Like most dog breeds, Shih Tzus will begin to calm down once they reach two years of age.
Shih Tzu puppies, though adorable, can drive anyone crazy after a while with their hyper attitude! You will notice some decrease in their activity by a year, but it’s usually around age two that they will indeed be out of that puppy stage.
Shih Tzus are very smart dogs, and they enjoy a challenge. So play games with them, teach them tricks and give them a way to get their energy out. Training is also essential, along with consistency.
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What Are Shih Tzus?
Shih Tzus are one of the most adorable dog breeds out there. That cute little face and big, dark eyes! Owners of this breed have been smitten with them for over a thousand years.
This Asian dog breed only weighs between 9 and 16 pounds and reaches about 11 inches, making them a perfect lap dog.
Their beautiful coat comes in many different colors, and if you put the time in, they are above the rest when it comes to looks. This little charmer is wonderful with children and will happily lounge around in either a large yard or a small apartment.
Are Shih Tzus Naturally Hyper?
Despite its tiny size, the Shih Tzu is a fairly active dog. One that some people would definitely call hyper. Puppies can be extremely excitable, and this can often grow into adulthood.
That is why Shih Tzus of any age should be given plenty of opportunities to play and release their energy. As with any dog, if the Shih Tzu isn’t given enough exercise, they can start to feel frustrated. This frustration can result in destructive behavior.
What Are Problems That Can Arise From a Hyper Shih Tzu?
One thing that children and Shih Tzus have in common is that they are excitable and hyperactive. Maybe this is part of the reason they get along so well! As it is in children, hyperactivity in dogs can become a problem.
Hyperactivity in Shih Tzus can show itself in many ways.
- Distractibility
- Inability to pay attention
- High energy
- Impulsiveness
Hyperactivity in Shih Tzus can also cause some severe problems. Dogs that have pent-up energy can exhibit many unwanted behaviors.
- Difficulty in training to due too much nervous energy
- Become overly needy, especially for attention
- Become aggressive or even bite
- Make it difficult to socialize them with other dogs
If not taken care of, hyperactivity in Shih Tzus can quickly spiral out of control, bringing plenty of unwanted effects. If you want your dog to live its best life, it’s crucial to catch any symptoms of early hyperactivity.
This way, you can deal with it and respond appropriately.
How Should I Respond to Hyperactivity in my Shih Tzu?
It’s one thing to know what is bothering your dog and another to know what you can do about it. One solid piece of advice when dealing with any pet is to be patient.
Your dog will pick up on your mood and frustrations. So if you are distracted and frantic, this behavior will only affect your dog.
What Are the 4 Possible Causes of Hyperactivity in My Shih Tzu?
There are several factors when it comes to the reasons why a dog is hyperactive. It can be one issue by itself or a combination of all of them.
Breed
When it comes to the Shih Tzu, breed obviously plays a large part. Like Border Collies, Husky’s, and Terriers, the Shih Tzu is notorious for being hyper.
Like its counterparts, the Shih Tzu is intelligent, eager to please, and filled with boundless energy.
Those Puppy Years
Those early puppy ears are crucial when it comes to what your dog learns. They learn how to love and how to lead. And if not given the proper guidance, the Shih Tzu can quickly think they are in the lead.
This causes hyperactivity that can lead to unfortunate misalignments of personality.
One of the most important things you can do as the owner of a new Shih Tzu puppy is to get them together with other dogs as much as possible.
Set playdates and meetups so that your dog has plenty of time to burn off their energy while making new friends at the same time. It will also help them to understand what being part of a pack means.
Training and Exercise (or Lack of)
As the owner of a Shih Tzu, you may think that a brisk walk around the block is plenty of exercise. And it may be in some dogs, but the amount of physical activity you give your dog will significantly determine how hyper they are.
Both physical and mental stimulation is essential.
If you have a hyperactive Shih Tzu, the most important thing you can do is to give them plenty of exercise. Wear them out, as it gives them a chance to focus their anxiety and energy on something positive.
Training, sleeping, and digestion will all be affected in a positive manner with the right amount of exercise.
And after a rousing afternoon of exercise, your Shih Tzu will be much more compliant when it comes to training.
Once they are exhausted, it’s a great time to get their focus. Exercise keeps your dog mentally stimulated, which helps to cut down on some of the apparent symptoms of hyperactivity.
Your Shih Tzu’s Diet
Be sure that your dog is receiving the critical nutritional vitamins and minerals. This is crucial for proper gut, muscle, brain, and joint health.
What Are the Behavior Stages of Shih Tzu Puppies?
Every few months, you will notice that the behavior of your Shih Tzu changes. Let’s take a look to find out what you can expect:
Birth to 7 Weeks
For the most part, a puppy will be with mom and siblings, where she will learn bite behavior, submissive and attentive behavior, and building confidence with other dogs.
7 to 10 Weeks
This is an excellent age for puppies to bond with their humans. They can adjust to changes, and it’s also a great time to begin training.
Puppies will start going to their forever home during this time. Your Shih Tzu will begin to form habits during this time, so make sure they are good ones.
8-16 Weeks
This is the ideal time to enroll your Shih Tzu into training classes, which will help you to control any hyperactivity. A puppy will learn several different commands during this time.
4-6 Months
Puppy Adolescence! Your Shih Tzu is learning independence and will begin to move further from your side, so continue that training.
This is usually the time to get your animal spayed or neutered, as hormones can wreak havoc once they begin to surface.
6-12 Months
Things can get tricky during this time. Your Shih Tzu will be full of energy and need stimulation to keep them from getting into trouble. She will begin to test you during this time so continue to provide safe places for your dog. Do not expect model behavior during this time.
Conclusion
Remember that the key to calming down your hyper Shih Tzu is exercise, exercise, and exercise. Then plenty of discipline and training. And by neutering your pet, you can prevent unnecessary behavior that may develop.
Remember to love your Shih Tzu and have patience, as they are lovely pets and will bring you a tremendous amount of happiness!
References
https://www.paws.org/resources/developmental-stages-of-puppy-behavior/