: Dogs that have been trained using negative or harsh methods may develop shyness, especially in situations that remind them of past negative experiences. Or, with poor training, they may may become confused about what is expected of them, leading to a general sense of anxiety and timidity.
Past Traumas: Negative experiences, whether with aggressive animals, accidents, rough play, can instill lasting fear and shyness.
Sensory Overload: Overly sensitive dogs might be overwhelmed by loud noises, intense smells, or chaotic environments, causing them to retreat and exhibit shy behavior.
Health Issues: Underlying medical conditions can also affect a dog’s behavior. Pain, sensory decline, or diseases affecting the neurological system can make a dog more withdrawn and seemingly shy.

How to Help a Shih Tzu Overcome Shyness

Shyness in Shih Tzu dogs can be a complex issue, but with a thoughtful approach, it can be managed. Here's an integrated guide that combines effective training advice with home environment assessment and socialization techniques.

Ongoing Socialization: Don't be misled by the fearlessness of a young puppy. As your Shih Tzu matures and becomes more aware of their surroundings, they may become more reserved. Continuous socialization is key to ensuring your pup grows into a confident adult dog.

Assessing Your Home Environment: A peaceful home environment lays the foundation for addressing shyness. Excessive noise, family discord, and high traffic can overwhelm a sensitive Shih Tzu. Take an unbiased look at the tranquility level of your home and make adjustments as needed.

Your Influence: Your Shih Tzu looks to you for cues on how to react. Maintain a calm and confident demeanor, using a neutral tone of voice to communicate. This helps your little guy or gal learn that there's nothing to fear, reinforcing confidence rather than shyness.

Desensitization: Gradual exposure to new experiences is crucial. Break down socialization into manageable steps, slowly introducing your Shih Tzu to various people, places, and situations. Start with brief, five-minute sessions of exposure to new stimuli and gradually increase the duration. This method reduces stress and helps build your dog's tolerance.

Expanding Their World: Regularly expose your Shih Tzu to diverse environments and new events, but do so at a pace that is comfortable for them. Their world can be as broad as you enable it to be, and a well-socialized dog is typically a happier, more confident dog.

Positive Sessions: Always ensure that training sessions end on a positive note. Never scold or force interactions. Instead, encourage and reward any signs of confidence, however small they may be, with treats and praise to reinforce brave behaviors.

Recognizing Limits: Understand and respect your Shih Tzu's limits. As they grow more comfortable with the world, allow them their own space to retreat when they've had enough. Some dogs, especially those who have always been shy, may not be suited for extended periods of social activity. It's true that dogs can be introverts, just like people.

By integrating these strategies, you can help your Shih Tzu gradually overcome shyness. Remember, each dog is unique, and patience is essential. Progress may be slow, but with consistent, loving guidance, your Shih Tzu can learn to navigate the world with greater ease and confidence.

Training for Shyness to Visitors to Your Home

Step #1 Plan in Advance:

1) The goal is to have controlled visits with a helper, that you've planned in advance, specifically for this training. Both you and your visitor's behavior and actions will help to slowly nudge your Shih Tzu out of their shyness, so both of you should be prepared.

It is best if you practice this with a person who makes regular (ideally weekly visits) as opposed to random visitors. Ahead will be some tips for both of you, and it's best to discuss this training ahead of time, so everyone acts natural and calm.

2) Prepare your guest. Let your guest know that you are trying to train your Shih Tzu to enjoy company. For this, the visit should be kept short (don't worry, there will soon be longer visits). We suggest 20 minutes for the first visit and extensions of 10 to 15 minutes for each following visit.

Your guest should have small dog training treats on them. You can leave a small zipped plastic bag containing some near the door for them to grab and pocket on their way in.

3) You should be prepared by having special treats as well. The right treat, given at the right time, sends a very strong message to a dog and is key for training. Training treats should be something not normally given as a snack, small and with a powerful blast of flavor. One that we recommend is Zukes Mini Naturals Salmon Training Treats.

Step #2 The Visit:

1) Maintain a Positive Presence. Dogs can sense your mood through both what you say and do. If you're tense, your Shih Tzu may also become anxious or apprehensive. Stay calm and confident around guests to help your dog feel secure.

2) Shift the Focus. Instead of making the guest the center of attention, which can overwhelm your Shih Tzu, introduce a new, engaging toy during visits to distract your dog. Choose toys that stimulate their interest, like the ZippyPaws Spencer the Crinkle Monkey with its diverse sounds (crinkle paper and squeakers). Or, if your Shih Tzu loves peanut butter, offer a lick mat like the MateeyLife Licking Mat for Dogs.

3) The goal is to ignore any shy behavior and praise & reward progress of any kind.

Ignoring Shyness: It's crucial to ignore your Shih Tzu's shy behavior to convey that shyness isn't necessary. Avoid comforting or shielding your dog when they seek reassurance for their shyness. If your dog hides, don't coax them out; instead, introduce the new toy and engage with your guest, letting your dog decide when to join.

Praise & Reward: Keep praise low-key. Reward any small signs of confidence, such as taking a step toward the visitor or investigating the toy, with a calm "Good dog" and a treat. Each dog's progress will vary, so watch for subtle improvements.

4) Graduate to Guest Involvement. Over time, as your Shih Tzu becomes more comfortable with visitors, have guests offer treats to encourage interaction. This gradual process helps your dog associate guests with positive experiences. And gradually extend the duration and frequency of visits as your Shih Tzu's confidence grows.

5) Recognize Limits. It's okay for your Shih Tzu to retreat to a rest area after socializing. We all, humans and canines alike, have our limits in regard to our social batteries.

Sudden, Unexpected Shyness with a Shih Tzu

When a typically outgoing Shih Tzu suddenly becomes withdrawn, it's a signal that warrants your attention. This sort of fast change in demeanor may indicate that something deeper is amiss with your little guy or gal.

Identifying Uncharacteristic Behavior: A Shih Tzu's sudden reluctance to engage in activities they once enjoyed, or a new hesitancy around familiar faces, are tell-tale signs of a problem. This unexpected change, especially if it occurs rapidly, is a red flag that your dog might be experiencing an issue that may not be immediately visible.

Possible Triggers for Sudden Shyness:

Health Issues: Pain or discomfort can cause a dog to become withdrawn. Dental problems, joint pain, or internal discomfort may lead to a once sociable dog seeking solitude.
Traumatic Experiences: An adverse event, such as an altercation with another dog or a frightening incident, could be the root cause of newfound shyness.
Environmental Stressors: Changes in the dog's environment, such as moving to a new home or the addition of a new family member, can be stressful and lead to behavioral changes.
Sensory Decline for Seniors: As dogs age, a decline in their vision or hearing can lead to confusion and apparent shyness as they navigate their less familiar world.

When to Seek Help: If your Shih Tzu's personality seems to have changed overnight from a fearless, confident dog to a shy one, it's essential to observe them closely. Look for signs like changes in eating habits, vocalizations of discomfort, or alterations in sleeping patterns. These can all be indicators that it's time to consult with your veterinarian. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in your Shih Tzu's quality of life.

Final Thoughts: A sudden shift towards shyness in your Shih Tzu should not be overlooked. Regular health check-ups, creating a stable environment, and being attuned to your dog's behavior are all part of responsible pet ownership and the key to a happy, healthy Shih Tzu.