How to Stop a Shih Tzu Chewing

Chewing is a common issue among all dogs, especially when they are puppies. As puppies, dogs chew to discover new things. They also chew when they are teething. While it is normal, it is not a good behavior. It is best to stop it at an early age, preferably while the dog is a puppy. With Shih Tzu dogs, the chewing habit as a puppy can become progressively destructive the older the dog gets. Having chew toys around for any dog is an excellent way to save your precious items. It serves as a distraction and can also serve as a soothing teething toy for puppies.

Any time you catch the puppy chewing on something they are not supposed to, replace it with a toy that is appropriate. For a puppy, make sure that their toys are intriguing and they will not get bored with them. Having several different types of toys can be useful. It is also good to have a few toys that can be filled with treats that the pet can chew out. It is also beneficial to put a soft chew toy in the freezer for several hours. A frozen chew toy is good for puppies that are teething. It will help sooth the pain of the nerves in the mouth. It also good to praise the puppy every time it plays with one of its special chew toys. It could also serve to your advantage to train your puppy to get a chew toy when ever it greets someone. This encourages the dog to not chew on unwanted things out of excitement and to find something constructive to chew on, instead. It is also a good idea to keep things out of the reach of the Shih Tzu puppy that you do not want to be.

Shih Tzu are notorious for chewing out of boredom. Keeping a Shih Tzu from displaying this form of chewing behavior can be somewhat difficult. Spraying items that you do not want to be chewed on with a bitter no-chew spray can help keep them from being destroyed. You can also use chili sauce, pepper, or anything else that is non-toxic to your dog, but will leave an unpleasant smell or taste. Ultimately, changing the behavior of a Shih Tzu sometimes means changing the behavior of the owner. It is best to make sure that your Shih Tzu does not get bored. They are social animals and need someone to play with them regularly. Keeping them occupied during the day can be beneficial. Tire them out early so that they sleep through most of their boredom. Keeping a Shih Tzu well entertained is best. Doggy day cares, as well as dog sitters can help. If you cannot find a doggy day care or a pet sitter in your area, you can use a small kennel with a blanket and their favorite chew toys to keep your house from being devastated by a bored Shih Tzu with a chewing fetish.