Shih Tzu: How to Prevent Separation Anxiety in Your Shih Tzu

Separation anxiety in Shih Tzus can be tough for both the dog and its owner. Many Shih Tzus may chew, bark, or cry when left alone because of this issue. This guide will give you clear steps to prevent and manage these behaviors.

Keep reading for tips that truly help!

Key Takeaways

• Shih Tzus often develop separation anxiety due to their strong bond with owners, routine changes, or past trauma. Signs include barking, chewing, pacing, or accidents indoors.
• Establishing a daily routine with set times for walks and activities helps reduce anxiety and builds trust. Consistency is key for their comfort.
• Gradual desensitization teaches Shih Tzus to handle alone time by starting small and extending the duration slowly over weeks. Use distractions like toys during practice sessions.
• Crate training offers security when done right but should never be used as punishment. Make the crate inviting with bedding and safe chew toys.
• Adding mental stimulation such as puzzle feeders, training games, or calming music can ease stress while you’re away from home.

Understanding Separation Anxiety in Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus are loyal and crave attention. They often feel panic when left alone for long hours. This is called separation anxiety. It’s more common in dogs adopted from shelters, especially ones that faced neglect or abuse.

Triggers can include sudden routine changes, a new home, or losing someone close to them. Housetrained Shih Tzus may have accidents indoors if stressed while alone. Some might bark nonstop, chew furniture, or pace frantically by the door.

Their bond with owners makes them extra sensitive to being apart.

Recognizing the Signs of Separation Anxiety

Dogs with separation anxiety may howl or bark non-stop when left alone. Some chew on furniture, dig at doors, or even try to escape. Accidents indoors are common, even in housetrained dogs.

You might also notice drooling or pacing that starts as soon as you leave.

Other signs include destructive chewing and urinating inside despite normal potty training. Shih Tzus suffering from panic disorders often act out only during your absence. Watch for changes in their routine behaviors, like refusing food or becoming clingy before you leave the house.

These small clues can reveal bigger problems brewing under the surface.

Causes of Separation Anxiety in Shih Tzus

Abandonment hits Shih Tzus hard. Being left at shelters or losing their person can spark fear and anxiety. Traumatic events, like time spent in animal shelters, leave lasting marks.

Big life changes disrupt their world. Moving to a new home or sudden shifts in routine confuse them. Lack of exercise and mental stimulation worsens the problem, leaving these dogs restless and stressed.

Preventive Measures for Separation Anxiety

Help your Shih Tzu feel safe, even when you’re gone. Simple steps can ease their worry and build their confidence.

Establishing a Structured Routine

Creating a structured routine helps Shih Tzus feel safe. Predictable schedules ease their separation anxiety and build trust.

• Set regular times for leaving and returning home. This helps them know what to expect each day.
• Take your puppy out for calm potty breaks. Keep these breaks short and consistent.
• Give daily enrichment activities, like toys or puzzle feeders. These keep their minds busy while you’re gone.
• Add quick training sessions into their day. Reward good behavior with treats or praise.
• Go on short walks at the same time each day. Physical activity reduces restlessness and stress.
• Make departures low-key. Don’t overly fuss before leaving, as this can trigger anxiety.
• Reinforce calm behavior when they are alone using positive reinforcement. It teaches them being alone is okay.

Crate Training for Comfort and Security

A structured routine helps, but your Shih Tzu also needs a safe space to relax. Crate training provides that comfort and security they crave.

1. Pick the right crate size. Your Shih Tzu should have enough room to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. A crate that is too big may feel overwhelming.
2. Make the crate inviting. Add soft bedding or a favorite blanket. Toss in some chew toys or a stuffed Kong for fun and distraction.
3. Introduce the crate gradually. Let them explore it on their own with the door open at first. Toss treats inside to create a positive connection.
4. Avoid using the crate as punishment. This space should only represent safety and calmness to reduce stress.
5. Don’t give in to whining or barking when they’re inside. Reacting reinforces negative behavior over time.
6. Use the crate for short periods at first, slowly increasing the duration while you’re at home before leaving them alone.
7. Position the crate in a quiet area, but not far from family activity, so your Shih Tzu doesn’t feel isolated.
8. Keep track of how long they are crated during the day—puppies need breaks often! Too much time inside can lead to frustration or depression.

Crate training done right gives your dog a sense of security while keeping them out of trouble when you’re away!

Gradual Desensitization to Alone Time

Some Shih Tzus struggle with being left alone. Gradual desensitization can help ease separation anxiety over time.

1. Start small by leaving your Shih Tzu alone for just a few minutes each day. Use this as a training period to build their confidence.
2. Practice departure cues, such as picking up your keys or putting on shoes, without actually leaving the house. This helps desensitize them to triggers.
3. Slowly increase the duration of your time away, adding a few extra minutes daily or weekly. Aim to reach up to two hours over eight weeks.
4. During these sessions, make sure they have distractions like chew toys or a puzzle feeder. Mental stimulation keeps them focused and calm.
5. Stay neutral when you return home after these short separations. Ignoring them until they’re calm prevents reinforcing anxious behavior.
6. Avoid giving special attention 30 minutes before leaving the house. This reduces emotional buildup leading up to your departure.
7. Speak calmly and move casually during practice sessions so they associate being alone with safety and normalcy.

This method may take time, but patience works wonders for easing anxiety in dogs as sensitive as a Shih Tzu! Training builds a good foundation for preventing deeper behavioral issues later in life.

Providing Mental and Physical Enrichment

Dogs need stimulation to stay happy, especially Shih Tzus. Keeping them mentally and physically active can help avoid boredom and reduce separation anxiety.

1. Use treat-release toys like frozen food-filled puzzles. These keep your Shih Tzu busy for hours while you’re away.
2. Schedule daily exercise, such as a 30-minute walk or active playtime. This helps burn off energy and calms their mind.
3. Teach new tricks or commands during short training sessions. Learning keeps their brain sharp and engaged.
4. Introduce puzzle toys or hide-and-seek games around the house. These activities challenge their thinking skills.
5. Play tug-of-war or fetch before leaving the house. Active play tires them out and makes them less anxious when alone.
6. Provide chew toys safe for dogs to soothe them while you’re not home. Chewing is natural stress relief for many dogs.
7. Rotate different toys every few days to prevent boredom with old ones. New objects always catch their interest.
8. Enroll in obedience classes or agility drills weekly if possible. Classes are great for mental work and social exposure.
9. Keep soft background music playing while you’re gone, which some dogs find calming in quiet homes.
10. Create a sniffing area with treats hidden under blankets or boxes on the floor at times they seem restless indoors.

Solutions for Managing Existing Anxiety

Calm your Shih Tzu with simple methods, such as soothing tools, gentle exercises, and avoiding over-pampering—learn how to help them feel at ease.

Using Calming Supplements or Pheromone Diffusers

Pheromone diffusers, like the D.A.P. diffuser, can help your Shih Tzu feel safe. These release chemical signals that mimic a dog’s natural calming pheromones. Place one near their bed or in rooms where they spend time alone.

Herbs and supplements also ease stress in dogs. Chamomile, valerian root, L-theanine, and GABA calm nerves naturally. Lavender essential oil can soothe too—try adding it to bedding or use it in a diffuser for lasting effects during the day.

These options keep anxiety at bay without heavy medications.

Incorporating Relaxation Techniques

Teaching your Shih Tzu to relax can help reduce separation anxiety. Calm routines and simple strategies are key.

1. Start with a quiet spot. Teach your dog to lie on a mat or bed while you slowly increase the time spent apart. This helps them feel safe even when you’re not near.
2. Use treat-dispensing toys. These keep the dog’s mind busy and create positive feelings when you’re leaving the house.
3. Play soothing music. Gentle tunes can calm nerves and distract from stress during alone time.
4. Practice slow breathing exercises together. Sit with your pet, breathe deeply, and use a soft voice to encourage calm behavior.
5. Avoid over-coddling before leaving or returning home. Stay neutral during arrivals and departures to reduce excitement or worry.
6. Consider calming aids like pheromone diffusers or supplements recommended by veterinarians for dogs with strong anxiety issues.

Each technique supports a relaxed state of mind for your furry friend, making time apart easier for both of you!

Avoiding Common Mistakes, Like Over-Coddling

Over-coddling can make separation anxiety in Shih Tzus even worse. Constantly picking them up or being overly attentive teaches clingy behavior. Instead, help your dog get used to short periods of alone time.

For example, let them stay in one room while you’re in another.

Keep arrivals and departures calm. Excessive fuss during these times can create more stress for your Shih Tzu. A quiet goodbye paired with a fun toy or treat gives them something positive to focus on instead of your absence.

Conclusion

Separation anxiety in Shih Tzus can be tough, but with patience, it’s manageable. Build trust and make alone time less scary for your pup. Small steps lead to big improvements. Your efforts will help your Shih Tzu feel calmer and happier when you’re away.

A little work today means more peace for both of you tomorrow!

FAQs

1. What is separation anxiety in Shih Tzus?

Separation anxiety happens when your Shih Tzu feels stressed or upset being left alone. It can lead to behaviors like barking, chewing, or accidents indoors.

2. How can I prevent separation anxiety in my Shih Tzu puppy?

Start early with puppy training. Teach them that it’s okay to be alone for short periods by gradually increasing the time apart.

3. Could health issues cause similar symptoms as separation anxiety?

Yes, conditions like a urinary tract infection could mimic signs of stress, so check with your vet if you notice unusual behavior.

4. Are purebred dogs more likely to have separation anxiety?

Some breeds, including Shih Tzus, are companion dogs and may feel more attached to their owners than others—but every dog is different.

5. Can shelter dogs develop worse separation anxiety than other dogs?

Shelter dogs might struggle more due to past experiences, but consistent care and patience can help them cope better over time.