Shih Tzu Fearful, Scared Behavior

Overview

Generally speaking, the Shih Tzu is an active, inquisitive, and bold breed. Many Shih Tzu dogs like to meet new people and do well adapting to new situations. This said, it is not uncommon for a Shih Tzu to have a fear of certain elements. And while this can be an issue from the start, this is also something that can seem to manifest out of the blue.

This section will cover some typical skittish and fearful behaviors that may be seen and how to handle them. We discuss emotions that emerge during puppyhood, a list of common fears, and details in addressing several of these. In many cases, this sort of issue can be resolved.

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Emotions that Emerge During Puppyhood:

It is very common for new 8-week-old puppies to seemingly be fine with everything. They'll let anyone pick them up, they'll follow you anywhere, and they can appear to be quite fearless. And then, as they grow a bit older, reaching the 4 and 5 month mark, things can change. What never bothered them before now scares them. The once bold dog is now skittish about certain things.

What happened? When this occurs, it is because young pups can be oblivious about certain things. Their range of emotions is not fully developed, and they are not at their full capacity for cognitive recognition. As a puppy matures, they are much more able to match information from certain stimulus with information retrieved from memory. Connections are formed.

And it is at this point, that a Shih Tzu puppy is much more aware of where they are, what is happening, and who is within their vicinity. At this point, they are aware enough to be wary or downright scared of particular elements.

Common Fears a Shih Tzu May Have:

Each dog is different in regard to what elicits fear. The elements that most often trigger Shih Tzu puppies and dogs to feel scared include:

Loud Noises (fireworks, thunder, more): Many dogs are afraid of loud noises such as thunderstorms, fireworks, the vacuum cleaner and more. This fear can trigger panic and anxiety, leading to behaviors like hiding, shaking, or trying to escape. Of course, for elements that are under your control, like loud music, the remedy is straight-forward. But, there's more work involved for things you no say in. Continue reading about common fears or see the details here: Shih Tzu is Scared of Fireworks or Thunderstorms.
Strangers, people: Some dogs exhibit fear towards strangers, which can manifest as avoidance, barking, or aggression. This fear can stem from a lack of socialization or past negative experiences. Continue reading about common fears or see the details here: Shih Tzu is Scared of Strangers.
Other Dogs: Fear of other dogs is common, especially if a Shih Tzu has had bad experiences with dogs in the past or lacks proper socialization. This fear can lead to avoidance or aggressive behaviors when encountering other dogs. Continue reading about common fears or see the details here: Shih Tzu is Afraid of Other Dogs.
Being Alone: Separation anxiety is a well-documented fear in dogs, characterized by distress and anxiety when left alone. This fear can result in destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or attempts to escape. This is a detailed topic; you can find full information in our Shih Tzu Separation Anxiety article.
Specific Situations or Objects: Dogs can develop fears of specific situations or objects, such as car rides, stairs, or even specific types of flooring. These fears usually develop from negative experiences or lack of exposure during their formative months. For car rides, it's often motion sickness that plays a big role; you may wish to refer to our Shih Tzu Car Seats and Car Travel article.
Handling or Restraining: Some dogs are fearful of being handled or restrained, making grooming or medical examinations difficult. This fear can be due to a lack of gentle handling experiences early in life. Continue reading about common fears or see the details regarding fear of groomers here: Shih Tzu is Afraid of the Groomer.
Changes in Environment: Moving to a new home, changes in the household, or even rearranging furniture can cause anxiety and fear in some dogs, who thrive on routine and familiarity.

Understanding these fears and addressing them through positive reinforcement training, gradual desensitization, and, when necessary, professional help from veterinarians or animal behaviorists, can significantly improve the quality of life for fearful Shih Tzu dogs.

Shih Tzu is Scared of Fireworks or Thunderstorms

Shih Tzu wearing Compression Vest for Fireworks

Many Shih Tzus, and dogs in general, react strongly to thunderstorms and fireworks because of the sudden, intense sounds and shifts in air pressure. These loud booms, rumbles and unfamiliar vibrations can be deeply unsettling and trigger panicked responses. It’s not just the volume; it’s the unpredictability and physical sensation of these events that can overwhelm a dog’s nervous system.

Fortunately, there are some methods to help your Shih Tzu feel safer, calmer and more secure when the sky gets loud.

Recognizing Fearful Behaviors:

When faced with thunder, lightning or fireworks, a Shih Tzu may exhibit a range of panicked behaviors, including:

Hiding or seeking shelter
Shaking or trembling
Whining or barking excessively
Pacing or appearing restless
Excessive drooling
Chewing on unusual objects
In extreme cases, dogs may lose control, leading to potentially harmful actions, such as running into walls or furniture.

Why Shih Tzu dogs are Fearful of Fireworks and/or Thunder:

There are very valid reasons for this fear, including:

Loud Noises: The booming sound of thunder or fireworks can be distressing due to dogs' exceptionally sensitive hearing.
Intense Flashes of Light: Sudden, bright flashes can disorient dogs, making them feel insecure. And with storms, other triggers include:
Atmospheric Changes: Dogs are sensitive to barometric pressure drops and shifts in static electricity, which accompany storms. This can put them on edge.
High Winds: Dogs can hear frequencies beyond human perception, which can make the sound of wind during storms particularly unsettling.
Rain Noise: The continuous impact of rain can become aggravating and cause stress to rise.

Strategies for Comfort and Safety:

Being proactive is the key in managing your Shih Tzu’s anxiety effectively. Preparing in advance, rather than reacting once fireworks or a thunderstorm has started, can prevent your sweetie from reaching a heightened state of stress. And some dogs need a hand in calming down after a scary event.

Let's look at the steps to take before, during, and after fireworks or thunderstorms.

In Advance:

#1 Physical Exercise: Giving your Shih Tzu a healthy dose of exercise earlier in the day can help reduce restlessness during evening fireworks. The goal isn’t to exhaust them, but rather to burn off extra energy in a positive way. A physically content dog is less likely to be jumpy or on edge.

However, keep in mind that physical activity too close to the event can sometimes raise adrenaline levels instead of calming them, so it’s best to aim for moderate, enjoyable activity 3 to 4 several hours before the firework display.

#2 Calming Chews: These work to varying degrees with dogs. And, of course, the combination of ingredients matter quite a bit. This sort of supplement can be a good choice for situations where you have a head's up, such as a town firework display near your home, but less so for a sudden thunderstorm. Most calming chews take between 30 to 60 minutes to be working at their full effect.

One chew to consider is Advanced Calming Chews by Strella. These are made in the USA and are 100% all-natural. They've packed a lot in these bites that are sized well for small breeds. Valerian root, chamomile, melatonin and passion flower help calm the nervous system. L-tryptophan promotes serotonin production for mood balance and thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1) helps stabilize the nervous system.

There’s even ginger to soothe upset stomachs and hemp seed oil for added relaxation support. Altogether, it’s a thoughtfully blended formula designed to help a Shih Tzu feel calmer and more secure.

During:

To alleviate stress and fear for Shih Tzu puppies and dogs during these times, consider the following approaches:

#1 Body Compression Garment: A well-fitted compression vest can be surprisingly effective at calming anxious dogs. These garments apply gentle, even pressure around the torso, which mimics the sensation of being held. And this sort of deep pressure has a calming effect on the nervous system by helping to reduce cortisol levels and ease the body’s fight-or-flight response.

For many Shih Tzus, this translates into a greater sense of security during stressful situations like fireworks or thunderstorms. While not a cure-all, compression vests often work best when combined with other comfort tools, such as calming chews (see above) or noise-dampening wraps (see next). Many owners report that their dogs settle faster and show fewer signs of distress when wearing one.

One of the best ones is the original Thundershirt which continually receives praise over copycats.

#2 Head Wrap: A head compression wrap is quite different than a body compression wrap. One like the Original Happy Hoodie, is a soft, stretchy fabric wrap that was originally developed for use during grooming sessions, but is now widely used to help with fireworks, thunder, vacuum noise and other loud sounds. It doesn’t fully block out noise, but it does muffle sharp sounds and creates a swaddling effect around the ears and head that many dogs find calming.

By gently covering the ears, it reduces the flinch reflex caused by sudden noise spikes and helps minimize sound-related startle responses.

The big difference between this and a body compression vest is what each one targets. The Happy Hoodie focuses specifically on auditory sensitivity; so, it’s most helpful for dogs who react primarily to sound. A body compression vest targets overall anxiety and overstimulation. Some dogs benefit from using both together, especially during fireworks or storms.

#3 Maintain Calmness: Canines are intuitive and can pick up on their human’s emotions. Displaying calm and controlled behavior can help reassure your little guy or gal.

#4 Safe Spaces: Allow your Shih Tzu to retreat to a safe spot of their choosing anytime they wish. For some, it will always be the same spot, which you can prepare ahead of time with their favorite items, a distraction item (see below) and a sound-masking method (see below) to help them feel secure.

#5 Engaging in Distraction Techniques: Encouraging a Shih Tzu to engage in activities such as sniffing, chewing, or licking can promote self-soothing behaviors. Puzzle toys filled with their favorite treats or a lick mat can redirect their attention away from distressing noises.

For a lick mat, we like the Lick Mat for Dogs by Lukito which is made of food-grade silicone, has great suction to keep it in place, and even comes with a little spatula for spreading peanut butter. It's also fantastic to use while trimming nails or at other times when you want your Shih Tzu to be distracted.

#6 Sound Masking: The loud bangs of fireworks or claps of thunder often trigger fear in dogs. Playing white noise or calming music can help mask these sounds, reducing their impact and helping your dog maintain their composure.

A Note about headphones: You may wonder if getting over-the-ear noise-cancelling headphones for your Shih Tzu is a good idea. Though this may work for some, many dogs (especially small breeds like the Shih Tzu) struggle with the sensation of something tightly cupping their ears. The complete blockage of sound can also be unsettling, making the experience more stressful rather than soothing. This is why soft compression head wraps, like the one mentioned above (#2), are often a better choice.

Afterward:

The anxiety from fireworks or thunder can linger for 8-12 hours, as it can take time for the body and mind to calm down. To manage this, avoid taking your Shih Tzu out after the event to prevent any sudden noises from causing further distress. Instead, offer activities that support self-soothing, such as using snuffle mats like the Flower Garden Snuffle Mat by Oliumt, lick mats, or providing interactive toys to enjoy safely indoors.

Additional Support Methods:

For dogs that need extra help managing their fear, there are some additional options (often used in conjunction with the methods previously listed):

Prescription Medications: In cases where non-pharmaceutical methods are insufficient, especially in areas with frequent storms or fireworks, consulting a veterinarian for anti-anxiety medication may be necessary.
Desensitization Training: Gradually exposing dogs to the sounds of thunderstorms at low volumes, then incrementally increasing the volume, can help some dogs become less reactive over time, but in most cases, this cannot mimic the changes in air pressure, so this alone will not have a significant effect.

A Final Note on Fireworks and Thunder:

Understanding and addressing the fear of thunder, lightning, and fireworks in dogs involves recognizing their distress signals, understanding the triggers, and applying supportive strategies. From compression garments to creating a safe space and considering calming supplements or prescribed medications, there are various ways to help your Shih Tzu navigate their fears more comfortably.

Patience and compassion are an effective combo in helping your little guy or gal feel safe and secure during these challenging times.

Shih Tzu is Scared of Strangers

For some Shih Tzu dogs, the presence of unfamiliar people can trigger fear or anxiety. Signs of being afraid of people include cowering, avoidance, barking, or even aggression as a defensive response. This reaction may stem from a lack of socialization, past negative experiences, or simply a cautious temperament. The following guide provides strategies to help your little guy or gal become more comfortable and confident around strangers.

Key Preparations Before Starting Training:

There are some things you'll need to have in place before starting to work on a Shih Tzu's fear of people:

Establish Trust and Leadership: Your Shih Tzu should see you as a calm and confident leader. This trust makes them more likely to follow your lead in uncertain situations.
Choose the Right Environment: Start in a quiet, controlled environment where your dog feels safe and is less likely to be overwhelmed by unexpected stimuli.
Use a Leash: Keeping your Shih Tzu on a leash during initial encounters can provide a sense of security and gives you control over the situation.
Have Rewards Ready: High-value treats can reinforce positive experiences with strangers, helping your Shih Tzu associate new people with good things. Choose a treat that is not normally given as a snack, is moist and has a strong flavor; one to consider is Zukes Mini Naturals Training Treats which are a soft and chewy peanut butter and oat recipe.

Training Steps for Overcoming Fear of People:

The goal is to gradually expose your Shih Tzu to new people in a positive, controlled manner, allowing them to learn that strangers are not a threat.

Choose an Area: In order to train for reactions to strangers, you'll have to find some people. This starts off with a low trigger level, so choose a quiet park or other area not known to be busy.
Start with Distance: Begin with keeping a distance from people, that does not provoke fear in your Shih Tzu. Reward calm behavior with treats and praise.
Gradual Approach: Over several sessions, slowly decrease the distance between your Shih Tzu and people that are encountered, continuing to reward calmness and obedience.
Controlled Interaction: Once your little guy or gal seems comfortable, if a person signals that they'd like to approach your dog (or you can quietly alert a friendly person that you are training your Shih Tzu and their hello would be helpful), allow them to approach more closely. But at this time, do not allow a pet. The person can offer a treat that you've slipped to them or simply give your Shih Tzu a greeting in a gentle, friendly tone.
Bring It Up a Notch: After a few days of successful encounters, bring it up a notch by allowing gentle interactions via pets, if your Shih Tzu shows tolerance, and always give reward for brave behavior or positive interactions.
Repeat with Different People: To generalize the behavior, repeat this process with different people, ensuring a variety of ages, appearances, and genders.

Additional Tips:

Never Force Interaction: Forcing your Shih Tzu to interact with strangers can increase fear. Always move at your sweetie-pie's pace.
Seek Professional Help: If progress is slow or your Shih Tzu's fear seems to intensify, consider enlisting the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.

A Final Note on Being Scared of People:

Helping your Shih Tzu overcome fear of strangers requires patience, consistency, and a positive approach. By creating safe, controlled experiences and rewarding them for bravery and calmness, you can gradually build their confidence. Remember, each dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Adjust your approach based on your little guy or gal's individual responses and comfort level.

Shih Tzu is Afraid of Other Dogs

The Prevalence of Fear of Other Dogs: How Common This Is

In a poll conducted by us here at AllShihTzu, we asked pet parents 'How does your Shih Tzu do with unknown dogs?' and the results were:

Excellent: 28%
Well, but wary: 35%
Ignores them: 15%
Terrible: 15%
N/A (no regular exposure): 7%

So, it's not that uncommon for Shih Tzu puppies and dogs to be wary of other dogs that they do not know. In some cases, they can be extremely fearful and this can get in the way of walks, outings to the park and normal activities that you'd like to do with your little guy or gal.

Understanding and Managing a Shih Tzu's Fear of Dogs:

It's essential to recognize that a Shih Tzu’s fear of larger dogs, or other dogs in general, isn't completely unfounded. Being a toy breed, some Shih Tzu dogs are naturally cautious of canines that are larger than them or perceived to be more intimidating in some way.

And of important note: Canines can sense when another dog is aggressive or unfriendly via body posture and/or olfactory clues. So, you'll want to proceed with caution and only train for interaction with small dogs that you trust for your Shih Tzu to interact with. For example, to do well in a segregated dog park for small breeds or to do well with another small dog during a playdate.

Key Points Before Training Begins:

There are some things you'll need to have in place before starting to work on a Shih Tzu's fear of other dogs (and an important one is to find another dog to work alongside with). Let's take a look:

Leadership Role: Establishing yourself as the pack leader is foundational for any training. This status helps your Shih Tzu feel secure and responsive to cues.
Basic Commands: Mastery of the "Sit" command is a prerequisite. If this needs work, prioritize it before proceeding.
Controlled Exposure: Limit encounters with other dogs during the initial training phase, modifying walking routes to less crowded areas if necessary.
Use of Harness and Leash: It is strongly recommended at all times, but a reminder that for training safety, your Shih Tzu should be on a short leash and harness like the EcoBark Comfort Harness to avoid neck injuries.
Training Treats: Opt for small, moist, and highly appealing treats exclusive to training sessions. One that we like is Wellness Soft Bites Training Treats, which has a lamb and salmon recipe that many dogs love.
Finding a Training Partner: Secure a calm and friendly dog of similar size for practice sessions, ensuring they have a history of positive interactions with other dogs.

Training Steps for Overcoming Fear of Other Dogs:

The goal is to gradually accustom your Shih Tzu to the presence of other dogs without forcing direct interaction, aiming for a natural progression towards curiosity and play.

Setup: Begin in a calm outdoor space or your yard to avoid territorial stress. Have treats on hand and ensure both dogs are leashed.
Initial Approach: Casually walk to the meeting spot, performing a "Sit" command upon arrival, followed by praise and a treat.
Maintain Calmness: As the other dog approaches, keep a relaxed demeanor to avoid transmitting anxiety to your Shih Tzu. Acknowledge the other dog with a greeting to demonstrate acceptance.
Passive and Positive Interaction: Allow natural sniffing if initiated, focusing on maintaining a casual conversation with your helper. Give praise and rewards for any positive interactions, ranging from sitting in quite tolerance to actively playing. If your little guy or gal seeks comfort by your side, allow it, but without offering too much acknowledgment of fearful behaviors.
Short Sessions: The goal is exposure. So, after 5 or 10 minute of chatting with your helper and giving praise and treats as instructed, say your goodbyes.
Concluding the Session: As you get ready to leave, praise your Shih Tzu and offer a final treat, marking the end of a successful exposure regardless of their level of nervousness.

Repeat these sessions regularly, extending the duration gradually based on your dog's comfort level. If progress stalls, consider consulting a professional dog trainer for personalized guidance.

A Final Note of Fear of Other Dogs:

Transforming fear into curiosity or even playfulness is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and a positive outlook. Celebrate small victories and allow your Shih Tzu to set the pace for interactions, ensuring a stress-free and supportive environment throughout their socialization training.

Shih Tzu is Afraid of the Groomer

There are quite a few grooming tasks that need to be done to keep a Shih Tzu looking clean and tidy, and you may want to have a groomer handle some of these (especially coat trims); but, what are you to do if your Shih Tzu is terrified of the groomer?

In some cases, a dog may be afraid of being handled from the very first visit; but in other instances this may be a sudden fear that came seemingly from no where.

Preventing this before it occurs:

Of course, hindsight is 20/20, but if you have a young pup and you're hoping to prevent them from having a fear of the groomer, start bringing them as soon as they've had their full round of puppy vaccinations and are safe to go out in public. The younger you start the tradition of visiting the groomer, the easier things will be.

Even if the coat isn't long enough to trim yet, your pup will get accustomed to being safety handled and being away from you for that short period of time. It's recommended to bring a Shih Tzu puppy every 6 to 8 weeks, since some adults will require a trim with this same timing.

If the fear is there already (and has been ongoing), this is often a matter of needing to become accustomed to being handled. There are two ways to help resolve this:

Bring your Shih Tzu to a groomer for small, quick tasks at first, as opposed to having an hour-long session that covers everything. This will allow them to get used to that person, and learn that no harm will come to them. You may want to start with nail trimming, then next have a nail trim plus a brushing, and then if your Shih Tzu seems to be warming up to the idea, graduate to trimmings and clippings, if that is what you want the groomer to do.
You can also practice handling at home. Start with short sessions, with increasing duration, in which you touch your Shih Tzu's paws, toes, tail, ears, and all areas of the body. End each session with praise and a small reward.

If the fear came on suddenly, this can be a bit trickier. There is always the chance that the groomer passed some tasks onto someone that your Shih Tzu was not familiar with. Or, there may have been a slight accident that you were not told about. So, it's always a good idea to speak with the groomer and ask if anything happened that might have caused your Shih Tzu to react badly. Not all groomers will admit that something occurred, but it is worth asking.

Changing to a new groomer will be a judgement call; however, there are some dog grooming salons that have visitor windows. The window will allow you to stay there and observe what is happening. This is something to consider, since it can give you peace of mind.

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