A Shih Tzu rescue dog is smart enough to hold a grudge but they can be taught to love again if you have the patience. Vets and breeders can give you great advice on raising your Shih Tzu rescue dog. Show a lot of love and patience to …
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Shih Tzu Owners Advice?
I have a four year old Shih Tzu I rescued from very neglectful owners three years and three months ago. He has one dew claw that they didn't remove properly and I hope to have the $400 to remove it next year. He has eye problems too every once in awhile, last night he must've bumped into something b/c it swelled up and I'm currently using medicated eye drops the vet gave me the last time he had an eye issue and in the 12+ hours since it happened it's getting better. He's a begger too b/c I got him into a bad habit of eating people food, but I've stopped about a week ago. Here's my thing though, one main issue. Living in my apartment, whenever someone walks down the hall he barks constantly and when I try to pick him up he tries to bite me, how do I get him to stop? And am I an overworried owner by constantly worrying about every little thing that goes wrong with him?
I don't believe he was abused, he was kenneled basically 24/7 and hadn't been groomed the entire time, the first year of his life. Now he gets groomed every six weeks and in the winter he gets medicated shampoo b/c his skin gets so irritated.
As for the hitting thing, I wouldn't report anyone either for giving that as advice and what I have done in the past when he's tried to bite me if I'm giving him meds or whatever is I put my finger in his mouth sideways, all the way in the back. It gags him, but doesnt' choke him and he hates it, he stops.
It's better to be over worried than neglectful. With the corridor thing I would advise getting a trainer in as you've had him for a while, so it doesn't sound like he's going to grow out of it.
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Try a bark collar. They work great and if you keep it on a very low setting they only startle them but not hurt them.
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Shih Tzu's are classified sadly as yappy dogs. Mine isn't though, he'll only bark if someone knocks on the door. I know you said he was neglected, was he abused? If not, try swatting him firmly yet gently with a newspaper and tell him no. They learn very well and their very smart dogs. They understand no easily. You have to be consistent though. He'll eventually learn, but at the same token, he is giving you protection by warning you of someone in the hall. I wouldn't try picking him up when he's barking, he's in a protective state and probably doesn't realize what he's doing.
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for the barking, put a leash on the dog and keep it on all the time. if the dog goes to bark, pick up the leash and give a little tug everytime he barks, and when he is quiet for a minute, praise. i also suggest the leach thing b/c it is not ok for the dog to bite and the further you can keep your hands from his face the better. enough times of this and he should get the point. i would def. wait to get a bark collar. it should be your last resort b/c if they get used to that there isnt much else you can do.
just so you know sandy- i have reported you for advising someone to hit a dog. do what you want with your own dogs, but telling someone to hit is not the answer and will more than likely make the dog worse not better
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It will help to keep him on a leash in the house. You won't have to do this on a long-term basis, only during the training period. This way you will be able to correct him during his barking sessions at the door without getting bitten.
A distraction technique might be useful here. When you notice him running towards the door to bark, you need to distract him. Basically, break his mind out of that state where he is freaking out over who is on the other side. Have some treats in your hand and when you notice him about to flip out, tug the leash gently or call his name, wave the treats around, make short high-pitched noises, whatever it takes to distract him from the noise outside. The instant he turns away from the door, reward and praise like it's the best thing he's ever done.
By the way, it's better to be an overworried owner than to be sitting on the internet posting questions like "my dog is bleeding out of his ears and having trouble breathing, what should I do?"
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Shih Tzus do tend to be yappers. I have two Bichon Frise – Shih Tzu crosses, and they are very chit-chatty dogs. Unfortunately, the neighbours don't know what they're saying.
If he's been neglected, he's most likely been abused, as well. The biting thing may not be something you'll ever get control over, so you have to be very careful with him. You may try speaking to a reputable dog trainer, or someone at your SPCA. They will probably be able to give you some good advice about this.
Keep the fur out of his eyes – that will help with any eye issues he might have. And never hit him. I know someone said it was okay (and yes, I have swatted my guys once or twice with a newspaper (and not a whole newspaper, just a couple of pages folded over) – and it stopped the unwanted behaviour immediately), but he's probably been abused, so hitting him now will do more harm than good.
Added: If he was kenneled 24/7, then he hasn't been socialized properly, with people or otherwise. How could he be? He may never have been hit, but I have a feeling he doesn't trust humans much at this point. I liked the 'finger at the back of the mouth' thing. If it stops him from biting, then do what works at this point.
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I would call a trainer or call Petsmart about basic obedience. This fella thinks he's the Alpha and if he didn't he wouldn't bite you when you assert dominance by picking him up. Therwe is no 1 time magic cure for his barking or biting. You will have a much better relationship with him once you get te order of the pack properly defined between you two.
I'm sorry anyone feels it is their "duty" to report anyone else for giving advice, be it right or wrong. It is strictly opinion and not a violation of any guideline or law either in the US or on YA.
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