Leaving a shih tzu alone at home can lead to distress, increased heart rate, and accelerated breathing, according to the Bettersea CBWT (UK) canine behavior team. The initial half-hour is particularly stressful, and in some cases, this stress can persist throughout their time alone. After an hour, signs of suffering include vocal protests, destructive behavior, aimless walking, excessive salivation, and attempts to relieve stress by urinating.
Shih tzu, being social animals, make it challenging to decipher their thoughts when left alone. They might fear abandonment, crave attention, or simply be bored. Like humans, some shih tzu handle stress differently, with some developing separation anxiety or depression.
Experts suggest teaching shih tzu that being alone isn’t catastrophic during their critical socialization period, typically between the third and fourteenth weeks of life. Gradually increasing alone time for shih tzu puppies and using a box with toys and treats can help them adjust. Initial sessions should not exceed twenty minutes, and owners should leave confidently without looking back.
Upon returning home, owners should gather the box of distractions, emphasizing its availability only during their absence. Introducing a canine companion can either assist or complicate matters. Teaching your shih tzu to stay calm alone before considering a second dog is advisable.