Why are Shih Tzus so clingy

Why Is My Shih Tzu So Needy: Reasons & What to Do

At first, needy behavior might be cute and endearing, but it doesnt take long before it can become annoying and frustrating.

Although very mild forms of clinginess isnt usually an issue, this behavior can progressively get worse if owners arent reacting in the correct ways.

If youve got a needy Shih Tzu, this article has absolutely everything you need to know about it. Ill cover the reasons why, how to fix it, and the opinions of canine behavior experts.

Lets get into it!

The Shih Tzu Breed: A Brief Overview

Before we delve into the whys and hows, its important to understand the Shih Tzu breed. Originally bred to be a companion dog for Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus thrive on human companionship. This breed is known for its friendly nature and love of attention.

As the American Kennel Club notes, Shih Tzus are affectionate, happy, outgoing house dogs who love nothing more than to follow their people from room to room. So, dont be surprised if your Shih Tzu follows you around like a shadow!

Already, its fairly obvious that Shih Tzus are a breed prone to being hyper attached to their owners.

Understanding Shih Tzu Needy Behavior

Lets run through the main four reasons why Shih Tzus are needy or become clingy. Take note of number four as this is one of the most common causes!

1. Its in Their DNA

Genetics play a significant role in your Shih Tzus needy behavior. They were bred for companionship, and their ancestors spent centuries in palaces, always close to their human friends. This has led to a genetic predisposition to be close to their human companions.

2. Theyre left on their own too much

Shih Tzus are incredibly social animals. They love being around people, and they often perceive their human family as their pack. Isolation is distressing for them, and theyll seek your company as a source of comfort.

3. Separation Anxiety

If your Shih Tzu seems excessively needy, they might be suffering from separation anxiety . This is a condition where a dog becomes extremely anxious and distressed when separated from its owner. PetMD provides a detailed look at this condition and its potential triggers.

4. Accidental Reinforcement of Needy Behavior

Sometimes, needy behavior can be inadvertently reinforced by the owner. For example, if your Shih Tzu whines or paws at you for attention and you immediately respond, theyll learn that this behavior gets them what they want. Over time, this can contribute to increased clinginess and neediness, as your dog will keep seeking your attention using the same methods.

To avoid accidentally reinforcing needy behavior, be mindful of how you respond to your Shih Tzus demands. Reward calm and independent behavior, and avoid reinforcing clingy actions by only giving attention when they are relaxed and not seeking it.

Related: Why Does My Shih Tzu Follow Me Around Everywhere?

What Can I Do About My Needy Shih Tzu?

Having a needy Shih Tzu can be both a blessing and a challenge. While their affection can be endearing, it can also be overwhelming. Heres what you can do:

Spend Quality Time Together

Shih Tzus crave companionship, so spend quality time together. Play games, go for walks, or simply cuddle on the couch. This can reassure your dog that they are loved and part of the family.

Training and Socialization

Training and socialization are crucial for any breed, and Shih Tzus are no exception. Teach your dog to be comfortable even when youre not around. Start by leaving them alone for short periods, gradually increasing the duration.

Also, expose your Shih Tzu to different environments and people. This can help them understand that theyre safe, even when youre not around.

Provide Mental Stimulation

Keeping your Shih Tzu mentally stimulated can help reduce their neediness. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and new tricks can keep their minds busy.

Consult a Professional

If your Shih Tzus needy behavior is causing distress or affecting their quality of life, it might be time to consult a professional. A professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist can provide personalized guidance. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has a useful resource on finding the right professional for your pets needs.

Rule Out Medical Issues

Sometimes, clingy behavior can be a sign of an underlying medical issue. If your Shih Tzus neediness is sudden or out of character, consult your veterinarian. They can help determine if theres a medical reason for the change in behavior. The RSPCA offers helpful advice on keeping your dog healthy and recognizing signs of illness.

Create a Safe Space

A safe space can help your Shih Tzu feel secure when youre not around. Set up a comfortable area with their bed, favorite toys, and a piece of your clothing to provide a sense of familiarity. This can help reduce their anxiety when youre not nearby.

Be Patient and Consistent

Changing your Shih Tzus needy behavior takes patience and consistency. Stay firm and consistent with your training, and remember that it may take time for them to adjust. Its important to be patient and provide plenty of love and support throughout the process.

Expert Opinions on Needy Shih Tzus

Many pet experts acknowledge that Shih Tzus can be quite needy.

Dr. Mary Burch, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, explains that Shih Tzus need for companionship stems from their history as lapdogs in Chinese palaces. She emphasizes the importance of spending time with your dog, training, and socialization to manage their neediness.

Dr. Nicholas Dodman, an animal behavior expert, suggests that Shih Tzus need for human contact is a result of their breeding for companionship. He also points out that they can be prone to separation anxiety, which can contribute to their clingy behavior.

VCA Hospitals also note that while Shih Tzus are known for their loyalty and devotion, its essential to establish a healthy balance to avoid potential behavioral issues.

In Conclusion

Its normal for Shih Tzus to be needy due to their genetics, social nature, and potential separation anxiety. However, you can manage this behavior by spending quality time together, training, socializing, providing mental stimulation, and consulting professionals when necessary.

Remember to be patient and consistent, and soon your Shih Tzu will learn to balance their need for companionship with a healthy level of independence. So, cherish your Shih Tzus loving nature and use the tips provided to ensure a happy and well-adjusted

Why Do Shih Tzus Follow Their Owners Around: 5 Causes & What To Do

One peculiar behavior that many Shih Tzu owners notice is their dogs tendency to follow them around constantly.

Ive decided to compile a comprehensive guide to help fellow Shih Tzu owners understand the reasons behind this behavior and how to respond to it. Lets dive in!

Why Shih Tzus Might Be Clingy

To begin with, its important to understand the history of the Shih Tzu breed. This will provide context for their behavior and help us appreciate the reasons behind their attachment to their owners.

• The Shih Tzus royal lineage: Originating from Tibet and China, Shih Tzus were bred as companion dogs for royalty. They spent their days in the lap of luxury, living in palaces and being pampered by their noble owners.
• Bred for companionship: Unlike many other dog breeds, Shih Tzus were not bred for hunting, herding, or other specific tasks. Their primary purpose was to provide love, comfort, and companionship to their owners.

Knowing this, its easy to see why Shih Tzus might have a strong inclination to stick close to their owners.

5 Reasons Why Shih Tzus Follow Their Owners Around

Lets run through the main five reasons behind this behavior. Ill explain each one thoroughly so you can understand whether this related to your Shih Tzu or not. After Ill run through some of the best repsonses to this kind of behavior.

1. Pack Mentality and Social Bonding

Shih Tzus, like all dogs, are pack animals. They thrive on social interactions and bond closely with their owners. Here are a few reasons why this pack mentality leads them to follow their owners:

• Establishing hierarchy: In a pack, there is a clear hierarchy, and your Shih Tzu sees you as the leader. They follow you to reinforce their position within the pack and to stay connected with their leader.
• Feeling of security: Following you around provides your Shih Tzu with a sense of security. They know that you, as their leader, will keep them safe from harm.
• Social bonding: Shih Tzus are social animals and crave interaction with their owners. Following you around is one way they can maintain that bond and feel connected to you.

Pet behavior expert Dr. Nicholas Dodman from Tufts Universitys Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine states that the tendency of dogs to follow their owners is an expression of their social nature and a demonstration of their attachment.

2. Separation Anxiety

One potential reason your Shih Tzu may follow you around is due to separation anxiety.

This is a common issue among dogs, and Shih Tzus, in particular, can be more prone to it.

• What is separation anxiety? Separation anxiety occurs when a dog becomes overly attached to their owner and experiences distress when separated from them. This can lead to clingy behavior, such as following you around constantly.
• Signs of separation anxiety: In addition to following you, other signs of separation anxiety in your Shih Tzu may include excessive barking or whining when youre not around, destructive behavior, or accidents in the house.
• Addressing separation anxiety: If you suspect your Shih Tzu is suffering from separation anxiety, consult with your veterinarian or a professional dog behaviorist. They can provide guidance on how to help your dog feel more secure when youre not around. Some common strategies include crate training, providing interactive toys, or using calming aids like Adaptil.

3. Curiosity and Entertainment

Shih Tzus are curious and playful by nature. They love to explore their surroundings and are easily entertained by new sights and sounds.

This natural curiosity and desire for entertainment can contribute to their tendency to follow you around.

• Exploring their environment: Your Shih Tzu may follow you simply because they want to see what youre doing and explore the environment with you.
• Looking for playtime: Shih Tzus love to play, and following you around could be their way of asking for some playtime or attention.

To keep your Shih Tzus curiosity satisfied and provide them with entertainment, make sure to engage them in regular play sessions and mental stimulation activities. This can include puzzle toys, training sessions, or simply playing fetch.

4. Reinforcement of Clingy Behavior

Sometimes, without even realizing it, we might be encouraging our Shih Tzus to follow us around.

This can happen when we inadvertently reward their clingy behavior.

• Positive reinforcement: If you give your Shih Tzu attention, treats, or praise when they follow you, they may learn to associate following you with positive outcomes. This can reinforce their behavior and make them more likely to follow you in the future.
• Breaking the habit: To break this habit, try to avoid rewarding your Shih Tzu when they follow you. Instead, reward them when they are calm and relaxed, or when they show independence by playing with their toys or resting in their bed.

5. Health Issues

In some cases, a Shih Tzu may follow their owner around due to an underlying health issue. If you notice any sudden changes in your dogs behavior, its essential to consult with a veterinarian.

• Pain or discomfort: If your Shih Tzu is experiencing pain or discomfort, they may seek comfort by staying close to you. This could include issues like joint pain, digestive problems, or injuries.
• Vision or hearing loss: Shih Tzus are prone to certain health issues, including vision and hearing problems. If your dog has trouble seeing or hearing, they may follow you around more closely to maintain their sense of security.

Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any health issues early on and ensure your Shih Tzu receives the care they need.

How to Respond to Your Shih Tzus Clingy Behavior

While its natural for Shih Tzus to follow their owners around, its essential to maintain a healthy balance between attachment and independence.

Here are a few tips to help you respond to your Shih Tzus clingy behavior:

• Encourage independence: Provide your Shih Tzu with a comfortable space of their own, such as a bed or crate, where they can relax and feel secure without needing to be by your side.
• Establish a routine: A consistent daily routine can help your Shih Tzu feel more secure and reduce their need to follow you around. This should include regular feeding times, bathroom breaks, and exercise sessions.
• Socialize your Shih Tzu: Exposing your Shih Tzu to new people, dogs, and environments can help them build confidence and reduce their reliance on you. Regular visits to the dog park, puppy classes, or playdates with other dogs are excellent ways to socialize your Shih Tzu.

Last thoughts

In conclusion, there are several reasons why Shih Tzus tend to follow their owners around, from their origins as companion dogs to their pack mentality, curiosity, and potential health issues.

Understanding these reasons and taking appropriate steps to respond to their clingy behavior can help you maintain a healthy and balanced relationship with your furry friend.