How to Stop a Shih Tzu Whining

The sweet pushed-in face and hair that is so long that it is often held back with a barrette – what’s not to love about a Shih Tzu?  As cute as adult Shih Tzus look, the puppies are even more irresistible, looking like living toy. But don’t let that innocent or cute face fool you.

This breed is known for being stubborn, willful and hard to train (depending on the problem). Owners need to remember that a Shih Tzu, like any dog, depends on its owner for guidance and proper training. All puppies whine and the Shih Tzu is no exception. But resist those plaintive eyes and work on getting the whining under control. Otherwise, the dog will be training you, instead of the other way round.

Put yourself in the dog’s place or even pretend it is a child or teenager. How would you treat a whining person? Since dogs can’t understand complex explanations, it is best to simply ignore whining. Of course, a Shih Tzu can’t be easily ignored if it in the same room and pawing at its owner’s legs. If necessary, leave the room, close the door and don’t return until the puppy or dog has calmed down. If the whining turns into loud yelping or barking, it may be necessary to surprise the dog by firmly saying, “No!’ and then rewarding it for being quiet.

Since whining can be also be a sign of physical distress, examine the Shih Tzu pup or dog carefully. If it winces or yelps when any part of the body is touched, seek medical advice. Sometimes a child may play too aggressively with a puppy (although young children should never be left unsupervised with a puppy). It is possible for a leg or other body part to be injured. There is no point in punishing an animal who whines from pain.

If an adult Shih Tzu dog has no prior history of whining, think about any recent changes in its environment. Dogs are very sensitive to owners’ emotions and may whine if they feel their owners are in distress. Has there been a recent move from one home to another? A change in environment, the introduction of another pet or even renovating a home can upset the Shih Tzu’s routine and cause emotional problems and whining.

To stop a Shih Tzu from whining, it is best to pretend to leave the home. Let the dog whine for up to 15 minutes. This can be difficult for owners to do but it is important to remain firm. With luck, the whining will stop. Wait a few minutes and then come in, praise the dog and play with it. Do this at least three times a day, extending the length of time away from home, even if being away is really just around the the side of the house. As the dog learns that owners will return, they may stop whining.

Always keep in mind that the Shih Tzu will always have a tendency to want to assert  dominance. That is why behaviors such as whining, growling and jumping on people must be controlled. Of course, whining to go outside should never be ignored, particularly if the dog is pacing around and seems in physical distress. All dogs can suffer periodic digestive disorders that result in an urgent need to urinate or defecate.

Never become overly angry or out of control with Shih Tzu which whines. This can actually intensify negative behaviors. Instead, stay calm, seek out varied approaches to handle whining and leave the room if temper flare. Private animal trainers can also be consulted. Keep in mind that there is always hope and most dogs learn proper manners with the right type of training.