I got a Shih Zu yesterday, I don't know anything about it... All I know is that he's around 1 year old...
How often do they need to eat?
and
Can someone tell me about their temperament.... I think he hates me...
Also, if there is anything else I should know about this breed of dog, please let me know.....
2007-12-20 06:57:30 · 12 answers · asked by Beccaface08 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
OKAY! I'm tired of people starting their response asking, "Why would you get a dog without knowing anything about it?"
Maybe I should answer the question!!
it was a surprise, how can I research something I didn't know I was getting?
so, please stop asking me that....
2007-12-20 07:37:47 · update #1
I have a one year old female Shih Tzu, and yes they are known to be mean, but with the right training that can be elminated, ours does work at a nursing home along with our four year old Bichon Frise. The key to eliminating that behavior is to socialize your dog as much as possible with dogs AND people, take it slow at first so that your dog can feel comfortable and not threatened. Always remember to give him praise when he is doing good. I feed our dogs a homemade diet , I feed them twice a day. I feed our Shih Tzu about 7oz of food a day, 3.5 in the morning and 3.5 in the evening. You will have to brush you dog everyday because they don't shed and mat quite easlily. If you don't feel comfortable brushing and bathing your dog yourself I would recommend a groomer, I am a groomer so I do my own grooming. I wouldn't take the dog to petsmart or petco though, I hate the way they groom the dogs there. You will also want to make sure your dogs ears are free of hair you might even want to tie your dogs ears back to dry them out because Shih Tzu's are known for ear infections. You will also want to watch out for rawhide our Shih tzu choked on one right in front of us, they don't chew to much because of their teeth, which also need to be brushed so they don't fall out at a young age. They are also know for eye problems, so be careful about your dog getting poked in the eye or an eye infection. If you just got him yesterday give him sometime to get use to you and his new house. It can be a very big change when your that small, think how you would feel if your life got turned upside down. Shih Tzu's are very good dogs with the right training, be patient with him and learn with him. I hope this helps and he warms up to you, good luck.
2007-12-20 07:34:14 · answer #1 · answered by ♥BichonFrise♥ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Proper vet care.
High maintenance coat.
Small dogs need small meals 2x day.
Eyes need to be watched for injury.
Teeth need dental care.
Very loyal dog with the right owner.
That's just a rough idea on care. Research the breed to learn more. Oh yeah...it's spelled SHIH TZU.
2007-12-20 15:07:56 · answer #2 · answered by woooh! 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i have shih tzu a little over a year female shes spayed and i just love her shes so cute and lovable she eats twice a day and i leave dry food and water out always snack in between i have to watch her weight shes 11 pounds and wont stop eating if you let her shes a little piggy sometimes lol i think the mad thing isn't really mad please don't give him any rawhide products my shih tzu always had diarrhea and i couldn't figure it out but when i took away rawhide after she almost choked to death by swallowing the whole thing the diarrhea went away so that must of been doing it she hasn't had it since she loves attention and praise but what animal doesnt having a good vet is important for all your health needs they can usally answer a lot of important questions well enjoy your little guy best of luck give him a big hug happy holidays to you both
2007-12-20 15:59:03 · answer #3 · answered by LittleLady 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He probably dislikes you because he can tell you have no idea what you're doing!
Why didn't you research the breed (and the basic care of owning a dog!) before you got him?
There are plenty of good Shih Tzu websites on Google. Go to Google and type in Shih Tzu...you'll get a ton of information.
2007-12-20 15:04:04 · answer #4 · answered by Ya 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Okay, you can usually set out dog food and keep it there. Most dogs know when to stop eating, but keep in mind that some don't. If yours keeps eating and gains weight, give him two half-cup meals a day, AFTER you eat. If you feed him before, he thinks: "Well, I'm eating first, so that must make me boss" REMEMBER that all dogs have descended from wolves, and in wolf packs, the alpha eats first.
Also, on temperment. Shi Tzus are Haughty and stuck up, so you've got to show them whose boss. For instance: when you're walking him, don't let him go in front of you. Keep your leash short and keep him beside you, and if he pulls or straing, give a SLIGHT jerk on the lead, but do not yank.
Fun Fact: Small dogs think they're bigger than they actually are because their owners tend to carry them everywhere! Keep this in mind while training the dog.
I hope this helps you out, I have two shih tzus and I love them! I hope you can fall in love with yours too!
2007-12-20 15:16:32 · answer #5 · answered by Puppi 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's Shih Tzu. And why the F did you get a dog if you didn't do any research beforehand? It's not like buying a purse or something. Here's something to get you started: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/shihtzu.htm
Get a high quality food, feed according to guidelines on the bag.
And if you were gonna get a dog you knew nothing about, nice going getting once that you'll have to groom or get groomed so frequently.
Edit: Wrong breed, Symone.
2007-12-20 15:00:37 · answer #6 · answered by hello 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
You should feed him about one fourth cup to a half cup of food twice a day. Maybe you just need to give him time to just get used to his new place and to you. then maybe he will become a happy little dog that shih tzus are supposed to be.
2007-12-20 15:10:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow you have some home work to do. Why would you get a dog without finding out about it first? They are a lot of work - trust me I just got two puppies.
Please find a good pet food store in your area and spend the extra money - if you feed it crap from the supermarket it will just get sick and you will have a ton of vet bills.
Be patient too - you just got this dog and it is trying to adjust to its new environment.
2007-12-20 15:16:04 · answer #8 · answered by Construction Chick 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Here's a good web site to start your research.
http://www.shihtzu.org/
Feed him twice a day, good quality food.
Water available all the time.
Sign up for obedience classes.
Shih Tzus need to be brushed daily (unless they are shaved) and to see a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks.
2007-12-20 15:11:45 · answer #9 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
They eat DAILY at the least twice a day. You've only had him a day do yourself and the dog a favor and get a book or at least google shitzus and learn about this dog. PLEASE
2007-12-20 15:03:49 · answer #10 · answered by Freckles... 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋