Can I Leave My Shih Tzu Alone? Vet-Approved Facts & Training Tips
Ever since ancient days, the Shih Tzu has been accustomed to following their humans wherever they go. But in modern times, it's harder to let our dogs accompany us on errands since they can't just wait in the wagon or trail behind us at the market. Since the Shih Tzus were bred to be house companions, is it okay to leave them? The short answer is yes, but not for very long.
After all, even if you're retired or work from home, it's practically impossible to never leave the house. However, as a companion breed, Shih Tzus thrive on human interaction and may not do well if left alone for extended periods.
How Long Can I Leave My Shih Tzu Alone?
When you first adopt your Shih Tzu puppy, you should make sure you can stay at home with them most of the day. Potty training takes a consistent, hourly effort. A Shih Tzu puppy's small bladder simply won't support them while you're gone at work for 8 hours a day. We recommend taking them outside to relieve themselves every couple of hours and after they wake up, a play session, and around 10–20 minutes after their meals.
You shouldn't leave your Shih Tzu for longer than 4 hours at a time until they're around 8 months old. At this time, they should be fully potty trained, so you can leave them for the length of an average work shift, but this is still not ideal.
If you must work away from home, we recommend hiring a dog walker to come see your pup in the middle of the day or enrolling your Shih Tzu in doggy daycare. A lonely, bored Shih Tzu can become destructive as they grapple with these tough emotions.
How to Train Your Shih Tzu to (Happily) Stay Home by Themselves
While you won't be able to leave your Shih Tzu puppy for long stretches right away, you should introduce positive associations with being alone as soon as possible. Gradually working towards longer times apart should help the transition go smoothly. Here are some tips as you begin. You can also always consult a vet for additional advice and support.
1. Create Positive Associations with the Crate
The crate isn't a dreaded doggy prison. Instead, it's your pup's private oasis where they can relax away from the noise and stress of the rest of the household. Leave the door open when you're home so your Shih Tzu can crawl in when they want to and not feel trapped.
When it's time for you to go, always escort them to the crate with a treat in hand.
2. Leave for Brief Periods at First
Start with 15 minutes, then work your way up to an hour for the first 3–4 months of your pup's life. While you might have heard the general advice that you can leave your dog for 1 hour for each month of their life, we tend to take a more conservative view of small companion breeds who have tiny bladders and aren't bred to be independent.
Stick to a maximum of 4 hours until your puppy is approximately 6 months old. After that, you can gradually work your way to 6–8 hours as they mature. However, even as an adult, do your best to avoid leaving your Shih Tzu alone for longer than 8 hours.
3. Meet All Their Needs
In the hour up to your departure, make sure they've had an opportunity to eat, drink, and relieve themselves. Try not to encourage these things right before you leave and stick to a calm and relaxed routine.
4. Make Them Comfortable
If you're leaving your Shih Tzu in a crate, line it with a plush blanket and a safe, stuffing-free toy or treat that they can enjoy while you're away. If your Shih Tzu stays outside of their crate while you're away, make sure there's nothing in their reach that can hurt them, such as dangling power cords or open food.
Leave out a little food and water so they don't panic, and try to slip away quietly.
5. Always Leave a Light On
You never know when heavy traffic may cause you to come home after dark. You should make a habit of leaving at least one light on near your Shih Tzu so they aren't afraid if nightfall comes without you.
Conclusion
With proper training, your Shih Tzu can comfortably stay at home by themselves. Even so, they’ve been bred to be companion animals who won't thrive in a crate or sitting on the sofa alone all day. If possible, someone should attend to your Shih Tzu at least every 4 hours. In some cases, it's okay to leave your adult Shih Tzu for up to 8 hours, but try not to make it a habit.
If you are gone for most of the day every day, you might consider taking your Shih Tzu to doggy daycare or hiring a professional dog walker. Having someone to check on them can alleviate the stress of your absence and reduce their chances of developing separation-related behavioral issues.
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Sources
Featured Image Credit: Daniel Malinowski, Shutterstock
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Nicole has loved animals of all sizes her whole life so it's no wonder she has dedicated her career to helping them through what she loves best: learning, writing, and sharing knowledge with others. She’s the proud mom of two dogs, a cat, and a human. With a degree in Education and 15+ years of writing experience, Nicole wants to help pet parents and pets around the planet to live happy, safe, and healthy lives.
