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Do Shih Tzus bark a lot? It’s one of the most common questions asked about this breed. The short answer is “Yes.” Shih Tzus will bark at just about everything. Whether it’s a noise outside, someone walking by the house, or another dog in the neighborhood, chances are your Shih Tzu will bark at it.
But how much do Shih Tzus typically bark, and can you do anything to stop it? We’ll answer those questions and more below.
Are Shih Tzus Big Barkers?
Upon first glance, it’s easy to see why people think Shih Tzus bark a lot. They’re small dogs with prominent voices and are unafraid to use them! But believe it or not, this is more of a disadvantage than an advantage.
Smaller dogs have higher-pitched barks, which can be irritating after a while. Since Shih Tzus often live in urban areas, their constant barking can become a nuisance to nearby neighbors.
Why Are Shih Tzus So Loud?
Shih Tzus were bred to be companion dogs. They’re very attached to their owners and want to be with them at all times. They tend to bark out of loneliness or anxiety when they can’t be by your side.
Shih Tzus are also very territorial. They see their home as their domain and bark at anything that enters it, whether a person, animal, or even a piece of mail! This instinct is further exacerbated by the fact that Shih Tzus are naturally suspicious of strangers.
These characteristics combine to create a dog that is vocal and territorial. So, what can you do to stop your Shih Tzu from always barking?
Can Shih Tzu Be Trained Not to Bark?
Yes! The best way to stop your Shih Tzu from always barking is to give them plenty of exercise. A tired dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog is less likely to bark out of boredom or frustration.
Take your Shih Tzu for long walks, runs, or hikes. If you have a backyard, let them run around in it for a while each day. And if you live in an apartment, make sure to take them out for potty breaks frequently.
In addition to exercise, another great way to reduce barking is to provide your Shih Tzu with lots of mental stimulation. This can include puzzle toys, food-dispensing toys, or even just simple training exercises.
The more engaged your Shih Tzu is, the less likely they are to bark out of boredom or frustration. And if they start barking, you can quickly redirect their attention to something more positive.
Understanding Your Dog’s Temperament
All dogs are different and will, therefore, respond to training in different ways. It’s essential to understand your dog’s temperament to train them effectively.
Some dogs are more independent and aloof, while others are more affectionate and clingy. Some are highly food-motivated, while others couldn’t care less about treats. It’s important to consider all of these factors when training your Shih Tzu not to bark at everything. For example, if your Shih Tzu is highly food-motivated, you may want to use treats to reward them for quiet behavior.
Conversely, if your Shih Tzu is more independent, you may need to find a way to make the training process more challenging, such as using a puzzle toy that dispenses treats. The best way to determine how to train your Shih Tzu not to bark so much is to consult a professional dog trainer. They can assess your dog’s temperament and come up with a training plan that is tailored specifically for your dog.
Top 4 Care Tips for Shih Tzus
In general, caring for your Shih Tzu is not difficult. But like all dogs, they require basic grooming and care. In this section, we’ll give you some tips on how to take care of your Shih Tzu.
1. Feeding
It’s best to feed your Shih Tzu high-quality dog food. This will ensure that they stay healthy and have all the nutrients they need. You should also avoid giving them too many treats since it can lead to weight gain.
Try sticking with all-natural dog food with no fillers or artificial ingredients. You can also talk to your vet about which formula you should feed your Shih Tzu.
2. Grooming
Shih Tzus don’t require a lot of grooming, but they do need some basic care. You should brush their fur regularly to prevent tangles and mats. You should also trim their nails every few weeks to keep them from getting too long.
It’s also a good idea to bathe your Shih Tzu every few months. This will keep their fur clean and healthy. Just be sure to use a mild shampoo that’s designed for dogs.
3. Exercise
Your Shih Tzu needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can include walking, running, or playing fetch. It’s important to ensure they get enough exercise to stay healthy and avoid boredom—and barking!
You can also take your Shih Tzu to the dog park or on hikes. Just keep them on a leash at all times, as they may try to chase after smaller animals.
4. Training
Shih Tzus are intelligent dogs that are relatively easy to train. However, training them requires plenty of patience and consistency. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Once your dog has mastered those commands, you can move on to more advanced tricks.
Socializing your Shih Tzu from an early age is also a good idea. Doing so will help them to be less shy and more confident around other dogs and people. If you ever encounter an issue with your Shih Tzu’s training the best thing you can do is turn on your vet for an advice.
If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
In Conclusion
Barking can quickly become annoying regardless of the dog’s breed. However, Shih Tzus can be even more bothersome due to the pitch. Fortunately, the proper training and care can help minimize barking. Just be patient, consistent, and loving with your furry friend. Before you know it, they’ll be a mindful and well-behaved little companion.
Featured Image Credit: Alexas Fotos, Pexels
A lot of people "think" that shih tzus are barkers but they are NOT barkers. I've had three (I'm 77 years old), my son had one, my best friend had one, a neighbour of mine had one. And NOT ONE of those shih tzus were barkers and all of them came from different breeders. There's lots of misinformation on the Internet.
Hi Zoe, thank you for sharing your experience with us. It sounds like you've known some great Shih-Tzu's over the years. While Shih-Tzus can sometimes be known for barking a bit more than other breeds, like any dog, their temperament really depends on their individual personality and upbringing. It’s wonderful to hear that all of your Shih-Tzus were calm and quiet—clearly, you've had some great ones!