Is it Okay if a Shih Tzu Does Nothing: Finding Balance
Overview
As a pet parent, you’ve probably heard plenty about the importance of exercising your dog, playing games, socializing them, providing interactive toys and the list goes on. But have you ever wondered how much activity your Shih Tzu truly needs? Or if it’s okay for them to have days of doing nothing?
It’s important to find a middle ground. Your Shih Tzu having some lazy hours or even full days here and there won’t make you a bad pet parent, but if a dog has a highly sedentary lifestyle, it can lead to serious health consequences.
So, if your sweetie is a pro at napping or has perfected the art of lounging, this article is for you. And if you’re curious about what types of activities are best to include in a Shih Tzu’s day, you’ll find the answers here.
Let’s dive in to create an easy-to-follow schedule that ensures your Shih Tzu enjoys a balanced life; one that includes fun activities you can seamlessly fit into your routine, along with well-deserved downtime for doing absolutely nothing, perhaps even sneaking in a few daytime snoozes.
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What Happens if a Shih Tzu Does Nothing Most of the Time?
If a Shih Tzu doesn't really do anything most of the time and spends a good majority of the day in their bed or napping, there are going to be consequences down the line.
Without regular light exercise and activity, a Shih Tzu is likely to experience more joint issues as they age, weak muscle tone, sluggish digestion and metabolism, an increased risk of cancers and other diseases, and potentially disrupted nighttime sleep.
Mentally, a lack of activity can also take a toll, potentially leading to low mood, destructive behaviors, restlessness and/or difficulty developing good socialization skills.
Some Shih Tzu dogs may seem perfectly content with a laid-back lifestyle, and this is okay if they are meeting minimum activity requirements. But if your Shih Tzu does sit around doing a whole lot of nothing, consider if they could be happier with a bit more engagement. With a few simple adjustments, covered in the sections ahead, things can easily be turned around.
What Happens if a Shih Tzu is Constantly on the Go?
Opposite to doing nothing, there are also consequences if a Shih Tzu is constantly on the go. Physically speaking, there can be overuse of muscles and joints, which can lead to arthritis and other issues as a Shih Tzu ages into their senior years. And regarding emotional and mental health, constant overstimulation is not healthy; it may lead to excessive barking, restlessness, inability to interact and socialize properly and/or other issues.
It's really important to find a balance between the two drastic differences of doing nothing and always being engaged. This is what we will discuss next.
A Shih Tzu’s Day: 5 Essentials for Their Routine
To maintain a healthy balance of activity and rest, strive to incorporate these five basics into your Shih Tzu’s routine most days. Don’t worry if you miss one now and then; consistency over time is the key to supporting their physical and mental well-being.
#1 Intentional Exercise
Duration:
Puppies 6 months and older should have at least 20 minutes of structured activity daily, adults thrive with 40 to 60 minutes split into 1 to 3 sessions, and seniors aged 8+ benefit from 30 to 60 minutes in shorter, manageable sessions.
Activity Options:
Walking is a preferred activity for this breed because it allows you to match your sweetie-pie’s pace while enjoying the goal-oriented nature of moving from Point A to Point B. Beyond your usual neighborhood walks, consider exploring new areas, such as nearby neighborhoods, scenic walking trails, shoreline paths, or even pet-friendly stores during bad weather.
Another fantastic way to get a Shih Tzu moving is by playing a game of fetch. This classic, simple activity provides excellent physical exercise, as you can control the distance your Shih Tzu runs, and it works well both indoors and outdoors. All you need are a few fetch toys small enough for your sweetie-pie to handle, like BundleBee mini tennis balls, and a bit of enthusiasm. This breed often mirrors their human’s excitement, so the more energy you bring to the game, the more eager they’ll be to join in.
Some more creative ways to ensure your Shih Tzu doesn’t spend their days not doing anything include setting up a little obstacle course with pillows boxes and even broomsticks for your Shih Tzu to run over and around, putting on music and dancing together or having your Shih Tzu chase bubbles on a warm sunny day. And, if your little guy or gal is game, let them spread their wings with group agility classes, obedience classes, hikes, visits to pet stores, flea markets and much more!
#2 Mind-Engaging Activities
Duration:
Puppies 6 months and up benefit from 15 to 20 minutes of activity daily, adults do well with 30 to 45 minutes divided into 1 to 3 sessions, and seniors should have at least 15 to 30 minutes in shorter, manageable sessions.
Longer sessions are fine for all ages. You can extend an activity or mix things up by introducing a new challenge after a short break.
Brain-Boosting Ideas:
Shih Tzus benefit from two key mental activities: independent play and interactive games that strengthen bonding with their humans.
For independent play there's lots of great options including the Hermit Crab Snuffle Toy which allows a dog to engage their amazing canine sense of smell. You just hide a few strongly scented hard treats and your Shih Tzu will use their foraging skills to sniff them out. This sort of ‘work’ helps dogs gain a sense of self-confidence and since the toy automatically offers a reward, a Shih Tzu can stay independently busy once you have completed the minimal setup.
If you’re looking for non-messy treats to use in any snuffle game, you can’t go wrong with Zuke’s Mini Training Treats which are 100% all-natural, made in the US, with no fillers and no artificial coloring or preservatives.
For teamwork-based cognitive activities, consider the ever-popular canine puzzle games, where your Shih Tzu can learn to flip levers or lift lids to uncover treats. Command or trick training is another fantastic option, helping to strengthen your bond, establish leadership, foster teamwork, and enhance a dog’s focus and problem-solving skills. For inspiration, check out the book 101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities, which offers plenty of fun ideas to teach your little guy or gal.
#3 Productive Downtime
While some Shih Tzus may appear to be doing nothing during their downtime, many are quietly taking in their surroundings. They observe movements, listen to sounds and process their environment, even while lying still. This subtle engagement is a natural and important part of their rest. However, many Shih Tzus also enjoy activities that allow them to “do something” while remaining in a calm state, and one of the most universally loved ways dogs relax productively is by chewing.
Chewing isn’t just a fun pastime for dog, it keeps their jaw muscles strong and functional, which is important for eating, carrying objects and playing. It also helps
promote dental health by reducing plaque buildup, stimulating gums and minimizing inflammation.
Teething puppies need durable toys that can offer relief to painful and/or itchy gums. Rope toys that you can wet down and then freeze, like the Puppy Rope Toys by KniVel, or safe rubber toys can provide comfort during this stage.
Adults may consider chewing to be their favorite at-home hobby and tend to enjoy longer-lasting chew items like the Wood Alternative Chew by PetStages, which mimic the texture and scent of real wood. These satisfy their natural instincts and keep them happily occupied.
Some senior dogs, especially those with dental issues including missing teeth, may prefer softer, thinner or more pliable options like non-stuffing crinkle toys.
An alternative to chew toys includes lick mats, which can offer a soothing and enriching activity. These are usually made of food-grade silicone and have textured surfaces to hold spreads like smooth peanut butter, mashed sweet potato or even frozen yogurt, providing a soothing, enriching activity. Suction cups keep them in place. These are also excellent for distracting a dog when you are trimming their nails. One that we like a lot are the Lick Mats by Lukito.
#4 Social Interaction
Social interaction is an essential part of a well-round life, offering emotional stimulation and opportunities to build social skills. While some Shih Tzus are naturally more outgoing than others, all dogs benefit from healthy, positive interactions with people and other animals.
Socializing doesn’t need to be overly complex. A short walk to meet friendly neighbors or their pets can provide meaningful engagement, as can a playdate with another dog in a safe, controlled environment. Even spending time with you, whether through play, routine grooming tasks, or simply sitting together, strengthens your bond and fulfills their need for connection.
It’s also important to expose your Shih Tzu to a variety of social situations, especially if they tend to be shy or reserved. Gradual exposure to different people (adults and children) and animals (dogs or even cats) helps them learn how to stay calm and confident in various settings. Treats and praise can encourage positive interactions and create a rewarding experience.
The goal is quality over quantity. A few meaningful moments of social interaction can go a long way in keeping a Shih Tzu emotionally happy and socially well-rounded.
#5 Genuine Relaxation
Rest is an essential part of every Shih Tzu’s day. Downtime, whether napping, lounging, simply relaxing doing nothing, or nighttime snoozing, is vital for recovery and stress reduction.
The need for naps and sleep varies with age. Puppies, with their boundless energy and developing bodies, need the most rest, often sleeping 18 to 20 hours a day, including 3 to 5 naps. Adults typically require around 12 to 14 hours of sleep in total, with 1 to 3 short naps during the day to recharge. Seniors, depending on their health and energy levels, may sleep 14 to 18 hours daily, often spread out over multiple naps and nighttime rest.
Sleep plays a crucial role in a Shih Tzu's overall health. During sleep, their brains consolidate memories, process new experiences, and “clean out” waste through a process similar to what happens in humans. This detoxification helps maintain cognitive function and emotional stability. Additionally, physical recovery occurs as tissues repair, immune responses strengthen, and energy reserves are restored.
Without sufficient rest, puppies may struggle to grow and develop properly, leading to behavioral issues like irritability, hyperactivity, or difficulty focusing during training. Adult dogs deprived of enough sleep may become anxious, lethargic, or prone to health problems such as a weakened immune system.
Providing a quiet, cozy space free from disturbances ensures your Shih Tzu gets the restorative sleep they need to thrive, no matter their age.
A Final Thought
With 24 hours in the day, there’s no need for your Shih Tzu to have a jam-packed schedule. However, a balanced mix of physical activity, mental stimulation, social engagement, time to enjoy favorite doggie habits like chewing, and proper rest will keep your Shih Tzu happy and healthy.
Whether your routine is simple and laid-back or includes activities like agility classes and dog-friendly hikes, what matters most is creating a life that suits your Shih Tzu’s needs and brings them joy.
Lists to Love:
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