Managing Holiday Guests with Your Shih Tzu: Tips for a Calm and Happy Dog

Overview

The holiday season can bring joy, laughter, and often, a flurry of visitors to your home. It can also mean taking your Shih Tzu to visit the homes of friends and loved ones that your little guy or gal may not be used to. While this often-social breed may thrive on the happy commotion and change of scenery, some Shih Tzus can find the festivities a bit overwhelming.

Let’s explore the signs that your Shih Tzu may be struggling with guests or holiday stress and practical steps you can take to ensure your little sweetie remains calm, happy, and safe amidst the festive chaos in a variety of situations.

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Signs Your Shih Tzu Is Struggling with Guests or Holiday Stress

Shih Tzus often display subtle cues when they're feeling anxious, overstimulated, or fearful. Recognizing these signs early can help you act before your puppy or dog becomes too stressed. Note that a Shih Tzu may have one, some or nearly all signs. Here are some behaviors to watch for:

Physical Signs 

Physical signs of stress in Shih Tzus can include panting or pacing, pinned-back ears or tail tucking, shaking or trembling, yawning or lip licking, dilated pupils or wide eyes (commonly known as "whale eye"), excessive drooling, and increased shedding.

Behavioral Signs

Behavioral indicators of anxiety might involve hiding or avoiding guests, excessive barking or growling, clinginess or seeking comfort, a loss of appetite or reluctance to play, refusal to follow commands, aggression toward other pets, and obsessive circling.

Unusual Reactions

Less common but possible reactions to stress may include accidents inside the house, chewing or destructive behavior, excessive scratching or licking, vomiting or diarrhea, increased vocalizations such as whining, whimpering, or howling, and freezing in place due to fear or feeling overwhelmed.

Understanding Your Shih Tzu’s Perspective

Though many Shih Tzus can be bold, adventurous, and super-social, this does not mean they are unaffected by changes to their environment. During the holidays, loud noises, unfamiliar faces, and disruptions to their routine can cause stress or overexcitement. Recognizing your dog’s unique triggers is the first step toward making the season enjoyable for both of you.

Pay close attention to subtle signs, such as pacing, yawning, or lip licking, as these may indicate growing discomfort. The better you understand your Shih Tzu’s behavior, the more effectively you can address their needs.

Let’s explore a variety of situations and how to avoid potential issues or handle them as they arise.

Shih Tzu Scared of Visitors

Fear of visitors may stem from a lack of socialization, traumatic past experiences, or simply being overwhelmed by the sudden arrival of many people. Shih Tzus are sensitive and highly attuned to changes in their environment, which can make them nervous in unfamiliar situations. Even well-socialized dogs may regress under the high-energy dynamics of holiday gatherings.

Solutions:

#1 Create a Safe Space

• Details: Designate a quiet room or area where your Shih Tzu can retreat. Add familiar items like their bed, toys, and a blanket to make it cozy. Ensure it’s a space your little guy or gal is accustomed to and enjoys spending time in.
• Pro Tip: Introduce this space before guests arrive to build positive associations. Use treats and play to make the space feel rewarding. Include calming music or white noise to mask loud sounds from the rest of the house.
  

#2 Gradual Introductions

• Details: Allow your Shih Tzu to meet visitors in a controlled environment. Begin with one guest at a time, ideally someone your dog is already familiar with. Use calm voices and slow movements to avoid startling your dog.
• Pro Tip: Let your Shih Tzu decide the pace of interaction. Encourage visitors to sit low to the ground and avoid prolonged eye contact, which can feel intimidating. Offer visitors small treats to give your sweetie, fostering positive associations.

#3 Desensitization Training

• Details: Practice common holiday scenarios, such as ringing the doorbell or having someone knock, before the big event. Gradually increase the intensity of these situations, rewarding your Shih Tzu for staying calm.
• Pro Tip: Pair training sessions with high-value rewards like tiny pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or one of our recommended reward treats. Over time, your Shih Tzu will associate these situations with positive experiences instead of stress.

#4 Introduce Scents

• Details: If you will be having a week-long guest, ask them to send ahead a piece of clothing before their visit. It can be a scarf, glove or other small item. Place this in your Shih Tzu’s space so they can get used to the guest’s scent in a low-pressure setting.
• Pro Tip: Use this technique for family members or friends who visit often at any time of the year, as scent recognition can help a dog feel more comfortable and less startled by a person’s arrival.

#5 Teach a “Relax” Cue

• Details: Work on having your Shih Tzu lie on a mat or bed when you say a specific cue, like “relax.” Practice this in calm moments and reward them for staying on the mat.
• Pro Tip: Place the mat in their safe space during gatherings. This gives your little guy or gal a familiar “job” to focus on instead of the chaos around them.

#6 Plan Quiet Breaks

• Details: Schedule breaks during the gathering where you can take your Shih Tzu to their quiet space for some one-on-one time or for outside for some exercise to let them burn off excess energy. Use these moments to check on their stress level and provide comfort.
• Pro tip: While guests might want to join you for a walk outside, it’s best to keep this time just for you and your Shih Tzu. Maintaining this familiar routine can provide a much-needed break from the holiday commotion and helps a pup feel grounded.

Shih Tzu Barking at Guests

The Shih Tzu breed can be very protective of their family and territory, and barking is often their way of warning you about perceived intruders or expressing nervousness. This instinct can be exacerbated during the holidays, with multiple unfamiliar faces and elevated activity levels in your home. Barking may also stem from excitement or overstimulation, making it essential to identify the root cause and address it effectively.

Solutions:

#1 Manage Energy Levels Beforehand

• Details: Ensure your Shih Tzu gets plenty of exercise before guests arrive. A long walk, a play session of fetch, or a mental stimulation activity can help expend excess energy that might otherwise manifest as barking.
• Pro Tip: Include scent games or puzzle toys in your pre-guest routine. Mental stimulation can be just as effective as physical exercise for reducing barking caused by overstimulation.

#2 Redirect Focus

• Details: Work on teaching your Shih Tzu to focus on a specific command, like “sit” or “stay,” when guests arrive. Practice these commands daily, starting in calm situations and gradually introducing distractions until your dog reliably responds.
• Pro Tip: Reward your cuddle-pie immediately with a high-value treat and praise when they follow the command. Keep a small treat pouch handy during gatherings for consistency, and encourage guests to engage only after your dog is calm.

#3 Desensitize to the Doorbell or Knocking

• Details: Practice by having a friend or family member ring the doorbell or knock lightly. Start by rewarding your Shih Tzu for remaining calm during soft knocks, gradually increasing the intensity over time.
• Pro Tip: Use a toy or long-lasting treat to occupy their attention before triggering the sound. This helps redirect their focus away from the noise and onto a more enjoyable task.

#4 Reward Quiet Behavior

• Details: Use positive reinforcement to encourage quietness. Each time your Shih Tzu refrains from barking or stops barking when asked, reward them with a treat, toy, or gentle praise. This teaches them that being quiet brings positive outcomes.
• Pro Tip: Pair this with a verbal cue like “quiet” or “calm” to establish a clear expectation. Avoid yelling, as it can unintentionally sound like you’re joining their barking, increasing their excitement or anxiety.

#5 Teach an Alternate Behavior

• Details: Work to replace the barking with a specific action, like fetching a toy. This gives your Shih Tzu a clear job to do instead of acting as a watch-dog.
• Pro Tip: Practice this behavior in everyday situations to establish it as a go-to response. Reward your dog generously when they choose the alternate behavior over barking.

#6 Plan for Breaks

• Details: If your Shih Tzu continues to bark or seems overwhelmed, guide them to a designated quiet area or take them outside for a walk. Offering a break can help reset their energy and calm their nerves.
• Pro Tip: If staying inside, offer a special toy, treat, a relaxing brush-out or another element that you know your pup enjoys, this can help make the break a more positive experience.

Shih Tzu Acts Too Hyper Around Guests

Shih Tzus are naturally playful and outgoing, which can sometimes translate to over-the-top excitement when new people visit. Hyperactivity around guests is often fueled by pent-up energy, overstimulation, or an eagerness to be the center of attention. While their enthusiasm is adorable, it can become overwhelming for both you and your guests if not managed effectively.

Solutions:

#1 Pre-Guest Exercise

• Details: Exercise is key to curbing hyperactivity. Before guests arrive, take your Shih Tzu for a brisk walk or engage them in a high-energy game like fetch. Physical activity helps burn off excess energy, making them more likely to remain calm during interactions.
• Pro Tip: Combine physical and mental stimulation by incorporating training games into your routine, like teaching commands or using snuffle mat toys. A tired dog with a mentally engaged mind is less likely to become overly excitable.

#2 Train for Calm Greetings and Offer Controlled Introductions

• Details: Teach your Shih Tzu to greet guests politely by sitting instead of jumping. Practice this regularly by having a helper pretend to be a guest, rewarding your dog for sitting calmly when the door opens. When introducing your Shih Tzu to guests on the holidays, do so one at a time to avoid overwhelming them. Ask guests to remain seated and allow your dog to approach on their own terms, creating a relaxed and positive atmosphere.
• Pro Tip: Use a leash with a harness during training sessions to maintain control and gently guide your Shih Tzu into a sitting position. Encourage guests to ignore any hyper behavior and only reward your dog with attention once they’ve calmed down. This teaches your Shih Tzu that calmness, not excitement, earns interaction and reinforces polite greetings.

#3 Create a Calm Space and Prevent Overstimulation

• Details: Set up a designated area in your home where your Shih Tzu can retreat from the holiday commotion. This could be a gated-off room, their comfy playpen or a cozy corner with their bed, favorite toys, and a blanket. Introduce this space as their “calm corner” well in advance, using treats and praise to make it a positive, relaxing spot. Also, monitor your home’s energy level. loud music, laughter, and constant movement can overstimulate a Shih Tzu. Quieter zones and balanced noise levels can help prevent stress or hyperactivity.
• Pro Tip: Schedule breaks during the day for your Shih Tzu to decompress. Take them outside for a quiet walk or spend time in their calm corner with gentle petting or grooming (if they enjoy it). These breaks not only reset their energy but also give you a chance to recharge while keeping your dog calm and content.

#4 Plan Playtime with Guests

• Details: Channel your Shih Tzu’s excitement by organizing simple, low-energy activities with guests that wish to interact with your sweetie-pie, such as tossing a soft toy for your little guy or gal to retrieve. This activity can allow your Shih Tzu to interact positively without becoming overwhelming or overstimulated.
• Pro Tip: Encourage guests to take brief turns playing to help your Shih Tzu adjust to different people calmly. Keep these play sessions short to prevent overstimulation. End the activity with a calm cue like “all done,” signaling your Shih Tzu to settle down.
  

Shih Tzu Has Trouble Visiting Another House

Visiting unfamiliar places can be stressful for Shih Tzus due to new smells, unfamiliar people, and disrupted routines. Many dogs find comfort in consistency, so being in a new environment without their familiar routine can lead to anxiety, overexcitement, or even withdrawal.

Solutions:

#1 Pack Familiar Comforts and Create a Safe Retreat

• Details: Bring along your Shih Tzu’s favorite bed, blanket, toys, and food and water bowls to provide familiarity and comfort in a new environment. Include something with your scent, like a worn T-shirt, to offer reassurance whenever you are not close by. If the visit involves a long stay, set up these items in a quiet, low-traffic area of the host’s home to create a cozy retreat where your little guy or gal can relax.
• Pro Tip: A portable playpen or baby gate can help define this safe space, keeping your Shih Tzu feeling secure. Add familiar items to make it more inviting and comforting.

#2 Offer Pre-Visit Exercise to Prevent Restlessness

• Details: Tire your Shih Tzu out with a long walk or an energetic play session before the visit. A well-exercised dog is less likely to feel anxious or restless in an unfamiliar environment. Pair this with calming activities like sniffing games to provide mental stimulation as well.
• Pro Tip: Plan exercise sessions early enough so your Shih Tzu has time to rest before the trip. This helps them arrive calm and ready to adjust to the new environment.
  

#3 Introduce the Space and People Gradually

• Details: Allow your Shih Tzu to explore the new space at their own pace. Start in a quiet area and slowly introduce them to other rooms and people to avoid overwhelming them. Praise them as they explore to reinforce positive associations.
• Pro Tip: Keep initial interactions with guests low-key. Encourage people to let your Shih Tzu approach them rather than the other way around. This gives a dog a sense of control and builds confidence.

#4 Maintain Their Routine

• Details: Stick as closely as possible to your Shih Tzu’s usual schedule for feeding, walks, grooming tasks, rest and playtime. Familiar routines provide stability and help a dog feel secure even in an unfamiliar setting.
• Pro Tip: If the household’s schedule doesn’t align with your dog’s needs, politely step away to attend to them. Consistency reduces stress and makes the visit smoother for both you and your sweetie.

If Your Shih Tzu will be Visiting with Other Pets

If guests with pets will be visiting your home, or if you’re bringing your Shih Tzu to a home with other animals, there are additional considerations to ensure smooth and stress-free interactions. Proper preparation and careful supervision can make these introductions safe and enjoyable for all the pets involved.

Tips for Managing Interactions:

• Choose a Neutral Space for Introductions: Introduce pets in a neutral area, such as an outdoor area or quiet street, where neither feels territorial. Allow them to approach each other calmly and sniff naturally.
• Keep Sessions Short and Positive: Limit the initial meeting to a few minutes, rewarding both dogs with treats and praise when they remain relaxed and friendly. Gradually increase the length of interactions as comfort levels grow.
• Provide Breaks: Even if interactions seem to be going well, separate the dogs periodically to give them a chance to decompress. Breaks help prevent overstimulation and allow each dog to process the interaction calmly.
• Supervise All Play: Always monitor introductions carefully. Shih Tzus, with their small size, can feel overwhelmed by assertive or overly energetic dogs, particularly larger breeds. Pay close attention to their body language. Signs such as pinned-back ears, a tucked tail, or avoiding eye contact indicate discomfort. A well-managed introduction sets the stage for positive and safe interactions. 

Balanced Play and When to Step In:

Watch for balanced and appropriate play behaviors, stepping in immediately if things become too rough or one dog shows signs of discomfort.

Normal Play Behavior: Healthy canine interactions often include gentle chasing, playful bowing (a position where the dog lowers its front legs), and occasional mouthing that does not escalate into biting or growling. In addition, sniffing is a natural and essential way for dogs to gather information about each other. Balanced play should involve both dogs taking turns initiating activity, with moments of calm between bursts of energy.

Signs of Problematic Behavior: Red flags include one dog persistently pinning the other down, snapping, excessive barking, or growling that becomes more intense rather than subsiding. If one dog repeatedly attempts to escape or shows signs of fear, such as hiding or trembling, it’s time to intervene and separate them.

A Note About Humping: Humping can sometimes occur during introductions or play and is often a sign of excitement, nervousness, or an attempt to assert dominance. While occasional humping is not unusual, it should be interrupted if it becomes persistent or makes the other dog uncomfortable. Redirect both dogs to a calm activity, or use treats to shift their focus and break the behavior.

A Note About Shih Tzu and Children

If your Shih Tzu isn’t accustomed to spending time with children, holiday visits can bring an added layer of challenges. Children, especially those unfamiliar with small breeds, may not know how to interact gently, and your Shih Tzu could become doubly overstimulated by the combination of youthful energy and the already-bustling holiday environment. In addition to the earlier tips, here are some extra considerations to ensure smooth and positive interactions.

#1 Supervise Interactions

Always keep a close eye on playtime between kids and your Shih Tzu to ensure the safety of both. Even well-meaning children may accidentally frighten or hurt your little guy or gal, and a startled Shih Tzu might nip or bark in response. Close supervision allows you to step in quickly if the play becomes too rough or overwhelming.

#2 Be a Guide

Take time to teach children how to approach and handle your Shih Tzu in a way that is safe and feels comfortable.  Show them how to offer treats with an open palm, avoiding sudden movements or loud noises. Teach kids to gently pet your Shih Tzu along their back or chest, rather than reaching over their head, which can feel intimidating. Make it clear that hugging tight, pulling on the tail, or picking up your sweetie without supervision is not allowed.

#3 Enforce Calm Play

Discourage noisy, high-energy games like chasing or tug-of-war, as these can overstimulate your Shih Tzu and lead to stress or hyperactivity. Instead, encourage quieter activities that foster positive engagement. For example, children can toss a small toy for your Shih Tzu to retrieve, brush them gently under your guidance, or help with simple command-training exercises like “sit” or “stay.” These activities are not only safe but can also help build trust and a bond between your Shih Tzu and the child.

#4 Provide a Safe Retreat

Ensure your Shih Tzu has access to a quiet space where they can retreat if interactions with kids become overwhelming. A cozy bed in a low-traffic area or a gated-off room can give offer a nice break when needed. Make sure children understand that this is a “no-kid zone” where your little guy or gal should be left alone to decompress.

Final Thoughts: Keep the Holidays Joyful for Everyone

By understanding your Shih Tzu’s needs and implementing thoughtful strategies, you can make the holidays enjoyable for both your dog and your guests. Whether your goal is to calm their excitement, ease anxiety, or manage the chaos of a busy home, the key lies in preparation and attentiveness. With these practical steps, your Shih Tzu can feel safe, loved, and at ease, allowing everyone to focus on the joys of the season.

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