How do I get my Shih Tzu to stop eating everything

Shih Tzu Barking What Can You Do About It?

Shih Tzus are such sweet, affectionate dogs, but some of them do love to bark. You might luck out and get a quiet one, but if not, chances are youre wondering what can you do about Shih Tzu barking? The good news is there are ways to quiet the roar of this tiny lion.

Shih Tzu Barking

While it might get a bit annoying, there are reasons your Shih Tzu is barking.

Once you understand why it becomes easier to correct the behavior.

Amazingly, the vast majority of Shih Tzus do not have a barking problem.

I know my two dont. Truman will bark when someone comes to the door (I dont see that as an issue.)

And Sammy never barks. Ive had her 14 years and I may have heard her bark 10 times if that.

She is a very quiet dog.

But on to why Shih Tzus bark.

Why Shih Tzus Bark

One of the reasons Shih Tzus bark is because they are bored or lonely.

It gives them something to do and it gets your attention which is another reason they bark.

If they bark loud enough and long enough then you will give in and give them the attention they desire.

Even if you yell at them or scold them, you have still given them attention.

And this attention will reinforce their negative behavior.

Make sure they have plenty of toys to keep them busy so they dont get bored.

Another reason they bark is to alert you to something.

This could an actual threat or just someone knocking on the door.

Either way, they are aware of something or someone and they want you to be aware of it as well.

A lot of Shih Tzus will bark when someone comes to the door, but typically will stop once you open the door or the person comes inside.

When Truman was younger, he would continue to bark when someone came into the house.

I finally broke him of this habit, but it did take some time.

The last reason your Shih Tzu may bark is to warn you to stay away.

They could be injured or sick or in pain and dont want to be touched.

If this is the case, then you should take them to the vet right away to determine the cause.

How to Train Your Shih Tzu Not to Bark

Lets face it a dog that barks all the time can be a little annoying.

Yelling at them to stop isnt going to help anything.

If you live in an apartment, then your neighbors are going to be none too happy about all the yapping, and you cant blame them.

So, what can you do?

You will never be able to get your dog to stop barking completely, and you shouldnt want to.

It is their way to communicate with you and warn you if there is danger or something you should know.

What you do want to stop is excessive barking.

The best time to do this is when they are a puppy, but if that ship has sailed, never fear, there is still hope.

Heres how to train your Shih Tzu not to bark

1. Make sure you have some training treats on hand.
2. Find a time when your Shih Tzu is calm.

There are a couple of different ways to train your dog not to bark.

The first is to ignore them.

This can be easier said than done.

Very often Shih Tzus bark for attention, so you need to not give them what they want.

You will want to get your dog barking. Do something that normally causes them to bark such as ringing the doorbell.

When they start barking literally turn your back on them and ignore them.

This can be more difficult than it sounds.

Continue to show them your back and ignore them until they stop barking.

When they finally do stop barking, turn back around and tell them theyre a good dog and give them a training treat.

This certainly isnt an overnight fix, but over time, they will start to figure out that they dont get what they want when they bark, and they will bark less.

The second is holding their muzzle.

You will need to do this every time they bark.

Consistency is key.

Trigger them to bark as you did in the first method.

Once they start barking, put your hand around their muzzle.

Hold it closed for just a few seconds gently.

While you are holding their muzzle closed, use a prompt such as the word quiet or stop.

Release their muzzle and see what happens.

If they stop barking, praise them and give them a treat.

If they continue to bark, hold their muzzle again.

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At some point, try just saying your prompt without holding their muzzle.

You should get to the point where this will work.

Again, this will take time.

Your furry friend can be stubborn and you wont change this type of barking overnight.

It will take some work, but it will be worth it for both of you when you decrease incessant barking.

Your frustration level will decrease as well, and you and your Shih Tzu can have a much happier co-existence.

Either of these methods can be used during the normal course of your day and in training sessions.

Something else you will want to do is to make sure your Shih Tzu is getting enough exercise.

As they say, a tired dog is a good dog.

Excess energy can lead to boredom which can lead to barking and other bad behavior.

Daily walks can help with this.

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To Sum it All Up:

Shih Tzu barking can be an issue, but proper training can help you deal with excessive barking. Just dont expect perfection overnight. It will take time and work and patience to train your Shih Tzu not to bark but in the end, it will be worth it.

Please Note:

This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your Shih Tzu. This article should not be considered in any way as a veterinarian or advice.

Why Isnt My Shih Tzu Eating: 6 Reasons & What To Do

It can be concerning when your shih tzu refuses to eat or stops consuming food altogether.

This is a common problem that can occur due to several reasons, some serious and other not so much. Nevertheless its a behavior thats important to pay attention to.

In this article, Ill explain everything you need to know about why your Shih Tzus isnt eating, and most importantly, how to help them as soon as possible.

Top 6 Reasons Why Your Shih Tzu Might Refuse to Eat:

• Not liking the provided kibble or diet
• Overindulgence in treats or table scraps
• Inconsistent feeding routine
• Inadequate physical activity
• Suffering from stress or anxiety
• Presence of underlying health problems

Lets explain these in full detail and highlight the best solutions to get your Shih Tzu munching away again!

6 Reasons Your Shih Tzu Isnt Eating

Lets examine six common reasons why your Shih Tzu might not be eating. Below is a list, with the most probable reason listed first.

1. Disagrees With The Current Kibble/Diet

One of the most common reasons why dogs refuse to eat is due to issues with their kibble. This is a broad topic that falls into two categories:

• The food is causing digestive problems or making the dog feel sick.
• The dog simply doesnt like the food.

Dogs may have food intolerances to certain ingredients that can cause stomach issues, and this is quite prevalent. Shih Tzus are intelligent dogs that will quickly reject food that makes them feel unwell.

In addition, the wrong type of food may be the cause. The world of dog food is vast, with a wide range of quality levels. Cheaper brands often use low-quality ingredients and filler carbs, which can lead to stomach problems. Furthermore, each Shih Tzu is unique, and one kibble that works for another Shih Tzu may not work for yours.

In the next section, we will suggest a few good kibble options for Shih Tzus and explain why they are beneficial.

2. Consuming Too Many Treats or Tidbits

We all love to spoil our furry companions with treats and tidbits, but its crucial not to overdo it.

Unfortunately, feeding too many of the wrong types of treats or even human food can lead to more harm than good, despite the momentary pleasure of watching your Shih Tzu gobble down a tasty snack.

Overindulging in treats and tidbits can result in the following:

• Decreased appetite due to too many treats
• The perception that real food is bland and unappealing compared to table scraps and treats

These are two simple yet significant issues that can occur when dogs receive too many treats and human food.

3. Irregular Meal Times

If your Shih Tzu has an inconsistent feeding schedule and her meal times are frequently changing, its possible that she just isnt hungry at that particular time.

Shih Tzus, like all dogs, are at their healthiest and happiest when they have a consistent daily schedule and routine to follow, especially when it comes to eating.

If her body becomes accustomed to eating at a specific time, and you start giving her food an hour earlier, this might be enough for her to refuse the food.

In addition, day-grazing should be avoided. If your Shih Tzu has food in her bowl all day long, you wont know when shes nibbling on it or not, and you wont have a clear understanding of how much she is eating.

4. Insufficient Exercise

Shih Tzus may be small in size, but they still require a fair amount of exercise, and physical activity has an impact on their appetite.

Exercise contributes to digestion, regulates the metabolism, and maintains a healthy appetite.

Shih Tzus should receive approximately 60 minutes of exercise every day, ideally split into two sessions, one in the morning and another in the evening. Additionally, they will appreciate extra playtime throughout the day!

5. Anxiety or Stress

Shih Tzus can become stressed and anxious due to a variety of reasons, which can result in partial or complete food refusal.

Temporary nerves can be caused by stressful environments, moving to a new house, a change in scent, the presence of new people or neighbors, and more.

Although it may seem improbable that your Shih Tzus lack of appetite is due to anxiety, it is much more common than most owners realize. Stress and anxiety can affect dogs just as easily as they do humans.

6. Underlying Health Problems

Lastly, but certainly not least, several underlying health issues can result in a decreased appetite or complete food refusal.

If your Shih Tzu has not eaten for two days, you should consult your veterinarian for further advice and assistance. If your Shih Tzu is also refusing to drink, it is more severe, and you should contact your veterinarian within 24 hours if the problem persists.

In the beginning, fluid intake is significantly more critical than food intake. Dogs can go without food for a more extended period than water.

Getting Your Shih Tzu to Eat Her Food

Firstly, its important to note that if you observe any negative symptoms alongside food refusal, it could indicate an underlying health issue. In such cases, its best to contact your veterinarian immediately.

First off, its key to understand that if you see other negative signs along with your shih tzu not eating, it might point to a health problem. In such cases, its best to reach out to your veterinarian without delay.

Also, if you somehow feel that your shih tzu is sick, dont waste time trying to solve the issue yourself and contact your veterinarian right away. Checking for health issues should always come before trying different tips and tricks.

1. Think About Changing Kibbles

If you suspect that your shih tzus kibble might be the issue, it could be time for a change.

When changing kibbles, make sure to do it gradually over a week. Reduce the amount of old kibble while increasing the new kibble, until youve fully transitioned to the new food.

Switching kibbles too quickly might upset her stomach, even if the new kibble turns out to be a good fit eventually.

What to look for in a good kibble:

Fewer carbohydrates. Aim for higher protein, medium-high fat, and low carbs Protein is better from animal rather than plant sources Turkey, salmon, or duck is better than chicken, lamb, beef, or pork Grain-free is more ideal for sensitive tummies Choose a brand that sources their ingredients locally and responsibly Choose a brand that focuses on fresh and whole ingredients Avoid preservatives and artificial flavorings Steer clear of high amounts of dairy in the food (most dogs are lactose intolerant)

Here are a couple of great options that closely follow the above guidelines: Orijen Six Fish Premium Dog Food Taste of The Wild Pacific Stream

2. Opt for Low-Calorie Treats & Cut Out All Tidbits

Eliminating all tidbits is a good idea even after your shih tzu goes back to eating normally. Tidbits, although tasty, are not healthy for dogs. Human food isnt created with a dogs health in mind, so its best to avoid it completely.

Also, change your current treats to low-calorie bite-sized treats. They are not only small and cost-effective but also wont spoil her appetite.

Our top choice is Zukes Mini Naturals, particularly the duck option as it avoids chicken.

3. Establish Mealtimes and Stick to Them

Another important step is to consistently maintain the same mealtimes every day.

Many of you might already be doing this, but if you arent, this should be an essential change.

Choose a morning time, ideally when everyone wakes up, and an evening time you know youll never miss.

Consistently follow these times, and your shih tzu will quickly learn to be hungry at these specific hours.

4. Make Sure Her Environment Is Peaceful and Safe

Helping her feel relaxed and secure in her surroundings will greatly reduce any general stress and anxiety she might experience.

While its helpful to keep her food bowl in the same spot, you may need to relocate it if there have been changes in the environment. New neighbors, construction work, or noisy kids can be very distracting.

Sometimes, simply moving the food bowl can be a welcome change and all thats needed to get her eating again

Whatever the change, ensure that when its time for her to eat, shes in a quiet, calm area.

5. Boost Exercise Levels

If your shih tzu isnt already exercising for a solid 60 minutes per day, consider increasing her activity levels.

Whether this means extending your walks or playing more with her indoors, additional physical activity should positively affect her overall health and appetite.

However, avoid making this change if your shih tzu is a puppy or a senior. Puppies and seniors need to be extra careful with their joints. It would be better to consult a veterinarian sooner rather than later when dealing with a puppy or senior shih tzu.

6. Reach Out to Your Veterinarian

This step isnt last because it should be done last. Sometimes, its necessary to contact your veterinarian right away.

Situations when you should contact your veterinarian first:

When you think your shih tzu might be sick for some reason When your shih tzu refuses both food and water When your shih tzu shows additional symptoms that suggest a health issue When its already been 2 days since your shih tzu has eaten When your shih tzu is a very young puppy or senior (over 8)

In all honesty, theres never a wrong time to call your veterinarian. If youre unsure and concerned about your shih tzus health, always prioritize ruling out health issues

Last thoughts

In conclusion, there are several common reasons why a Shih Tzu may refuse to eat, including issues with their diet, receiving too many treats, inconsistent feeding schedules, lack of exercise, stress or anxiety, and underlying health issues.

Its important to consult with a veterinarian if your Shih Tzu is consistently refusing food or not eating as much as usual, as this could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Helpful resources:

1. American Kennel Club (AKC): https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/why-is-my-dog-not-eating/
2. PetMD: https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/c_dg_anorexia
3. VCA Animal Hospitals: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/my-dog-wont-eat