The Shih Tzu is a typical fanciful breed, with a luxuriant coat, a small size, and a congenial attitude. However, despite its breeding and natural attachment, its breed is often prone to behavioral problems. Many Shih Tzu behavioral problems are among the most commonly reported by owners of the small-dog breed, including but not limited to house-training issues, persistent and compulsive barking, and notable stubbornness and separation anxiety.
It is an evidence-based, practitioner-focused manual where observations made based on the modern canine-behavior surveys are tied to empirically established training plans and clinically approved checklists on evaluation, and strictly planned schemes on behavior modification. Whether they are a result of regular potty accidents and the syndrome of separation anxiety, or have to do with defensive vocalization that is part and parcel of defensive barking, every single problem is examined using a step-by-step procedure of successive intervention measures. Whether they face the emergent issues or established habits, such an integrated framework will give a holistic roadmap in developing trust, creating assertive leadership, and achieving lasting interspecies harmony.
Top Shih Tzu Behavior Problems & Core Causes
- House-Training Challenges
One of the most common Shih Tzu behavior problems is difficulty with house-training. Shih Tzus are known for their small bladders and strong-willed nature, which can lead to frequent accidents indoors if not managed properly. Their tendency to get distracted or resist structured routines makes consistent potty training a challenge. Environmental factors, such as lack of access to outdoor spaces or inconsistent training schedules, often contribute to this issue. Early crate training, scheduled bathroom breaks, and positive reinforcement are essential to overcoming this behavioral hurdle.
- Separation Anxiety and Clinginess
Shih Tzus are companion dogs to their core, and while their affectionate nature is endearing, it can spiral into separation anxiety if boundaries aren’t established early on. Dogs suffering from this issue may whine, bark excessively, scratch doors, or even urinate indoors when left alone. This behavior often stems from an unhealthy level of dependency on their owners. Gradual independence training, interactive toys, and scheduled alone time can help build emotional resilience in your Shih Tzu and reduce anxiety-driven behavior.
- Excessive Barking
While Shih Tzus aren’t typically labeled as noisy, many owners struggle with excessive barking triggered by doorbells, new visitors, or unfamiliar sounds. This reactive behavior is often rooted in territorial instincts, boredom, or anxiety. Without proper socialization or mental stimulation, a Shih Tzu may vocalize out of frustration or alertness. Teaching the “quiet” command, using redirection techniques, and eliminating environmental triggers can go a long way in managing persistent barking issues.
- Stubbornness and Selective Listening
A hallmark trait of the breed is their independent streak—many Shih Tzus exhibit selective listening, especially when commands aren’t followed by consistent rewards. This trait is often misinterpreted as defiance when it’s more about motivation. Unlike working breeds eager to please, Shih Tzus respond better to positive reinforcement and short, engaging training sessions. Harsh discipline often backfires, reinforcing mistrust or passive resistance. A structured reward system and patience are key to improving obedience.
- Chewing and Destructive Behavior
Destructive chewing, especially in puppies or under-stimulated adults, is another behavior problem that frustrates Shih Tzu owners. From gnawed furniture legs to shredded slippers, this behavior often stems from teething, boredom, or anxiety. Chewing is a self-soothing action for dogs and is exacerbated in the absence of proper outlets. Offering durable chew toys, rotating enrichment tools, and ensuring your dog’s mental and physical energy is being met can curb this destructive tendency.
- Resource Guarding and Defensive Aggression
Although Shih Tzus are generally friendly, some may develop resource guarding habits—protecting toys, food bowls, or favored resting spots. This behavior can escalate into growling, snapping, or even biting if left unaddressed. Often, this stems from early life insecurity, lack of social boundaries, or inconsistent rules. Counter-conditioning techniques, clear structure around shared resources, and desensitization exercises can help reverse guarding behavior. In more severe cases, a certified behaviorist should be consulted.
- Picky Eating and Mealtime Resistance
Many Shih Tzus are notoriously picky eaters, often turning away from meals or refusing food if not presented in a certain way. This can frustrate owners and lead to bad feeding habits, like hand-feeding or constant diet changes. Picky eating may stem from inconsistent feeding schedules, over-treating, or behavioral reinforcement of refusal. Establishing a firm feeding routine, minimizing extra snacks, and creating a distraction-free eating environment are critical to resolving mealtime issues.
How to Identify the Root of Your Shih Tzu’s Behavior Problems
Before attempting to correct any unwanted behavior, it’s essential to understand why it’s happening. Shih Tzus aren’t trying to be difficult—they’re often reacting to stress, confusion, unmet needs, or environmental factors. Here’s how you can start identifying the real cause behind your dog’s actions:
1. Observe the Pattern
Track when, where, and how often the behavior happens. Is your Shih Tzu barking more in the evening? Does aggression occur only around food or toys? Keep a simple journal for a week. This will help you notice triggers—like noise, strangers, or loneliness—that may not be obvious at first.
2. Look for Triggers
Many behaviors stem from specific stimuli. For instance, frequent barking could be caused by movement outside a window or separation anxiety may begin when you pick up your keys. Identifying these triggers helps you tailor your approach rather than applying one-size-fits-all solutions.
3. Rule Out Medical Issues
Sudden changes in behavior—like irritability, house-soiling, or withdrawal—can be signs of pain, digestive issues, or neurological problems. If you notice anything unusual or the behavior worsens despite training, consult a vet to rule out underlying health problems.
4. Assess Your Own Behavior
Dogs mirror their environment. If your tone is inconsistent or if training methods change too frequently, it can confuse your Shih Tzu. Ask yourself: Am I rewarding the wrong behaviors unintentionally? Am I being calm, clear, and consistent?
5. Consider Their Daily Routine
Shih Tzus thrive on structure. A lack of routine—especially around meals, walks, and play—can result in anxiety, disobedience, or hyperactivity. Evaluate whether your dog’s needs for physical activity, mental stimulation, and rest are being met consistently.
6. Understand the Breed Mindset
Shih Tzus are intelligent, independent, and emotionally intuitive. What might be seen as defiance is often a need for clarity or more engaging training. Recognizing that they respond best to positive reinforcement (not punishment) will help you build trust and long-term change.
Step-by-Step Behavior Modification Plans
1. House-Training Problems
Behavior Explanation:
Shih Tzus are notoriously slow to house-train due to their small bladders and independent temperament. Accidents indoors may reflect confusion, anxiety, or an insufficient routine.
Behavior Plan:
- Basics:
- Establish a strict potty schedule (every 2–3 hours).
- Crate training during unsupervised time.
- Use consistent potty cues and take them to the same spot.
- Praise immediately after elimination.
- Intermediate:
- Introduce bell training at the door.
- Tether indoors (leash your dog to you to monitor closely).
- Clean past accidents with enzymatic cleaners to remove scent cues.
- Advanced:
- Consult a vet if regression occurs (e.g., UTI, stress).
- Work with a certified trainer for persistent marking or refusal to go outside.
Helpful Tools:
Enzymatic cleaner, training bell, crate, timer app for reminders, puppy pads (transitionally).
2. Separation Anxiety
Behavior Explanation:
This arises from a deep attachment and a lack of confidence when alone. Symptoms include barking, destruction, or soiling when you’re away.
Behavior Plan:
- Basics:
- Practice short departures without making a big fuss.
- Gradually increase time alone.
- Leave comfort items and interactive toys (e.g. treat puzzles).
- Intermediate:
- Create “independent zones” away from you (dog bed in another room).
- Use desensitization to triggers (keys, shoes, door).
- Teach “stay” and “place” commands for self-control.
- Advanced:
- Anti-anxiety supplements or vet-prescribed medications.
- Work with a certified canine behaviorist specializing in anxiety disorders.
Helpful Tools:
Lick mats, snuffle mats, audio-calming tracks, Furbo or pet cam, Adaptil calming diffuser.
3. Excessive Barking
Behavior Explanation:
Often triggered by excitement, alertness, fear, or boredom. Shih Tzus bark to communicate—but left unchecked, it can become habitual.
Behavior Plan:
- Basics:
- Teach a “quiet” cue (reward silence, not shouts).
- Redirect to a task (sit, fetch, chew).
- Avoid yelling—it can sound like barking to them.
- Intermediate:
- Controlled exposure to barking triggers (e.g. knock, doorbell).
- Reward calmness under mild stimulation and gradually increase.
- Advanced:
- Desensitization plans using recorded sounds.
- Seek trainer support for fear-based reactivity or nighttime barking.
Helpful Tools:
Clicker, high-reward treats, bark trigger logs, white noise machine, doorbell sound apps.
4. Stubbornness / Selective Listening
Behavior Explanation:
Shih Tzus aren’t defiant—they’re independent thinkers. If they don’t see value in an action, they simply won’t follow through.
Behavior Plan:
- Basics:
- Keep training sessions short (5–10 mins).
- Use high-value rewards consistently.
- Reinforce only once for commands—avoid nagging.
- Intermediate:
- Mix play into training (training games, hide-and-seek).
- Practice focus-building exercises (name recall, eye contact).
- Advanced:
- Build long-term behavior-shaping plans with a behavior consultant.
- Rule out hearing loss or neurological conditions in older dogs.
Helpful Tools:
Treat pouch, clicker, training journal, and flirt pole for reward-based recall.
5. Destructive Chewing
Behavior Explanation:
Chewing can be soothing, especially during stress, boredom, or teething (in puppies). It becomes destructive when they lack boundaries or stimulation.
Behavior Plan:
- Basics:
- Redirect every chewing episode to approved toys.
- Reward chewing appropriate items.
- Puppy-proof the home—remove access to valuables.
- Intermediate:
- Rotate toys to prevent boredom.
- Introduce scent-enrichment items (hidden treats, puzzle feeders).
- Use bitter spray deterrents on furniture if needed.
- Advanced:
- Address underlying anxiety or frustration with structured exercise or behavioral therapy.
- Involve a vet if compulsive chewing or pica develops.
Helpful Tools:
Kong toys, puzzle toys, bitter sprays, frozen carrots or wet rags (for teething).
6. Resource Guarding & Aggression
Behavior Explanation:
Some Shih Tzus may guard food, toys, or people, often due to early insecurity or inconsistent handling. This can escalate if not addressed with care.
Behavior Plan:
- Basics:
- Never forcibly remove guarded items.
- Teach “trade” commands using high-reward treats.
- Feed in quiet, low-distraction environments.
- Intermediate:
- Desensitize the presence near their resources (approach, drop a treat, walk away).
- Practice impulse control games like “leave it” or “wait.”
- Advanced:
- Hire a certified behaviorist (especially if there is growling or snapping).
- Consider muzzle training during reconditioning.
Helpful Tools:
Treats of higher value than the guarded item, food puzzles, clicker, muzzle (for safety if needed).
When to Seek Expert Help for Shih Tzu Behavior Problems
While many Shih Tzu behavior issues can be managed with consistent training and structure, some situations call for professional intervention. Knowing when to seek help can prevent problems from escalating and ensure your dog’s well-being—both emotionally and physically.
1. Sudden or Extreme Behavioral Changes
If your normally calm Shih Tzu suddenly becomes aggressive, overly fearful, or starts urinating indoors without any obvious reason, it could indicate a medical issue such as pain, neurological problems, or hormonal changes. A veterinary checkup should be your first step before assuming it’s purely behavioral.
2. Persistent Problems Despite Training
When a behavior—like barking, biting, or resource guarding—persists for weeks or worsens even after consistent training and redirection, it may signal deeper emotional or behavioral patterns that require a certified canine behaviorist. These professionals can create a customized modification plan based on your dog’s environment, history, and triggers.
3. Signs of Anxiety or Compulsion
Behaviors such as obsessive tail-chasing, compulsive licking, constant pacing, or excessive panting when alone may point to anxiety disorders or obsessive-compulsive tendencies. If left unaddressed, these can harm your Shih Tzu’s mental health. A vet or veterinary behaviorist can assess whether medication or specialized therapy is necessary.
4. Aggression Toward Humans or Other Pets
Growling, lunging, snapping, or biting should never be ignored—even if it seems minor or situational. These behaviors can escalate without proper intervention. If your Shih Tzu shows signs of aggression, especially around food, toys, or when being touched, consult a professional immediately for safe, humane behavior reconditioning.
5. You Feel Overwhelmed
There’s no shame in admitting you need support. If your Shih Tzu’s behavior is causing stress in your home, or you feel stuck despite trying your best, a qualified dog trainer or vet behaviorist can help restore peace and confidence for both you and your dog.
Pro Tip: Always choose professionals certified by organizations like the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants), CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers), or AVSAB (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior).
Pro Tips for Long-Term Harmony with Your Shih Tzu
Building a well-behaved, emotionally balanced Shih Tzu isn’t about one-time training—it’s about daily habits, relationship-building, and smart routines. Below are expert-backed tips to ensure your Shih Tzu thrives with confidence and calmness over the long haul:
1. Stay Consistent with Boundaries
Consistency is key. Whether it’s enforcing crate time, not giving in to barking for attention, or sticking to feeding times, dogs learn through repetition. Mixed signals confuse your Shih Tzu and encourage unwanted behaviors to creep back in. Make rules simple, firm, and family-wide.
2. Provide Regular Mental Stimulation
Shih Tzus are clever little dogs, and without mental exercise, boredom can turn into barking, chewing, or stubbornness. Use puzzle toys, scent games, and brief training refreshers daily. Rotate activities to keep things novel and engaging.
3. Maintain a Balanced Routine
Predictability helps reduce stress. Keep a consistent schedule for meals, potty breaks, walks, play, and quiet time. A structured day helps regulate your dog’s emotions, reduces anxiety, and makes behavior more predictable.
4. Respect Their Physical Limits
Shih Tzus are not high-endurance athletes. They enjoy moderate walks and gentle play, but excessive exercise or chaotic environments can overstimulate or stress them. Respect their need for calm downtime, especially in multi-dog homes.
5. Nurture the Bond Through Trust-Based Training
Positive reinforcement builds lasting trust. Always reward desired behaviors promptly and avoid harsh corrections. Training isn’t just obedience—it’s your chance to communicate clearly and build mutual respect with your dog.
6. Socialize Early and Gently
Expose your Shih Tzu to a variety of people, animals, and sounds—gradually and positively. Early socialization reduces fear-based behaviors later on and helps your dog feel more confident in different settings.
7. Schedule Preventive Vet Visits
Many behavior issues have health-related roots. Stay ahead of potential problems with regular checkups, dental care, and age-appropriate screenings. Your vet is your partner in long-term behavioral and physical health.
Final Thought:
Your Shih Tzu’s behavior isn’t fixed—it evolves based on how you lead, respond, and care. By understanding their nature, creating structure, and applying compassionate discipline, you’ll enjoy a calmer, more cooperative companion who feels safe and understood.
Read the related article about ”Why Shih Tzu are the worst dog”
