There is a lot of debate over whether or not the Shih Tzu is an aggressive breed. Some people say that they are naturally aggressive, while others claim that this aggression can be curbed with proper training.
Are Shih Tzus Aggressive?
Based on our experience Shih Tzu is not an aggressive dog. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find any news story of a Shih Tzu attacking anyone, despite its nickname of the ‘lion dog’ this sweet dog is not dangerous to anyone.
In this blog post, we will explore both of these sides and give you some tips on how to help curb your Shih Tzu’s aggression.
How aggressive are Shih Tzu dogs?
The Shih Tzu is not overly aggressive compared to other small breed dogs, even though they are called lion dogs, their aggression is not going to rightfully scare owners away.
The aggression is most often seen in male dogs, and it can be directed towards other dogs, animals, or even people.
Male Shih Tzus are also more likely to show aggression if they feel threatened or scared.
While it is true that some Shih Tzus can be aggressive, this does not mean that all of them are.
There are many factors that can contribute to a Shih Tzu’s aggression, including poor socialization, lack of exercise, and even genetics.
With proper training and socialization, most Shih Tzus can be taught to control their aggression.
However, if you are unsure whether or not your Shih Tzu is aggressive, it is always best to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist.
Signs of aggression in Shih Tzus
There are a few different signs that you can look for to determine if your Shih Tzu is feeling aggressive.
These signs include:
Growling
Barking
Baring their teeth
Lunging
If you see any of these behaviors, it is important to remove your Shih Tzu from the situation and give it a bit of space to calm down a bit.
Your Shih Tzu may get out of control when around other dogs and show an aggressive streak, take note of this so that you try and correct your aggressive Shih Tzu through training.
While aggression is not common in Shih Tzus, it is still important to be aware of the signs.
By being informed, you can help to prevent any potential aggression from happening.
Causes of Shih Tzu aggression?
There can be numerous causes of Shih Tzu’s aggression, some have been mentioned above briefly.
However, one of the most common causes is poor socialization. If a Shih Tzu does not have exposure to different people, animals, and situations, they may become aggressive when they are faced with something new.
Another common cause of aggression is lack of exercise.
A Shih Tzu who does not have enough opportunity to burn off energy may become agitated and aggressive.
It can also be caused by separation anxiety, the Shih Tzu dog breed is one that loves being around its owners.
The Shih Tzu gets frustrated and lonely when it is not with you, and this can lead to an increase in biting behavior that could even lead to a moderate or severe puncture of the skin.
Lastly, genetics can also play a role in aggression.
Some dogs are simply more prone to aggression than others.
To avoid a Shih Tzu with aggressive behaviors make sure you get to know your dog breeder so that you can assess the other dogs they have in their possession for any aggressive tendacies.
If your Shih Tzu is displaying aggressive behavior, what do you do?
If you are concerned about your Shih Tzu’s aggression, there are some things that you can do to help curb it.
One of the best things that you can do is to make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercises.
A tired dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog is less likely to be aggressive.
You should also make sure that you are providing your Shih Tzu with plenty of socialization opportunities.
This can be done by taking them to dog parks, puppy classes, or even just on walks around the neighborhood.
The more exposure they have to other people and animals, the less likely they are to show aggression.
Finally, if you are still concerned about your Shih Tzu’s aggression, you may want to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist.
They will be able to help you identify the root of the problem and come up with a plan to help curb your Shih Tzu’s aggression.
Why is my Shih Tzu biting me?
There are a few different reasons why your Shih Tzu may be biting you.
One of the most common reasons is that they are simply playing too rough.
This can often be remedied by teaching them to play more gently.
Another reason why your Shih Tzu may be biting you is that they are feeling threatened or scared.
If this is the case, it is important to help them feel more comfortable and secure in their environment.
This can be done by providing them with a safe space, such as a crate, and avoiding situations that may trigger their fear or aggression.
If you are still unsure why your Shih Tzu is biting you, it is always best to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist.
They will be able to help you identify the root of the problem and come up with a plan to help stop the biting.
However, don’t stress though as it is extremely rare that a teeth-baring Shih Tzu is going to bite you with enough force to break the skin.
How to stop my Shih Tzu from biting me?
If your Shih Tzu is biting you, there are a few things that you can do to help stop it.
One of the best things that you can do is to provide them with plenty of exercises.
A tired dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog is less likely to be aggressive.
You should also make sure that you are providing your Shih Tzu with plenty of socialization opportunities.
This can be done by taking them to dog parks, puppy classes, or even just on walks around the neighborhood.
The more exposure they have to other people and animals, the less likely they are to show aggression.
Finally, if you are still concerned about your Shih Tzu’s aggression, you may want to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist.
They will be able to help you identify the root of the problem and come up with a plan to help stop the biting.
How do you discipline a Shih Tzu?
The first step is to figure out what the problem behavior is that you are trying to correct.
Once you have determined that, you can start working on a plan to address the issue.
One thing to keep in mind with Shih Tzus is that they are very intelligent dogs. This means that they are quick learners, but it also means that they can be stubborn at times.
With this in mind, you will need to be consistent with your discipline in order to see results.
One way to achieve consistency is to use positive reinforcement methods such as food rewards and praise when your Shih Tzu exhibits the desired behavior.
This will help them understand that they are doing something that you approve of.
Meanwhile, you will also need to be firm and consistent when correcting problem behaviors. This means using a stern voice and body language to show your dog that you are not happy with what they are doing.
With time and patience, your Shih Tzu should start to understand what behaviors are expected of them.
If you are having trouble disciplining your Shih Tzu, it is important to seek out professional help.
A qualified trainer or behaviorist can assist you in developing a plan that is tailored to your dog’s individual needs.
With the right guidance, you can successfully discipline your Shih Tzu and help them become the well-behaved dog you know they can be.
Why does my Shih Tzu growl at me?
There are a few different reasons why your Shih Tzu may be growling at you.
One of the most common reasons is that they are feeling threatened or scared.
If this is the case, it is important to help them feel more comfortable and secure in their environment.
This can be done by providing them with a safe space, such as a crate, and avoiding situations that may trigger their fear or aggression.
Another reason why your Shih Tzu may be growling at you is if they are trying to communicate something.
Dogs often use growling as a way to express their needs, such as when they are hungry or want to play.
Most of the time the Shih Tzu will be growling at you to notify that one of it’s needs to be met.
The most common needs will most likely be it’s hungry, needs to wee, or wants you to play with them.
Tick off the list of these 3 needs, until your Shih Tzu stops barking.
Lastly, some dogs simply enjoy growling as it is a fun way to play.
If your Shih Tzu is growling in a friendly way and not showing any signs of aggression, then this is probably the case.
You can encourage this type of play by offering them toys or treats and being sure to provide plenty of positive reinforcement.
If you are concerned about your Shih Tzu’s growling, it is always best to consult with a professional to get their expert opinion.
With a little patience and understanding, you should be able to figure out why your dog is growling and find a way to stop it.
Is the Shih Tzu possessive?
The answer to this question is that it depends.
Some Shih Tzus may be more possessive than others, but overall they are not typically a breed that is known for being possessive.
That being said, there are a few things that you can do to help prevent your Shih Tzu from becoming possessive.
One of the most important things is to socialize them early on.
This means exposing them to a variety of people, places, and experiences so that they can learn how to cope with new situations.
It is also important to be consistent with your rules and boundaries.
If you are inconsistent in your expectations, your Shih Tzu may become confused and start to act out.
Lastly, be sure to provide plenty of love and attention.
This will help your Shih Tzu feel secure and loved, which can prevent them from feeling the need to be possessive.
With a little effort, you can help your Shih Tzu avoid becoming possessive and ensure that they are happy and well-adjusted.
How to stop my Shih Tzu from barking at other dogs?
If your Shih Tzu is barking at other dogs, there are a few things you can do to help stop the behavior.
One of the most important things is to socialize them early on.
This means exposing them to a variety of people, places, and experiences so that they can learn how to cope with new situations.
It is also important to be consistent with your rules and boundaries.
If you are inconsistent in your expectations, your Shih Tzu may become confused and start to act out.
Be sure to provide plenty of love and attention.
This will help your Shih Tzu feel secure and loved, which can prevent them from feeling the need to bark at other dogs.
With a little effort, you can help your Shih Tzu avoid barking at other dogs and ensure that they are happy and well-adjusted.
We have found that when our Shih Tzu starts barking at other dogs, we will pick our dog up and give it a bit of reassurance.
We will then take our Shih Tzu over to the dog and introduce them slowly.
Our Shih Tzu will then calm down and start sniffing the dog to say hello.
You might have to do this many times for your Shih Tzu to get used to other dogs, especially if it’s a rescue Shih Tzu.
Conclusion
The Shih Tzu is not an aggressive dog breed. There are many stories of the Shih Tzu being a gentle and loving dog that gets along well with children and other animals. While there may be some cases where a Shih Tzu can be aggressive, this is not generally the case for this breed of dog. If you are considering adding a Shih Tzu to your family, you can be confident that it will make a great pet.
