A Shih Tzu, like many other breeds of dogs, loves to chew. Chewing is more than just what they do to consume food, it can be a trait born from teething, but continues for a variety of reasons. This means that if your Shih Tzu is chewing up the furniture there are ways you can curb that habit in a safe, healthy way.
Chewing is part of exploring, that is a behavior common not only in Shih Tzus but in pets and even human babies in general. The difference is when the exploration becomes a compulsive behavior. The trick is to provide alternatives to distract your Shih Tzu and break the unwanted behavior naturally.
Why Does Your Shih Tzu Chew Everything?
Identifying why your Shih Tzu chews will lead to a solution. While you should expect a puppy to chew things now and again, when the behavior stays with them through adulthood, there is usually a strong reason.
Anxious: A Shih Tzu may become anxious when you are not at home, so this may lead to them chewing as a result. There are no simple solutions, but here are a few tips that may help.
- Exercise and play with your Shih Tzu before leaving
- Crate train your Shih Tzu
- Rub treat in your hands to leave behind your scent
- Leave and return home with no fanfare, just act as normal
- Start with shorter periods away from home, then gradually extend it if possible
Anxious behavior that causes your Shih Tzu to hurt itself may require treatment from a veterinarian. So, keep that in mind if you see such behavior.
Boredom: Just like humans, Shih Tzus can become quite bored. The chewing may be a result of just wanting something to do because they are so bored. You can help curb the chewing by providing proper entertainment for your Shih Tzu such as the following.
- Exercise
- Playtime
- Remove all things that you don’t want to be chewed
- Keep the Shih Tzu in the crate
- Provide a Chew-Proof toy, like an indestructible bone
Chew-Proof Toys
Although it may not seem possible when you see the condition of your shoes, furniture, and all other objects that your Shih Tzu has chewed, there are toys that are quite resilient. You should look for Nylabones, rawhide, and rubber toys that are extra strong. Although indestructible may be in the advertising, many dogs will eventually wear down most such products over time.
However, by providing them with chew toys that are strong and durable, you can help direct their tendency to chew to something other than the items you value. Keep in mind that you should put away all items that you value to keep your Shih Tzu from chewing away at them.
If you remove items you want to keep from being chewed. Provide indestructible chew toys. And provide plenty of attention to your Shih Tzu, you may be able to help them break the chewing habit. Or at the very least, direct their attention at chewing items you do not care about.
