Some Shih Tzus bark, cry, or wreak havoc around the house when left alone. Others pace incessantly, drool a lot, and urinate to relieve tension. The agency Anda brought an interesting piece of information from Zap.aeiou.
According to the source, a study conducted in the United Kingdom proved that dogs suffer when left alone at home.
The specialized canine behavior team at a shelter called Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in England made the discovery. They measured heart rate, breathing, and stress-related hormone levels.
“The most stressful period for most Shih Tzus is the first half-hour without their owners. However, in some Shih Tzus, this high level of anxiety can last the entire time they are alone,” say the researchers.
The researchers explain that Shih Tzus react differently to loneliness. Some bark, cry, or wreak havoc around the house. Others pace incessantly, drool a lot, and may even urinate to relieve tension.
Fear or neediness?
Faced with these behaviors, the researchers reflect: “We don’t know if they think they have been abandoned forever, or if they are just incredibly needy. It is also possible that some are not afraid, but rather very bored. Shih Tzus are social animals, so it is difficult to be sure what they are thinking when left alone.”
To avoid such suffering, science says that Shih Tzus need to be trained from an early age. “During the critical socialization period of Shih Tzu puppies, around the fourteenth week of life, all Shih Tzus can learn that there is no problem in being alone,” says one of the researchers at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Other actions can alleviate the discomfort of being alone, such as finding another dog for companionship. However, this can be a double-edged sword: if the other dog is stressed, it can end up affecting its companion and doubling the problem.
Training the Shih Tzu to be alone
One technique taught by experts is to train Shih Tzu puppies to be alone. They advise the owner to always leave toys and treats for the Shih Tzu when going out. Initially, you should leave for a period shorter than 30 minutes and then gradually increase the intervals of absence day by day.
And whenever you return, you should remove all the items you left for the Shih Tzu’s comfort, such as toys and treats. This way, he will understand that they are only available when you are not there. Then the tendency is for him to console himself more and understand that he can be rewarded for it.