When do Shih Tzu puppies calm down? During the puppy stage, the Shih Tzu can be stubborn and arrogant. As they grow, they will begin to think for themselves and drive their owner crazy with their hyper behavior. This is common dog behavior and a normal part of the puppy’s development, but there will come a time when your dog will eventually calm down.
Well, like most dogs, your Shih Tzu puppy will calm down when they reach the age of two years. While this is not an exact age, it’s safe to assume your Shih Tzu puppy will be able to control his energy levels after the age of 2 years. However, the age at which your Shih Tzu puppy calms down will depend on the breed and individual circumstances. If your Shih Tzu is very active during the early puppy years, it is likely that it will begin challenging its leader.
To help your Shih Tzu calm down, take him out to play with other dogs. Meetups are a good way to burn off excess energy while playing with other dogs will also help your puppy learn about pack dynamics. You can also take him for a short walk – a brisk stroll can be enough. The amount of physical activity depends on the pup’s temperament and breed, but it is important to ensure he is getting enough physical and mental stimulation.
If you want to know more about when do Shih Tzu puppies calm down, continue reading this article.
Are Shih Tzu Puppies Naturally Hyper?
Shih Tzu is a naturally active and energetic breed, and they often suffer from excessive energy. While there are no proven cures for hyperactive Shih Tzu, there are some strategies you can use to help calm your pet. Physical exhaustion is the most obvious way to help your pet calm down. Mental challenges, like learning new tricks, dimming lights, or training, can also help.
One of the best ways to get your Shih Tzu into a more active lifestyle is to engage in regular moderate exercise. While most Shih Tzu breeds do well with short walks, moderate exercise is essential for the breed to stay in peak physical condition.
Shih Tzus need at least two 20-minute walks each day or more, or they could also play fetch at home. Regular moderate exercise helps your pet to burn off energy and become calmer and happier.
Achieving a balance between physical exercise and mental relaxation is also essential for Shih Tzu’s health. An active lifestyle allows your pet to get plenty of exercise and avoids boredom, which can make them overly hyperactive. However, if your Shih Tzu does not get enough exercise, it will become frustrated and destructive.
Reasons Behind Shih Tzu’s Hyperactivity
If you’re looking for answers to your Shih Tzu hyperactive behavior issues, read on.
- Breed
While there is no definitive cause of hyperactivity in the Shih Tzu, breed-related problems can trigger behavior problems. Some dogs exhibit hyperactivity as a result of a genetic trait, while others may be suffering from a lack of exercise or attention. Medication or specialized behavior training may help alleviate hyperactivity. Often, behavior problems are best addressed with holistic changes in diet and environment.
- Early Puppy Years
Your Shih Tzu puppy’s active and energetic personality may be the culprit behind his or her hyperactivity. Although these dogs are incredibly intelligent and eager to please, their hyperactivity can make them feel in control of their environment. Luckily, the onset of puberty will slow down their hyperactivity. You can start teaching your puppy tricks and playing with them to reduce this behavior.
- Lack of Training and Exercise
One of the main reasons your Shih Tzu is overly hyper is a lack of exercise. Dogs do not know when they need to rest and need to spend some time burning off that energy. Exercise helps the dog focus its energy on a positive thing instead of being distracted by the environment around it. Regular walks or jogs can help relieve some of the excess energy, and they can also be involved in games to keep them mentally stimulated.
- Improper Diet
If you have a Shih Tzu and notice that your dog is exhibiting signs of excessive hyperactivity, there are several potential reasons why. One of these reasons is an improper diet. Improper diet can lead to a number of health problems, including obesity, digestive issues, and even diabetes. Make sure you give your puppy a properly balanced diet to calm them down.
When Do Shih Tzu Puppies Calm Down?
The answer depends on the individual Shih Tzu and their level of energy. Shih Tzus are generally very active during their puppy years, so the ideal age for them to calm down is around two years. After two years, your puppy will have plenty of energy to burn off, and it will begin to calm down gradually.
Throughout the day, Shih Tzu puppies need between 12 to 16 hours of sleep. Their sleeping habits vary with activity levels, so active dogs sleep less than bored dogs. Adult Shih Tzus generally sleep all night but take naps throughout the day. Puppies go through a period of rapid sensory development during this time. They become more aware of their surroundings and begin to recognize family members.
The perfect time to take a walk with your Shih Tzu is when it’s still a puppy. Puppies should be walked at least two times daily for a minimum of 15 minutes. However, new puppies may be unable to handle this amount of walking. Puppies’ high energy levels can cause destructive behavior. A walk with your Shih Tzu will help you to reduce this energy level.
How to Calm Down a Hyperactive Shih Tzu?
Many Shih Tzus become hyper because they have too much energy and do not know what to do with it. This is a common dog behavior. Here are some things you can do to make them calm down.
- Drain Extra Energy
One way to calm down an overly active Shih Tzu is to redirect his energy. A Shih Tzu may be hyperactive when it gets boring or stressed, so using a backpack or extra weight can redirect his energy. Regular exercise is essential for a hyperactive dog, as it burns excess energy and refocuses it on more positive things.
- Aromatherapy
Using aromatherapy to calm down hyperactive Shih Tzus is an easy way to make them behave in public. They have the ability to sense energy and will react to your emotions if they feel that way. You can use different types of aromas to calm them down.
- Proper Training
If your Shih Tzu is excessively energetic, a good way to calm him down is to take him for a long walk. A long, brisk walk will burn off some of his energy and stop him from jumping or nipping. Once he’s completely spent, he’ll revert to his usual Shih Tzu behavior.
- Mental Stimulation
A great way to calm down an overly-excited Shih Tzu is to play tug with it. Mental stimulation can help them to easily calm down and stay happy. This game will help them burn off excess energy while bonding with their owner.
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