Second guessing myself . . . .

**wanderinggrandma** · 01-11-2008, 07:04 PM

I adopted a rescue pup a week ago. He is 1/2 Shih Tzu, 1/2 Lhasa Apso. Weights 2 lbs, and 9 weeks old. And kind of has an attitude for so young a pup. He is very cute, social and smart, smart, too smart!! Oh did I mention stubborn? Which I think is a Shih Tzu trait.

We are making progress on the house training. My neighbors are really missing a fashion show on the 3 am trips around the yard.

Now for the second guessing stuff. He is a nipper, whiner and did I mention stubborn?? He showed his true colors for the Vet, who said he was a little young to start snarling. I am no push over. I have owned GSD for 25 years. I know about stubborn and headstrong dogs. I'm afraid/worried about adjusting his behaviors. There will be no nipping my grandkids or anyone else for that matter.

So I've signed up for Puppy Classes, searching for my old dog training books and hoping like heck I'm worried over nothing. This house was so quiet and empty since we had to have our old GSD put down last April, I was sure it was time for a new dog.

Tell me it's the moon phase, the missing sleep, anything but a big mistake. When we adopt an animal, it's for the long haul. I know there are other Shih Tzu owners here -- have you had any of these behaviors to correct?? Any suggestions??

**perSue** · 01-11-2008, 07:08 PM

i dont own a shih-tzu... have had a lhasa apso before.
gotta golden retriever now.

all dogs require "adjustment" time, and only a week of being "home" - I think he still might feel insecure.

i'll cross my fingers that it's him adjusting and not just a mean tempered little thing.

oh & most importantly, make sure the dog knows who "alpha" is!
otherwise, good for you for rescuing a puppy and providing a loving home!

**stinkbug** · 01-11-2008, 07:22 PM

I had a Llasa cross that I found as a stray that was the mellowist dog ever! I had a toddler and was pregnant when I got her.
Recently I had a ShihTzu that I got from the shelter. She was horribly neglected and about 8 years old. She had all kinds of social issues, especially with kids and would nip at my grandkids. But most of that was just her extreme bond with me and she didn't really like anyone else. We lost her last year when she was 15 :-(
Now...my friend has two Shih Tzus...one that is about 2 and a new pup. House training is a major issues with Shuh Tzus. I think the reason they are nippy is because they feel threatened....and they tend to be a little high strung. Puppy classes would definitely help, I think. And...puppies are a lot of work!!!

**wanderinggrandma** · 01-11-2008, 07:36 PM

Thanks ladies. I hope I'm just borrowing problems that really aren't there. I have been around Shih Tzu's--but never around a nipper/snarly one. They were pretty happy little dogs. I'm hoping its transititon/adjustment behavior.

Wookie has been introduced to a new world and is probably having second thoughts too. LOL I do worry about over-correcting the behavior.

**Missy** · 01-11-2008, 07:41 PM

Wookie!! Hahaha!! That is soooo cute!!!! Love it.

I found that our Papplion was the meanest little booger as far as bbeing nippy. maybe it's a little dog thing.

Good luck with Wookie (can I say again I LOVE the name, too sweet!)

**frugalfarmwife** · 01-11-2008, 07:55 PM

Don't let Wookie (giggling at the name!) rule the roost! Yep, you're the boss and he needs to know it, be the alpha! I've never personally known a lhasa or shih to be like this, probably just a baby thing, personally? I'd roll his little butt on his back and SHOW him alpha, lol.

CRATE TRAINING! And crate time when the grand babies are visiting.

Oh, and if his attitude doesn't change maybe a name change to Oscar? (the grouch).

Also, last thing, yep, little dogs think they're BIG BAD DOGS! My 10 pound rat terriers (aka the terrorists) beat up my 100 pound blood hound!

kj

**wanderinggrandma** · 01-11-2008, 08:35 PM

Crate training is in full swing. It is the only way to go IMO. I have the squirt bottle out and am using it. I guess I need a good nights sleep and to keep chanting "I can do this, I can do this."

Wookie isn't in charge, I just have to get that message in his stubborn little head.

Keep the ideas coming. I haven't done puppy for 13 years!! I am very rusty but I to can be retrained. LOL