Can Shih Tzu be left alone at home
Shih Tzu Separation Anxiety
#2: Provide methods for your Shih Tzu to stay busy
Leaving your Shih Tzu alone with nothing to engage with is the last thing you want to do. To keep your little guy or gal entertained offer the following:
- Interactive Toys: Offer a variety of toys that respond with sounds when touched, such as toys that talk, squeak, or rustle. A beloved one isSpencer the Crinkle Monkey that just as entertaining as he is cute.
- Chew Toys: Provide chew toys with appealing textures and/or scents to provide lots of jaw work. One that's become a favorite is theDogwood Wood Alternative Chew Toy; it has all the taste and texture of a natural tree branch, but is safe. It can withstand strong chewers and starts at size extra-small, so there's options for puppies and dogs of all ages.
- Treat-Dispensing Toys: Use a toy that releases treats, filled with a mix of your dog's regular dry kibble and a bit of 100% natural smooth peanut butter. A cute and fun option is thePetstages Carrot Stuffer Treat-Dispensing Toy.
#3: Provide a companion toy.
A companion toy can be be extremely helpful when a Shih Tzu is suffering from separation anxiety. This type of toy is designed to mimic a living creature, to serve as a friend. This is achieved via accurate sizing, and two elements that make a toy alive: a heartbeat (battery powered) and body warmth (via warming pads). It can work wonderfully to help ease loneliness and feelings of isolation.
The one that we highly recommend is theSmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy. There are some copycats, but this is the original that is durable, washable and a dependable high quality toy.
#4: Make environmental changes.
Creating a welcoming and secure atmosphere involves a few key steps:
- Ensure lighting is adequate:It's wise to leave lights on, as unexpected stormy weather or the onset of dusk can make your home feel darker and more isolating than anticipated.
- Monitor sun glare in your dog's resting area: On days you're at home, observe how sunlight enters the space where your Shih Tzu spends most of their time. It can be hard to relax with intense sunlight streaming in. Consider relocating their play area or modifying the curtain setup if necessary.
- Evaluate the placement of your Shih Tzu's playpen in relation to air conditioning or heating vents, as this can affect their comfort.
- Avoid complete silence in the house:Explore music options designed for dogs, which are available on CDs or through digital streaming. These tunes can range from soothing melodies to more engaging sounds, like animal noises. A popular one isThrough a Dog's Ear by Joshua Leeds and Lisa Spector. Additionally, some TV service providers offer pet-specific channels, which can be found in sections like 'On Demand'. These channels provide visual and auditory stimulation for pets.
To reduce the stress of extended alone time for a Shih Tzu, short breaks can be very helpful. While not all pet parents may find these options feasible, they are provided here for consideration in case you can implement any of them.
- Lunchtime Visits:Visit your dog at home during lunch for a quick play session and a bathroom break, even if it's only for 10 minutes.
- Dog Walker Arrangements:Opt for a dog walker, either a professional or someone familiar like a friend, family member, or neighbor. Ensure your Shih Tzu is acquainted with them beforehand and give them detailed care instructions.
- Interactive Pet Cams:Consider using an interactive pet cam. Although it might be an investment, and it is certainly not for every budget, it enables you to watch, talk to, and give treats to your Shih Tzu remotely through an app. Some cams also include two-way audio. One that we like is thePet Camera with Treat Dispenser by Lusimpo, a local California company
#6: Reverse the cues regarding your departure.
Your Shih Tzu may recognize cues like handling keys or putting on shoes as signs you're leaving, which can cause them to start worrying much earlier than they need to and cause unnecessary stress. To counter this, mix these actions into your daily routine without actually leaving:
- Randomize Departure Actions: When you're at home, sporadically perform activities like picking up keys or putting on shoes, without it leading to leaving.
- Varying Playpen Time: Place your Shih Tzu in their playpen and leave the room for periods ranging from 5 to 15 minutes, then return casually and release them.
- Front Door Routine Variation: Open the front door occasionally as if to check the weather, then resume indoor activities. Sometimes, step outside for a brief duration of 5 to 15 minutes before coming back in.
This approach can train your little guy or gal to understand that these usual departure signals do not necessarily indicate a long period of separation.
#7: Follow exit guidelines.
Please ensure to follow these steps in sequence:
- Early Morning Routine: Wake up with enough time to spare, avoiding a hurried atmosphere. A rushed environment can lead to your dog feeling anxious. Allocate ample time to complete the following steps.
- Bathroom Break: Take your dog outside to attend to their bathroom needs, dedicating at least 15 minutes for this activity.
- Morning Walk:Embark on a morning walk, aiming for a minimum duration of 20 minutes.
- Pre-Departure Setup: Place your dog in their playpen well before your departure.
- Quiet Goodbye: Refrain from overly affectionate farewells like hugs and kisses; such actions are strong signals of leaving. Though it may feel counterintuitive, it's best to depart quietly.
- Managing Your Concerns:Avoid spending the day in worry. If your dog is in a safe environment (as per tip #1), has access to separation anxiety aids (covered in tips #2 and #3), and is in a pleasant and secure setting (as mentioned in tip #4), you should notice improvements. If you've arranged activities to break up their day (as suggested in tip #5), this is even more beneficial.
#8: Keep your arrival back home calm and casual.
When you return home after a long day, it's natural to want to shower your Shih Tzu with affection through hugs, kisses, and plenty of attention. However, for dogs with separation anxiety, making a big fuss upon arriving home may actually be counterproductive. Overly enthusiastic greetings can unintentionally convey a message interpreted by dogs to be 'I can't believe I made it back! This is a miracle!', reinforcing the dog's anxiety.
Instead, it's more effective to enter your home in a relaxed manner. Take a moment to get a drink of water in the kitchen, browse through your mail, and then, after a brief pause of 1 to 3 minutes, calmly greet your Shih Tzu in a straightforward way with a simple, pleasant "hello" and some gentle pets. Following this, take your little guy or gal outside to attend to their bathroom needs. Afterward, there will be ample opportunity for giving all the excited attention and love they deserve.
Can Shih Tzus Be Left Alone (9 Helpful Tips & Risk)
Can Shih Tzus be left alone since they are social breeds that love to be with their owners always, lets find out ways to keep them busy while you are away!
Well discuss the dangers of leaving your Shih Tzualone at home for an extended amount of time.
Well also go through some of the most popular ways to help your Shih Tzube happy when he or she is alone at home, which is often harder than it sounds.
Can Shih Tzus Be Left Alone
Yes, Shih Tzus can be left alone for up to 7 hours at a time, but because they are prone to separation anxiety and always want human company, leaving them alone for an extended period is never a smart idea.
Shih Tzu pups under the age of eight months should not be left alone for more than two to three hours.
Shih Tzus that have been left alone for an extended amount of time may develop separation anxiety.
How to train a Shih Tzu stay alone
Here are some typical ways to train your Shih Tzu to stay at home while you are gone:
1. Create a calming spot for your Shih Tzu
Even the most socialized dogs will refuse to let other humans or pets into their homes or beds because they feel comfortable in their own environment.
To assist your Shih Tzu to cope with staying alone, provide a reference point where the atmosphere is calm and pleasant.
Make sure your Shih Tzu has everything he needs at the reference site, such as a chew toy or soothing music, so he can recognize it as a secure place fast.
You can occasionally accompany your Shih Tzu to the area, but you should never force the Shih Tzu out of his safe spot; rather, let the dog come out on its own terms.
2. Start a concise crate training
Crate training is crucial if you know you wont be able to care for your Shih Tzuall of the time, or if you shouldnt get a Shih Tzuin the first place.
Crate training helps your Shih Tzuto respect boundaries and recognize when he needs to be left alone.
If your Shih Tzuhasnt been crate trained, hell have a hard time adjusting to being alone.
Teach your Shih Tzuto see the crate as a safe haven and a relaxing place to rest each time you are away.
Also, make sure your Shih Tzuhas a place to relieve himself either in the crate or close by.
3. Get a companion pet
Dogs are herd animals who flourish when surrounded by other members of their family.
Because they were meant to be a human companion and rely mostly on human contact, most Shih Tzusare prone to separation anxiety.
If you arent always around, one of the best, if not the best, methods to assist your Shih Tzucope with separation anxiety is to adopt a companion pet as soon as possible.
Your Shih Tzuwill be less likely to suffer from separation anxiety if you have a companion animal.
To avoid separation anxiety, get your Shih Tzua companion pet. If you buy another dog, your Shih Tzuwill always have someone to play with.
4. Exercise your Shih Tzu before leaving
Before leaving the house, take your Shih Tzu for a five-minute walk or play fetch with him to burn off some of his pent-up energy.
This walk will give your Shih Tzu a chance to relieve himself while also giving you and your Shih Tzusome quality time together before you go.
Its critical to play with your Shih Tzubefore you leave the bulk of the time so that part of its energy can be used.
Shih Tzus nap when theyre weary of playing, which might help you pass the time while youre gone.
5. Create a window view for your Shih Tzu
Provide a clean window view of the outside world to keep your shih tzu occupied while you are away.
To view whats happening on outside, teach your Shih Tzuto sit or lie down near a clear window.
Make sure your Shih Tzucan see the birds or a fast moving road through the window.
Make sure your Shih Tzuis appropriately socialized with a range of objects he can see via a clear window to avoid unnecessary barking.
6. Teach your Shih Tzu to use treats dispenser
This is a great technique to keep your Shih Tzuoccupied while youre gone; Shih Tzuslove treats and food, which you can use to keep them occupied.
Remember that giving your Shih Tzutoo many snacks might put his or her health in jeopardy.
As a result, moderation is essential; the dispenser may be programmed to offer rewards to your Shih Tzuover a certain period of time.
Begin the treat dispenser training at home so that the treats will fall when you leave your Shih Tzuto sit.
One prize at a time will keep him occupied for a while. You and your Shih Tzucan test out a few different combinations to see which one works best for you.
7. Hire a pet sitter or talk to a friend to help
If no one else is available to spend time with your Shih Tzu, you can hire a dog sitter or a dog walker.
A pet sitter might cost anywhere from $25 to $35 per day, depending on the state.
You might also bargain with the pet caretaker for a better price.
You may leave your Shih Tzuwith a sitter and return at a later time.
You may always seek the help of family or friends to watch your Shih Tzuwhile youre away.
This idea is another way to break up the day and limit the amount of time your Shih Tzuspends alone in a row.
Make a request to spend time with your Shih Tzuwith someone you can trust.
Your Shih Tzu will be happy because of the companionship and the potty break.
8. Invest in pet cameras to talk to your Shih Tzu
Its incredible to be able to utilize technology to communicate with your Shih Tzuwhen youre away from home, and you can do so with a pet camera like Furbo, which you can get on Chewy or Amazon.
Youll be able to interact with him with only two clicks no matter where you are.
This pet cam could be able to assist you break up the monotony of your day. You have entire control over how you interact with him, including whether or not you feed him!
9. Teach your Shih Tzu to watch cartoons on TV
Leaving the television on gives both human background noise and something to look at for most Shih Tzus.
Make sure your Shih Tzuhas plenty of interesting and exciting toys while youre away.
If your Shih Tzuis still a puppy, give him or her a Kong packed with peanut butter.
Because leaving a Kong can assist with separation anxiety, your Shih Tzuwill be more anxious about obtaining the peanut butter than with you leaving.
While interactive electronic toys will keep your Shih Tzuentertained while youre gone, youll need to teach him not to throw them away.
Potential risk of leaving your Shih Tzu alone
Keeping a Shih Tzuat home alone for a lengthy amount of time can result in a number of issues, including:
- Risk of developing separation anxiety.
- Risk of developing destructive behavior.
- Frequent Potty accidents.
- Risk of developing barking behavior.
- Risk of depression.
- Shih Tzu can be overly stressed.
- Risk of developing aggressive behaviors.
