Stop Shih-Tzus from Chewing
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Lock up your shoes and laundry, your Shih-Tzu is a chewing addict. When you have a Shih-Tzu that likes to chew on things nothing is safe. They will chew on anything from toys to the corner of your cabinets. Chewing on things is natural for Shih-Tzus, it’s part of the way that they explore the world and often it can be the result of boredom. Teaching your Shih-Tzu not to chew on inappropriate objects can be an uphill battle. Dealing with a Shih-Tzu that has a chewing obsession involves using a combination of tactics, along with some safety measures to protect your curious pup.
Try these products from PetSmart and Amazon to stop your Shih-Tzu from chewing up your house!
PetSafe Pawz Away Spray Deterrent
NaturVet Bitter Yuck! No Chew Spray
Teaching
When your Shih-Tzu is munching down on something that they are not allowed to have you need to interrupt them while they are in the act. Clap or make a loud noise to get their attention and then replace the item they are chewing on with one of their own toys. When your Shih-Tzu accepts the toy and begins to play or chew on it praise them for doing to reinforce this proper behavior.
There are also sprays that you can buy that help deter a Shih-Tzu from chewing on something. The sprays are not harmful, but they taste bad. Spraying these on furniture and larger items in your home can help keep your Shih-Tzu stay away from them. Typically, they need to be reapplied ever so often, but usually by the time they wear off your Shih-Tzu will have probably have lost interest in chewing on that item.
Boredom
Give your Shih-Tzu plenty of appropriate chew toys. Don’t confuse them by giving them items that resemble items you don’t want them chewing on like old shoes and socks. In a Shih-Tzu’s mind if they can chew on the old ones, they can chew the new ones too. Keeping your Shih-Tzu’s toys new and exciting is important as well. Rotate the toys available to your Shih-Tzu so they don’t get bored and seek out new things on their own. Consider trying a chew toy that is filled with treats. Many companies like Kong make chew toys that you can stuff with food and your Shih-Tzu has to work to get the treats out. Chewing on things like this will keep your Shih-Tzu occupied and out of trouble.
Spending quality time with your Shih-Tzu playing and giving them attention can help prevent boredom. When left alone for long periods of time most Shih-Tzus get bored and become destructive. If you work and have to leave your Shih-Tzu confine them to an area of the home that is safe and that is free of items they can destroy.
Walking your Shih-Tzu may also lessen the likelihood that your Shih-Tzu will chew things. Shih-Tzus need to explore and allowing them time to go out in the world and investigate will help alleviate bad behavior caused by boredom.
Safety
It is essential to your Shih-Tzu’s safety that you keep their environment free of things that may cause harm when chewed on. Keep cabinets shut and electrical cords tucked out of sight. Additionally, place items that your Shih-Tzu likes to chew on out of their reach. Keep shoes, purses, jackets and other go to items put away. Sometimes it takes time to teach a Shih-Tzu that chewing is unacceptable and the less temptation they have the better.
