Some Shih Tzus are afraid of everything, while others only show fear in certain situations. In some cases, these fears can turn into phobias, and in others, into syndromes.
We’ll tell you some signs to help you identify if your Shih Tzu is scared and give you some tips to try to solve this problem.
Normal Fear vs. Excessive Fear in Shih Tzus
Some puppies have a predisposition to be fearful or shy in the face of unknown or threatening situations. This is simply a natural survival instinct and doesn’t have an external reason. It’s a characteristic of the animal’s character.
Another thing is if Shih Tzus show disproportionate fear. If this is the case, we are facing a phobia, which has external causes and is a behavioral problem that can be difficult to solve.
For this reason, it’s essential to prevent your furry friend’s fear from turning into a phobia.
Fear is a problem that needs to be addressed so that your dog can have a normal life. Seeking professional help will undoubtedly contribute to solving this problem.
6 Things That Make Shih Tzus Afraid!
A Shih Tzu can feel fear, moderate or excessive, in various situations. The main causes of their fear are usually:
- Some people;
- Other dogs;
- Various types of noise: storms, fireworks, household appliances, etc.;
- Water;
- The garbage truck;
- The veterinarian.
How
How to Tell If Your Shih Tzu Is Scared
But how can you tell if a dog is feeling disproportionate fear? Look for these signs:
- He tries to flee from the situation that scares him. It’s essential to be careful here because the animal could get lost or have an accident;
- He lies on the ground;
- He urinates or defecates;
- He looks for a place to hide;
- He trembles;
- His pupils dilate, his ears go back, and he puts his tail between his legs;
- Sometimes, he barks or growls at an object or person that scares him;
- He may even become aggressive, especially if you prevent him from fleeing a situation that terrifies him.
As you can see, the idea is for the Shih Tzu to learn to relate naturally to everyone around them. Additionally, using positive reinforcement, rewarding their good behavior, is a tool that can be used in these cases.