Shih Tzu: offer the brush, pause often and build cooperative grooming through consent.
29 chapters · English / 中文
Shih Tzu: offer the brush, pause often and build cooperative grooming through consent.
Breed profile
Training group
Toy and companion dogs
Origin
The Shih Tzu originated in China as a court companion dog.
Weight
4–7 kg
Coat
Long double coat
Coat care
Condition brushing, combing and eye-area handling through small voluntary steps so coat care and cleaning do not become recurring forced conflict.
Drive keywords
Living closely with people · Sensitivity · Playful engagement
Handling practice
Separate long-double-coat care into presentation of the tool, body-area touch and one easy brush or comb stroke, followed by a marker, reward and release. · Condition eye-area handling without restraint: approach, brief touch or cleaning motion, marker, reward and release before the puppy turns away; consult a veterinarian about any health concern.
General reference range only; individual dogs vary considerably.
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Early help protects the dog and the family
When to call a professional
Professional help is not a last resort. It is the correct next step whenever safety, health or a dog’s ability to recover is in doubt.
Sudden change, pain, illness or recovery concerns go to a veterinarian before being treated as training alone.
Who to call, in this order
Veterinarian · first stopRule out pain, illness, sensory changes and other medical contributors before treating a behaviour as “training only.”
Qualified positive-reinforcement trainerLook for positive-reinforcement credentials and professional commitments such as Delta Institute (Delta Society Australia) certification or Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA) membership.
Veterinary behaviour specialistFor anxiety, fear, compulsive behaviour or aggression, ask your veterinarian for referral to a veterinary behaviourist who can combine behaviour care with medical assessment when appropriate.
Perth general resources
Use the aftercare contact page—no stale phone numbers here
The FluffyWA aftercare page points to Perth 24-hour emergency hospitals, RSPCA WA, Dogs’ Refuge Home and local council dog-management resources. Check the current details before travelling.
