The importance of shih tzu dog training

Many people believe that any sort of training will interfere with the wonderful relationship they share with their Shih Tzu. Even though he/she barks annoyingly when they go on walks, and they do have to crate him whenever they have guests because he snarls and growls at their friends four year old, but that’s all ok, because that’s what Shih Tzus do right?

Ummm….no, not really. Sorry to burst your bubble but just because they're not human dogs should still be expected to behave. Sure his antics may seem adorable. They might think it’s cute when he jumps up on neighbors and scratches up doors, but their Shih Tzu’s victims wouldn’t agree.

Maybe they think they don't want to impose their will on their Shih Tzu to make him behave, and that it's all right. But, being the owner of a Shih Tzu means you have a responsibility to your dog and to the people around you.

Now, this doesn’t mean you need to be a tyrant whipping your Shih Tzu into compliance.

Where many Shih Tzu owners go wrong is in their understanding of Shih Tzu training. They need to realize that training their Shih Tzu is not about beating him into submission. It is, in fact, is a way of creating a bond and improving the relationship they share with their pet; and of course a means of making it more sociable.

Why is that important?. Well, here is the thing. Most dog owners spend the larger part of our waking hours away from home; at work, running errands, and taking care of business. The little time we get to spend with our family and pets we try to make as pleasant and positive as possible. We go for a walk in the evening after work, or to visit with family and friends. If our Shih Tzus are not properly socialized then we have to leave them home alone, and your precious pet is not a part of your life at all.

Now, Shih Tzus are just like human beings. They get lonely too; lonely depressed and terribly sad. All alone in a dark house with no one to pat his tired little head, or give him a belly-rub

So, ultimately, thanks to their aversion towards training these people deny their Shih Tzu the attention and activities he needs and enjoys.

Obedience training is a means of teaching your Shih Tzu to cope better with it’s immediate environment. Proper training and socialization allows Shih Tzu an easier more enjoyable life and makes them a pleasure to have around. Training your Shih Tzu will give you the opportunity to spend more time with your beloved pet, no matter where you go, what you do or who you are with.

So give your Shih Tzu a nice pat and take him out for training. Teaching your Shih Tzu a few simple words like ‘heel’, ‘down’, ‘stay’, ‘come’ and ‘sit’, will enhance your relationship with your favorite companion forever.

Good luck and good training.

10 things found in your home that can kill your dog

Did you just eat that? 10 things found in your home that can kill your dog

Dogs are very curious animals and as omnivores and natural scavengers, can get into and eat just about anything. However, there are many toxic substances found in your home that could potentially kill your dog. The following is a list of ten common household substances that you should make sure to keep out of your dog?s reach.

1) Antifreeze: Many people do not realize it, but common antifreeze kills many pets each year. It smells and tastes very sweet to your dog and is very appealing to him. Ethylene glycol is toxic however, and each winter, many animals are killed by it. Symptoms of toxicity include seizures, vomiting, stumbling and lethargy leading to kidney failure. Make sure to keep your antifreeze out of your dog?s reach. If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

2) Chocolate: Chocolate contains a substance called the obromine which is toxic to dogs. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate is especially dangerous. While it usually takes a somewhat large amount of chocolate to kill a dog, poisoning and death does occur with smaller amounts ingested. Signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, and increased activity. This can progress to seizures and unusual heart rhythms. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate.

3) Bleach: As you might imagine, household bleach is toxic to dogs. Keep all products containing bleach out of your dog?s reach. Symptoms of bleach poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Do NOT induce vomiting if you suspect your dog has ingested bleach and contact your veterinarian immediately.

4) Tylenol: As little as two regular strength Tylenol tablets can kill a small dog. Dogs lack the proper liver enzymes to break down acetaminophen. Signs of toxicity include drooling, lethargy, and abdominal pain. If you suspect your dog has ingested Tylenol, call your veterinarian immediately.

5) Watch Batteries: If your dog ingests a watch battery, it can cause a potentially fatal ulceration in the stomach within 12 hours. All other alkaline batteries are toxic to dogs as well. Symptoms of toxicity include drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has ingested a watch battery, contact your vet immediately.

6) Moth Balls: Moth balls are very dangerous to dogs. They contain an insecticide that causes central nervous system excitement and seizures. When metabolized, ingestion of moth balls can lead to liver failure. Symptoms of poisoning by moth balls include vomiting and seizures. If your dog has consumed moth balls, do NOT induce vomiting. Seek veterinary care immediately.

7) Fabric Softeners and other detergents: All sorts of household detergents are toxic to dogs at one level or another, but fabric softeners fall into the highly toxic category. Signs of toxicity include vomiting, lethargy, burns to the mouth, drooling, muscle weakness, and even coma. Do NOT induce vomiting if your dog has ingested any detergent. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

8) Mouthwash: Mouthwash can contain boric acid which is highly toxic to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning by mouthwash include vomiting, drooling, seizures, and coma. You should take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect poisoning by mouthwash or other household item containing boric acid like contact lens solution or denture cleaner.

9) Peach Pits: With most fruits, the pits and the seeds are toxic to dogs. Signs of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has eaten a peach pit or the pit or seeds of any fruit, take him to the veterinarian immediately.

10) Household Plants: Many common and popular household plants are highly toxic to dogs. A partial list of toxic plants includes poinsettias, lilies, ferns, devil?s ivy, aloe, and ivy. Symptoms of poisoning due to ingestion of toxic plants include vomiting and central nervous system excitement. Many of these plants are fatal if ingested. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic houseplant.

With diligence on our part, we can help prevent our dogs from getting into substances that are toxic to them. Many veterinary school websites offer lists of things that are toxic to dogs and what you should do if your dog ingests such things. As always, if you think your dog may have eaten something dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately or take your dog to the closest emergency clinic.