SHIH TZU FANCIERS OF SOUTHERN CA

ADDING A PUPPY TO YOUR HOME

Many folks consider adding a young dog to the household when their current pet grows older. However, some people are often afraid that the presence of a younger dog will be a nuisance in the last months or years of the older dog's life, and don't want to cause their older dog grief or discomfort.

Dogs usually fuss less about this than the owners. In fact, the presence of a puppy in the house could invigorate the older pet. There's a new interest in life and dos of 10 or older could begin to respond to activity again.

Older dogs can teach manners and canine survival skills to pups. Your older dog may even help housebreak the puppy because he/she can detect when the puppy need to go out. The older dogs are better than humans at detecting subliminal signals.

There are a few things you need to remember when you introduce the puppy to the older dog:

GET A PUP OF THE OPPOSITE SEX FROM THE RESIDENT DOG.

GIVE THE OLDER DOG A LITTLE MORE ATTENTION SO THERE IS NO JEALOUSY OF THE NEW ADDITION TO THE HOUSEHOLD. (See below: And Baby Makes Four.)

DO NOT LET THE NEW PUPPY INFRINGE ON THE PRIVILEGES AND ROUTINES OF THE OLDER DOG.

By following these steps, your older dog will enjoy a new friend and your new puppy will have a great teacher.

AND BABY MAKES FOUR

Rivalry can develop when your Shih Tzu and the new baby meet for the first time. Without preparation, both are in danger of injury. Before the baby is born:

Allow your dog to sniff items the baby will be using so the dog's scent will be on the items. This is sanitary because dogs can pick up scents even after clothing has been laundered.

Handle a doll like a baby and introduce your dog to it using the word "baby." Have the dog sit or lie down whenever he is near the baby.

Train your Shih Tzu, if your dog has not been trained yet. The dog needs to learn to sit and heel.

Introduce your dog to toddlers away from his territory, then on his property, and finally in the house.

Get the dog accustomed to a baby's cry. You can do this by tape recording babies at the hospital. Let him investigate but with all four feet on the floor.

When the baby comes home, have the mother enter first with the baby. Then introduce the dog to the baby's items and then the baby. Do not let the baby interfere with the dog's regular times with you (i.e. feeding, walks, play time). Never leave your dog alone with the baby and do not let the dog sleep in the baby's room.

Remember children can hurt dogs. Don't get a dog for the baby--the baby is too young to learn about it. It is not a good idea for tem to "grow up together" because you'll be too busy to attend to the needs of both. Teach your child that a dog needs quiet when sleeping and eating. The child should pet the dog gently and use a calm voice.

For more information, email us to purchase a copy of the Puppy Guide or email AKC for a listing of a Shih Tzu breed club in your area.

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