During the vacation period, Shih Tzu gets used to the routine of having their owners closer. Whether relaxing at home or traveling with their owners, Shih Tzu’s daily routine is filled with activities and diversions.
For Shih Tzus who spend time in a hotel while their owners travel, the transition back is also abrupt, especially considering that during the holidays the pets spent their days with people and several different dogs interacting and socializing.
Shih Tzus Suffer When Owners Return to Work
Returning to the work routine proves difficult not only for Shih Tzu but also for their owners. A study conducted in 2000 by the American Association of Animal Hospitals (AAHA) reveals that 13 years ago, 75% of pet owners already felt guilty about leaving their pets alone. Today, that concern has extended to the holidays itself.
According to a survey conducted by DogVacay, an estimated 72% of owners who travel without their pets are concerned about animal welfare when they are away.
However, when returning to work, owners get busy with tasks. During this same period, your Shih Tzu is usually alone, without distractions, and with a lot of energy to spend. By understanding your Shih Tzu’s behavior and needs, you can adjust your routine to lessen the negative consequences normally associated with this transition.
Shih Tzus who spend a lot of time alone can destroy objects in the house
As pack animals, Shih Tzus do not like to spend a lot of time alone. They are sociable animals that need communication and affective bonds present in the relationship with other members of the pack and their families.
It is precisely for these characteristics that owners need to consider this when leaving the Shih Tzu alone for extended periods. When alone for a long time, especially when they are without distractions, many Shih Tzus exhibit separation stress and anxiety. Consequently, they sometimes “take up” their time with bad behavior, such as smashing the couch or barking excessively.
Socialization is important in teaching your Shih Tzu to be okay alone.
Especially in the case of Shih Tzu puppies, the Shih Tzu needs to be socialized to learn to deal with different situations, new environments, and people.
Usually, the act of learning to be alone is taught by the mother of the Shih Tzu during its first months of life. Once Shih Tzu puppies have learned to regulate their body temperature on their own and are independent enough to go without their mother for a while, she starts to be away more often.
The outputs are short at first and gradually increase. In this way, Shih Tzu learns that he will not always have his mother close and will gain enough confidence to spend more time alone or only with his brothers. This experience is necessary for dealing with future problems such as separation anxiety.
Do exercises and games solve everything?
Shih Tzus wake up with a lot of energy, and when they are unable to expend that energy throughout the day, the result can be behavioral and psychological problems.
Shih Tzus who spend a significant part of their day indoors or alone relies on the daily walk to spend their energy. To tire your Shih Tzu throughout the day, go for a long walk every day with your dog.
The walk, in addition to tiring the Shih Tzu, also stimulates him mentally, allowing him to see, smell and try new things. Coming home, and after eating, the Shih Tzu will be more relaxed throughout the day. This rest lessens the chances of him becoming anxious or stressed since most of his energy has already been spent.
Also, leave other distractions at home for when your Shih Tzu is alone. A toy or puzzle, for example, can provide hours of stimulation for your Shih Tzu.
Daycare, babysitting, and other distractions in excess can also stress your dog.
Many owners choose to leave their Shih Tzu in daycare centers while they work. In these cases, it is important to consider Shih Tzu’s personality and the activities offered at the daycare to determine the number of days per week and hours per day that Shih Tzu should be at the facility.
In many cases, Shih Tzus who spend a lot of time in daycare become more anxious. This is especially important for dogs who are unable to relax while at daycare or who do not have an adequate level of supervision.
So, talk to the daycare professionals to ensure your Shih Tzu will spend time on activities, but also have time to sleep and relax. Supervision is also extremely important to ensure that order is established and that all Shih Tzus are comfortable eating, playing, and relaxing.