You’ve been searching for the right dog for some time now, and you’ve finally settled on getting a Shih Tzu. Now you’re trying to figure out how you will introduce this new companion into your life and your home.
Getting the dog right now is what you want to do. However, there may be circumstances that are keeping you from obtaining your dog immediately.
Finding the right dog is not always an easy task. Don’t wait until the last minute to contact breeders. Contacting a reputable breeder early will assure that they put you on a waiting list.
It is important to remember that patience is a virtue. Take your time, and eventually, the right Shih Tzu for you will fall into your lap, and you won’t be disappointed.
Do not get a Shih Tzu if you have not altered your schedule to spend the right amount of time with it.
Getting a Shih Tzu requires a lot of time and commitment. These dogs are bright, active, and loving. The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that require human attention and companionship at all times.
They’ll get bored if left alone for long periods. Additionally, they’ve been known to suffer depression and develop behavioral problems when left alone for too long.
Do Not Leave Your Companion Alone for Long Periods
Most people do not realize that leaving good dogs alone for long will turn them bad. Lonely dogs get into a lot of mischiefs. Destructive behaviors that arise from Shih Tzus left alone for too long include barking, chewing, digging, destroying objects, and trying to escape.
Unfortunately, if your dog gets too sad, it will eventually lose interest in its surroundings and stop eating.
Forget about getting a Shih Tzu if you’re planning on moving, taking a vacation, or changing jobs, because your new dog might pose a burden instead of being an enjoyment.
If you’re planning a vacation and cannot take the dog. Then make arrangements for someone to come and spend some time with the pup.
It will be in the best interest of the dog if you wait until you get back from your vacation to introduce your new Shih Tzu to your home.
Do Not Plan On Getting a Shih Tzu During The Holidays
Do not believe the movies and commercials when you see a young puppy wrapped up in a bow waiting for someone as a gift.
Firstly, you should never buy a pet for someone else. Owning a pet is a huge responsibility that not a lot of people want to assume. If someone wants a pet, let them pick that pet on their own.
I’d much rather have someone pick out the pet they want, and I’d give them the money to buy it. Second, I am a firm believer that adding a new Shih Tzu or pet to your household during the holiday season is not a good idea.
During these festive times, family members are coming and going, and there is a lot of arguing and bickering over schedules. It is just too much of a hectic environment for a new Shih Tzu.
New pets often pay the price during these times and are often overlooked amongst the excitement. Learning to socialize, supervise, and care for a new animal during the holiday season can be difficult for families.
Visiting family members and friends may stress, frighten, or mishandle a new Shih Tzu. This stressful situation may even cause your new Shih Tzu to bite one of your house guests.
During the holiday melee, someone may forget to close the kennel, a door, or a fence, and your new Shih Tzu may escape, get lost, or injured, or even get hit by a moving vehicle.
Unless someone is expressly given the job of feeding your new companion, she could miss meals, or even be overfed.
Lastly, dogs that are moved around during the holidays are more prone to stress and illness. Shih Tzus do not fear well in harsh weather conditions or extreme temperatures.
These dogs are house-dogs and should never be left outside. Therefore, it will be best to wait until after the holidays or vacation before you bring home your new Shih Tzu.
