Shih tzu

[1maid]

Hello

I’m thinking about getting a shih tzu. We’ve never had a pet of any kind before. I’m very nervous... are they destructive, are they easy to toilet train? Can they be left alone? I may occasionally have to leave him or her for about 4-5 hrs??? Do I let it roam around in the whole house or restrict access? If so, how? Sorry ... as you can tell we have no idea and are completely new to this xx

They are a pretty untrainable breed but lovely in their own way. Their eyes stick out a bit so can get damaged over the years.

Ours is not destructive but very stubborn and does not like small children. He can be left alone but they can be quite needy. He can walk a long way for a little dog . He has little dog syndrome and will take on big dogs but he has lots of personality. They need regular haircuts or lots of grooming .

I keep him downstairs as they can smell though my teenage son lets him in the bedroom.

Shih tzus are adorable but not very bright. Mine took approx 6 months to completely house train including at night, although he learned pretty quickly to wee on the puppy pad.

The thing about shih tzus is, they are very stubborn. So whereas if you ask a Labrador to give a paw it responds quickly and enthusiastically just to please you, a shih tzu is more likely to think “What’s in it for me? I know perfectly well how to give a paw but if I don’t see the biscuit I’m not doing it”.

In terms of roaming around the house it’s really up to you. Mine likes to wander around, look out the window, lie on the sofa, and he gets very upset if the doors are closed. They are not destructive dogs at all, they don’t really chew or dig. The one and only time my shih tzu was ever destructive was when he chewed the bottom of the living room door because I’d thoughtlessly closed it and he wanted to go in there. So really it was less about being destructive and more about being annoyed that he couldn’t go where he wanted to!

They are lovely dogs though, I’d definitely have another. Very cuddly and friendly and loving. They do tend to pick one person and love them the most, and they will stick to their chosen person like glue.

Thank you all x very useful x.

I’ve noticed a pattern of stubbornness from your responses when referring to your lovely pets ☺️I’m wondering if a first time dog owner will be able to cope with its stubborn side...How long did your puppies take to potty train? I will have to leave it alone for short periods so really need to think hard about it. Sorry last question... how much is the monthly cost for food and pet insurance? Thank you all xx

Maybe worth looking at Lhasa Apsos, pretty similar looking but a much more biddable nature.