I’ve often heard that dogs are a man’s best friend. I’m here to tell you that dogs love us with lady parts too! I have had my sweet baby since I was 16 years old and I will be 30 in October. He is the sweetest most loveable dog I have ever encountered. Over the last few years, I’ve been doing research on dogs specifically my dog’s breed. I want other fur parents to be able to connect and understand their babies on a deeper level. Let’s take a dive in and allow me to share some things I’ve learned about my Shih Tzu.
Meet Mackenzie my sweet and precious fur baby!! Mackenzie is 13 years old and is still very healthy and vibrant. I was told by his doctor that he is very healthy for his age. Mackenzie enjoys playing with his toys and having little treats. There are however times where I just don’t know what he’s thinking. Often it has made me sad because he will make cry noises and I’m thinking man I just wish he could tell me what’s wrong. Here are some ways to better understand and connect with your Shih Tzu.
Well for starters Shih Tzus can be very stubborn. What I’ve noticed is that as Mackenzie has gotten older he has gotten more stubborn. Here are effective ways to handle your baby’s stubbornness.
- (DO NOT YELL) Ok I know it’s easier said than done right? Hear me out though we have to take into consideration that just like humans things change as our sweet babies grow older and become seniors. Many dogs experience hearing loss and you yelling at them will only scare and confuse them.
- (GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL) Much like children, it helps to be eye level with your baby because they can hear you better, feel and connect with you better. Also, it helps them to be less fearful and more engaged in what you have to say. They understand us more than we realize. It’s ok to talk to your fur baby.
- (DO NOT ENTERTAIN BAD BEHAVIOR) When your fur baby is stubborn and disobedient it is important not to entertain it so they know what they are doing is not acceptable behavior. Do not give them treats and try to get to the root of what’s wrong without yelling but be firm. Ignore growling and they will realize what they are doing to get their way is not working.
Here is something I have noticed about Mackenzie in his golden years. He is a lot more irritable than he uses to be. There are reasons for this that you may have not known.
- (Is your baby neutered?) Ok here is the thing, your baby being neutered has much more to do with just physical. There are benefits to the surgery such as relief from depression and irritability. Your dog can have a more relaxed and peaceful demeanor. Also, your dog can benefit from physical things as well such as living a longer life and a greater chance of not developing certain diseases such as heart disease, cancer, etc. The older your fur baby gets the more they will reap the benefits of being neutered.
- (Your Shih Tzu could very well be bored darling.) Yep, that’s right dogs are more similar to humans than you may think. Although your dog may not be as active as he uses to don’t take it for granted that he doesn’t get bored. Keep your baby active, I mean don’t overdo it but still play with them and buy them play toys, take them to the dog parks, etc.
- (Food is essential to Health) As our babies get older their food should change. There are 100’s of senior dog foods I always advise talking to your dog’s vet. Senior dog food provides the nutrients and vitamins that they need at this age. Here is a shortlist of senior dog foods that I’ve tried with my baby or researched. Please consult with your vet before switching your dog’s food.
- Purina ONE
- Nutro
- IAMS
