One of the great joys of life is acquiring a new dog. Whether it is a lively fun seeking puppy or a mature dog from a rescue centre there is the excitement of collecting the dog and the eager anticipation of the pleasures of dog ownership to come. But how can you ensure a long and happy relationship? You need to learn about dog care and training as well as considering your own situation before you even start looking for a dog.

Considerations
At HomeAre there children in your household.Do you have other pets.Do you have a reasonable sized yard or garden.Have you considered the dog’s toilet arrangements.Are members of your family prepared to spend time training and exercising your dog.Can you fund good quality feed, some vet’s bills, insurance and kennel stays if necessary

Dog Breeds, Size and Weight

You will sometimes need to handle your dog e.g. grooming, trimming nails, bathing or lifting onto scales for a weight check. Obviously, the size and weight of your dog will make this easy (Chihuahua at 2.70 kg to 3.63 kg) or near impossible (St Bernard at 75 kg to 91 kg)

Exercise

Exercise is a key factor in maintaining your dog’s health. Small dogs like Jack Russell Terriers will not need as much daily exercise as a working breed such as a German Shepherd.You need to decide how much time can be given to the task. The less time available the more important it is to acquire a smaller dog.

Home Environment

If you like your house to be warm some dogs may find it distressing – a Shih Tzu dog for instance or a dog with a thick coat. If you have an immaculate home filled with expensive furniture, you will need to think carefully about the sort of dog you intend to buy especially if you want a puppy.

Grooming Your Dog

You need to groom your dog on a regularly. Size comes into it but so does the type of coat. A short coated dog is obviously going to pick up less dirt, and mud. and be easier to clean and groom. A muddy dog may require washing. This needs a facility such as an old fashioned tin bath. You could use your shower or even your own bath but it means a lot of cleaning up afterwards.

Temperament

You’ll find that working breeds, a broad group, including everything from guard dogs to sheep dogs are often more stubborn and tough-minded. Terriers are often bossy and a little aggressive. Hounds are usually relaxed and friendly, but sometimes difficult to train.
Carry out some research into different breed characteristics. Do this on line and ask your vet’s opinion. Dog breeders will normally promote their own breed so they are not necessarily the first people to ask for an opinion.

You will be looking to compare the following points.

Energy level
Activity and playfulness levels
Affection and Loyalty levels
Intelligence
Aggression (towards people/other dogs/other pets)
Ease of training
Heat and cold tolerance
Compatibility with people and other animals

Some Breed Comparisons:

Labrador

This breed is good with children and quite intelligent. They can be hyperactive if they do not get enough exercise because they are basically a working dog.

Golden Retriever
These dogs are similar in temperament to the Labrador but have less tendency to hyper activity
Poodle
An intelligent dog. It has an excellent temperament. It was used as a hunting dog in times gone by so it is quite tough by nature.

Beagle
Friendly, clever and not too big, making them suitable as a family dog. They can be over energetic if not exercised. They respond well to firm training.

Cairn Terrier
Busy little dogs that adapt well to children. They are usually of good quiet temperament

Collie
The Collie and the smaller Shetland are both calm, gentle and tolerant breeds that usually do well with children. They do need some constructive play i.e. fetching a ball etc.

German Shepherd
Very intelligent but it is a big dog and needs exercise and constructive play. It is loyal and a good guard dog. However, a German Shepherd must be properly trained.

Cross-Bred Dogs
Come in all shapes and sizes and typically should not suffer from in-bred temperament faults.

Owning a dog is great fun but you need to think carefully about management before you take on your new “best friend”.

The post Choosing A Dog? – Check This Out First first appeared on Puppy Blog.

The origin of Shih Tzu lacks clear delineation. There are different theories about its origin. The most popular among them is that the breed was introduced from Tibet to China; and imported to England and Norway in the 30s. A Shih Tzu carries himself proudly with happy mood; always sweet in nature he is less yappy.

How to Choose a Puppy

Planning to buy a Shih Tzu puppy? It will cost you something big. Considering the cost, choose one which is not younger than 8 weeks. Shih Tzu puppies have high mortality rates in their early days of life. Choose a friendly puppy, you can tell immediately if one is aggressive. It is advisable to have it checked by a veterinarian to make sure it is free from health problems.

Shih Tzu puppy training should start so that they will learn how to socialize. Even if the puppy is already 10 weeks old, socialization with other dogs and people is the first thing before the actual training begins to avoid aggressive Shih Tzu behavior.

The Training Process

Shih Tzu dog training should start with basic house training as soon as the puppy is old enough. The crate training is highly recommended to confine your dog when you are not around to look after him. The puppy will get used to his house and learn to like it. The crate prevents accidents caused by the dog moving and playing around the house.

After the basics, the puppy must learn that he is in a place where there is a master and you must be the leader who dominate and not the other way around. The puppy will learn not to bite using toys and creating a crying face and sound to show him that biting hurts. Keep him from climbing on the sofa and do not allow him to sleep along with you at your bed. The cage is the appropriate for the puppy to rest and use it as far as possible.

The Shih Tzu dog training obedience period follows when the puppy is among 3 and 6 months of age. The basic commands during this training phase are:

1. Sitting
2. Staying
3. Laying
4. Focusing on you
5. Waiting indoors
6. Coming when called
7. Walking without pulling the leash

A Shih Tzu puppy may not want to abide by your command; it’s natural because of its lively aspect, but it’s clever enough to get your cues and at last follow.

Training Shih Tzu Puppies is Giving Them Protection

By nature a Shih Tzu is good, friendly and curious and definitely wants explore a lot of things and areas. But this doesn’t mean one is not an aggressive Shih Tzu.

1. They can learn not to follow vehicles.
2. To pause on street curves.
3. By no means disappear from you in public and also not to go far away from sight.

If and only if you’re certain how much your dog listens when called to come back, indeed, this will only time you can lift off its leash. A Shih Tzu is care free and also has chances of running away if let loose.

Buying a new little Shih Tzu is exciting but training it’s a really arduous job. After your Shih Tzu puppy training he’ll grow well; you’ll be getting the loyal and attentive friend among all that always stays at your side continue along with your command. That is only possible after you set the rules at the beginning of puppyhood, and also be consistent in applying them all of your Shih Tzu’s life.

The post On Training A Shih Tzu Puppy first appeared on Puppy Blog.