When a Shih Tzu Does Not Bark

Overview

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.

The Age a Shih Tzu Starts Barking

So much happens so quickly with a Shih Tzu's development:

At one day old, a Shih Tzu puppy has their eyes closed, they cannot hear, they have very limited sense of smell and they are not making noises.
By the two week mark, eyelids begin to open and there's lots of sleeping and resting.
But the three week mark, sense of smell is there and the pup can hear well. It is in week three that a puppy will start to vocalize. The very first noises that they make are not barks. There will be some whining, soft grunting and little 'chirps'.
By the 7 to 8 week mark, most puppies will start barking. Some Shih Tzu pups can be late bloomers and take time to find their bark, which we'll cover next.

Reasons a Shih Tzu Puppy May Not Bark

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.

How to Help a Shih Tzu Learn 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:

Diverse Walks: Regular walks in the same quiet area might not stimulate barking. Vary your walking routes to more lively areas like dog parks or neighborhoods with children. This socialization can trigger a vocal response, but remember, a non-barking dog is perfectly normal.
Yard Variation: Simply switching from the front to the back yard can introduce new stimuli, like birds or squirrels, that may prompt barking. Try spending time outside with your Shih Tzu at different times, especially during sunrise and sunset when birds are more active.
Exciting Playtime: Dogs bark from excitement too. Increase the energy during play:

Your Enthusiasm: Be animated and vocal. Use an excited voice and show happiness with physical gestures to ramp up the excitement.
Interactive Toys: Choose toys that are engaging, like those that make noises or even mimic barking. A toy like the Multipet Plush Polka Dot Goblet Pig that grunts can make playtime more stimulating and encourage vocal responses.

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

If a Shih Tzu Suddenly Stops Barking

While it is perfectly fine for a Shih Tzu to be a quiet dog and not bark often, it is a whole different story if a dog that previously barked suddenly stops.

This may be due to one of several reasons. The top 4 are:

1) Becoming hoarse - In some cases, a dog may bark so much, that they become hoarse. In these cases, it can be a matter of laryngitis, a temporary inflammation of the vocal cords. If so, this often resolves on its own. Since there are some health issues that can mimic laryngitis, do read ahead for other possible concerns.

2) Upper Respiratory Infection - Like humans, dogs can fall ill an infection of the upper respiratory tract, like a cold or flu. This can lead to changes in their barking, either making it muffled or causing them to stop barking due to discomfort. Other symptoms include coughing, sneezing, snorting noises, discharge from the eyes or nose, noisy breathing, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Veterinary treatment with prescribed medication is necessary to address these issues.

3) Trauma - This includes any sort of trauma to the neck and therefore the larynx, pharynx or other areas in the neck that are associated with a dog's ability to bark. A tight collar or a collar connected to a leash (instead of using a harness) are among the top reasons for this to occur. The dog may also have trouble breathing, swallowing, have a cough and/or intolerance to exercise. This needs to be diagnosed by a vet and treatment will vary depending on the exact cause.

4) Depression - Dogs, like humans, can experience depression due to traumatic events or loss, such as the death or absence of a family member or canine companion. Prolonged isolation or issues with separation anxiety can also contribute to depression. Signs include a marked decrease in interest in previously enjoyed activities, withdrawal, and reduced or ceased barking.

5) Other less likely but possible serious issues include:

Tracheal Collapse: Common in small breeds, this causes a narrowing of the trachea, which can affect breathing and vocalization.
Oral or Throat Pain: Dental issues, throat tumors, or injuries in the mouth or throat can lead to a reluctance to bark due to pain.
Neurological Disorders: Conditions affecting the nervous system, like a stroke or brain tumor, can impact a dog's ability to bark.
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: Similar to dementia in humans, this can result in changes in vocalization behavior.
Thyroid Problems: Hypothyroidism can cause voice changes and reduced barking.
Injury to the Vocal Cords: Trauma or surgery involving the vocal cords can lead to temporary or permanent loss of bark.
Cancer: Certain cancers, especially those affecting the throat or respiratory system, can lead to a decrease or cessation in barking.

Whenever a Shih Tzu suddenly stops barking, they should be taking for a veterinary checkup to be diagnosed.

A Final Note

It cannot be overstated that a generally quiet dog is a blessing. Excessive barking is one of the top problems that owners face with their dogs. That said (again), if a dog is under-stimulated, lonely or sad, an owner should take steps to resolve those issues. Barking for joy is something that all dogs should do, so we do encourage that type of vocalization.

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