Shih Tzu are generally pleasant and not aggressive dogs. Their ability to interact with another dog or pet lies with how they were trained to socialize. With a good introduction, you can have your Shih Tzu living harmoniously with your other pets.
Do Shih Tzu Like to Be With Other Dogs?
Being a social dog, your Shih Tzu loves the company of others, be it their human or another dog. Your pet will surely appreciate the company of its peer. This is especially true when you have to leave them in the house alone.
Do Male and Female Shih Tzu Get Along?
There are a few variances in the personality and temperament of a male and female Shih Tzu. Both can get along well with each other.
Based on owner reports, they go better with the opposite gender of the same breed. This is compared with how they do with other breeds or with the same gender of the same breed.
Can Two Female Shih Tzu Live Together?
Typically, it would be best to establish clear boundaries between your pets. This is especially true for the first few days or weeks. If you put two female Shih Tzu together for the first time, some snarling and spats may ensue. In time, they would get used to and learn to tolerate one another.
However, things can change when your dogs reach sexual maturity and become bitches. Their heat cycles and pregnancy can affect their hormones. This might cause bitter fights. Some owners observed this occurrence even in dogs that previously got along.
Do Male Shih Tzu Get Along?
Most dogs get along well with other dogs. Others may find it difficult to be friendly with their perceived opponents. Male Shih Tzu are more inclined to fight one another than with the opposite gender.
Another factor to consider is neutering. If your pets are neutered, they will be less likely to go into the fray. There have been cases when unneutered males got along just fine. However, neutering might be the answer if you want to avoid the hassle of your dogs getting in a fight.
What Breed Goes Well With Shih Tzu?
Pair your lively Shih Tzu with a calmer breed. Deerhound or Greyhound are good choices. The Labrador is also a good option. However, because of its size, it might hurt your pet if it becomes too rowdy. Avoid getting large and aggressive dogs that may hurt your Shih Tzu.
Are Two Shih Tzu Better Than One?
Owning a pair of Shih Tzu has its advantages. It enhances their quality of life. Having a companion of the same breed may boost their mental, social, and physical health.
Generally, the Shih Tzu is a friendly breed. They are fond of being around humans and enjoy the company of other dogs, too.
Why Does My Shih Tzu Not Like Other Dogs?
There are several reasons why your Shih Tzu does not like other dogs. A couple of them could be that your pet lacks exposure to being with other dogs or that they have had a bad experience.
If your Shih Tzu encountered a lousy time with another dog in the past, it might have turned them off.
On the other hand, if your Shih Tzu has never socialized, it may be anxious toward other dogs. Your pet never got to spend time with its peers. It is natural if it does not know what to expect or what it’s missing.
Sometimes, it looks like your pet is aloof or aggressive towards other dogs. Some dogs can socialize in their youth, then become standoffish getting older. This happens if there has been a long period of no interaction. They become uncomfortable around other dogs again.
How Do You Introduce a New Shih Tzu?
Do it safely and slowly when introducing Shih Tzu to your other pets. It is safe not to expect the newcomer to be friends with your resident pets immediately.
If your household pets are welcoming, they might approach the neophyte carefully. Otherwise, they may become jealous and resentful of it.
A jealous cat can inflict injuries on dogs, especially puppies. Cat scratches that cause eye injuries are widespread injuries in dogs. On the other hand, an envious older dog may seek the attention you are giving your new Shih Tzu.
Prevent injuries and feelings of resentment by taking time to plan and carry out the introductions. Doing it carefully allows you to read how your old bunch feels. Hence, you can respond accordingly.
An excellent way to bring a new Shih Tzu is to put it in a safe space where the other animals can still see and smell it. The laundry room can be a good place. Fix a gate, so the pets are separated. Your Shih Tzu can adapt to your home while your other pets also get accustomed to it.
Make sure your Shih Tzu cannot escape the barrier and harm itself. The gate should be the right size to prevent your new and old pets from going through.
Another idea is to place your new toy dog in a crate for a few days. This will keep it safe from your veteran pets. Allowing your old bunch to see and smell the new one will let them get to know it better.
In the process, try your best to give equal attention to all of your pets. Doing this ensures that nobody gets jealous. This is crucial, especially if your other pets are also Shih Tzu.
Your new Shih Tzu might get injured from the roughhousing. You have to be watchful when you finally get them together. Ensure they don’t play too roughly, especially if your other pets are big.
How Do You Introduce a Shih Tzu to a Puppy?
If you’re bringing a new puppy home into a house with an older dog, you must carefully plan how to do it. It will undoubtedly be fun to have many dogs. You have to go through the challenge of putting them together at first.
Keep the following in mind when introducing a new puppy to your Shih Tzu.
Consider Your Shih Tzu’s Temperament
Think about your resident dog’s personality. If it has been friendly with other dogs it has played with, then the introduction will be easy.
However, if your old timer is solitary and has little experience with other dogs, you’re in for a challenge. You need to give it time to adjust.
Remove Things That May Cause Tension
When introducing a new puppy to your Shih Tzu, do it on neutral ground. Eliminate potential sources of tension, like toys, food, or bedding. As the puppy might sniff around, the old one might feel possessive. Aggression might ensue.
Seek Help From a Friend
Having a friend over when introducing a new puppy to your dog is a good idea. It can be an additional hand to maintaining a controlled and safe environment. Your friend can hold the leash of your new puppy while you keep your old dog’s leash.
Taking the two dogs on a walk together is a good start. Keep them several feet apart. You can bring them closer gradually if they demonstrate the appropriate behaviors.
Give them time to get used to sharing the same space. If they show signs of interest in each other, safely allow them to express it.
Your Older Dog Will Try to Discipline Your Puppy
Your new puppy can be too playful and overzealous. Sometimes, it can be too much for your older dog. You might notice how your Shih Tzu responds to the young one with a snap or a snarl. This is typical.
However, observe if your veteran exerts too much force on your neophyte. Give them space and let them take a break from each other. Separate them until both are at ease and ready for each other again.
Playtime Is Essential
As your dogs adjust, let them play with you, individually and together. Breaks from each other are as important. Sometimes, spending too much time together can lead to needless fighting.
Each Dog Needs to Spend Alone Time With You
Now that you have two or more pets, you might be spending a lot of time with both or all your dogs.
However, your old dog used to have you to himself. To prevent jealousy of the new puppy, spend regular alone time with it. This will ease any feelings of resentment that might be brewing within.
Of course, you also need to spend time with the puppy. Doing this will grow the same special bond you have with your older dog.
If you follow these tips, you’ll soon have two or more happy and well-adjusted dogs to love and play with.
Do Shih Tzu Get Along With Cats?
Generally, the Shih Tzu is one of the most cat-friendly dog breeds. Because they love company, your Shih Tzu can be friends with your cat or kitten. Ensure that they have been introduced and adjusted well with each other for this to happen.
How to Introduce a Kitten to a Shih Tzu
The key to a peaceful shacking up of your Shih Tzu and cat is how you introduce them. Like your other pets, it should be done safely and slowly.
While in the getting-to-know phase, these animals should never be left alone together. Doing this will ensure both animals’ safety.
Below are the steps to follow in introducing a kitten to your Shih Tzu:
Space Preparation
Get a safe space for your kitten ready. This is a space where your Shih Tzu will be off-limits. Use a gate or a foldable dog pen. Put your cat’s essentials in this space. Include their bed, food, and water, as well as their litter tray and scratching post.
This space will keep your kitten safe. It will also keep your dog from accessing the cat’s litter and food. Even after they are properly acquainted, they should eat in separate places. Doing this avoids conflict and ensures their proper nutrition.
Scent Before Sight
As the newcomer settles in its room, start exposing both animals to the other’s scent. Do this by swapping their beddings or petting them one at a time, without washing your hands.
You want to mix their scents so they can feel comfortable with each other’s presence. Do this for a few days. You can also allow your kitten to explore the entire house while your Shih Tzu is secured in one room.
First Sight
As your kitten gets acquainted with the different parts of your home, prepare for its first meeting with your Shih Tzu. Place it in its safe space that is behind a gate. When both animals are calm with each other’s scent, prepare for their first interaction.
Put your Shih Tzu on a leash. Ideally, take a walk with it first to calm it down. Make treats ready in your pocket to reward good behaviors. Upon going home, sit with your dog just outside the gate of the room where your kitten is.
Let your dog sniff and explore. Allow your cat to observe and check the situation at its own pace. Do not pick it up or bring it close; it might be more afraid.
If your Shih Tzu becomes overexcited and begins to bark, divert its attention. Otherwise, you will need to remove it entirely from the situation so it does not scare the kitten. Try again when it calms down.
Calmly correct high energy levels, especially signs of aggression. If your dog persists with these behaviors, take it away. Try again after it has calmed down.
Whenever your canine displays calm behavior, hand a treat and give praises. Keep these initial interactions brief but frequent. Five minutes is enough if done as often as possible during the day.
When they are ready, make their interactions longer. Do it when your feline’s confidence develops and your canine becomes less excited.
Closer Contact
You’ll know when your pets are ready to level up. Both of them are calm in each other’s presence. Bring both of them to a neutral space. Let them interact without the gate, but keep your Shih Tzu on its leash for safety.
Observe both animals closely and keep their time together short. They can be frightened, overly excited, or showing signs of aggression. If both or either of them is not happy, separate them calmly. After they have relaxed, try again.
Constant practice will lead them to become more comfortable around each other. Your goal is to have them peacefully coexist. Gradually increase their interactions and give them more freedom together with close supervision.
Living Harmoniously Together
When you are confident that your Shih Tzu and cat are on good terms, you can leave them alone.
You will need to provide your cat with a space to be alone from time to time. Your Shih Tzu should not be able to access this space. Because of your canine companion’s playfulness, it tends to harass or pester your cat.
Ensure that your cat can safely hide in its space when needed. With all these in place, you should be able to have both your pets live in your home harmoniously.
Are Shih Tzu Good With Small Animals?
The Shih Tzu breed is known to get along fine with most pets, such as cats and rabbits. However, for pets that are smaller than they are, it’s a different story.
Although Shih Tzu are generally friendly, they also have an overly spirited disposition. Because of this, you should be careful when they are around smaller pets. Examples are hamsters, ferrets, birds, and guinea pigs.
Since they do not have a strong prey instinct, they don’t see these smaller creatures as food. Instead, they might see them as toys. They will tend to be rough with them when they chase and catch them. But it will still depend on the nature of each dog.
When introducing your Shih Tzu to smaller pets, do so while the small ones are in their cages. Otherwise, keep them close and hold them in your hand or arms. Never put them on the ground.
Do not hide these tiny creatures from your Shih Tzu. Remember, dogs have an incredible sense of smell. Just keep them in their cages and situate these cages somewhere your dog can see but cannot reach.
How Do You Introduce a Shih Tzu to a Rabbit?
Like how you introduce them to other dogs and pets like the cat, always proceed cautiously. Do the introductions gradually. Remember that their ability to coexist peacefully depends on how they got to know each other.
Begin the process by getting them accustomed to each other safely. Keep your rabbit in the cage and see how your Shih Tzu responds.
If your canine companion is calm, reward its good behavior. Divert any overly excited or aggressive behaviors. You don’t want the rabbit to be frightened.
It would help to have your Shih Tzu lie down. Laying is a submissive position. The rabbit might feel at ease with your Shih Tzu if it can handle being in the position.
Should your dog stay calm, bring the rabbit out of the cage and place it on your lap. Watch how your pup reacts. Let it sniff and get to know the bunny.
If everything goes well, you can let the cottontail loose. Allow them to play but watch closely. Correct your Shih Tzu if it becomes too excited, noisy, or rough.
Eventually, increase the time they spend together. Soon, they will become friends. You will be confident to leave them on their own.