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  • stacey bird
    • Puppy

    shih-shu issues!

    stacey bird

    Posted : 7/13/2007 5:13:23 PM

    I just aquired a 8 yr old shih-shu. First off-- he stinks! He has had 4 baths in the 6 weeks I have had him. He has seen a vet. I started him on Dynovite vitamins. -- so far nothing is working. Second, he growls at everybody! Granted he is a happy, people friendly dog. But he has niped at me, and the kids. He has been around children all his life but if you do something when he doesn't want you to he gets alittle irritated.  Looking for some help!
     
    Thanks
  • Workingdoglover
    • Gold Top Dog
    Workingdoglover

    Posted : 7/13/2007 6:47:44 PM

    What does he smell like?  I know that's an odd question, but different smells can mean different things...
     
    Since you just recently acquired him, he's probably still feeling a little insecure about everything, including you and your family and his new surroundings.  Be sure to make it clear that you're the boss (don't be mean to him or anything like that, but make sure he knows that YOU provide the food and such).  He may be scared and insecure, or he may just be testing you.  It's really difficult to tell without actually seeing the way the dog acts and reacts.
  • stacey bird
    • Puppy
    stacey bird

    Posted : 7/13/2007 8:17:37 PM

    He smells like wet dog-- so my friend thought-- But he isn't. She has a shih-shu and her dog doesn't stink at all. I realize the adjustment issues and I'm working hard to make sure he understands I'm his food source and owner. He for the most part does great with me, its my kids that he has some issues with! Problem with this is, I'm divorced so this summer, for the most part, he won't see the my girls! I think I have to give it till December to see if he is going to be able to handle that and by then we and he will feel pretty attached. On the stinky issue, hoping to get through the dynovite and see if it takes care of it! or switch dog food! thanks for your input.
  • tzu_mom
    • Gold Top Dog
    tzu_mom

    Posted : 7/13/2007 8:34:01 PM

    Hmmm, shih tzu should never have an odor---if they do its usually because they have rolled around in something smelly, but since this is not the case, it could be something as simple as the food you are feeding, or it could be some underlying health issue.  What are you currently feeding?  I do know another shih tzu owner on this board who complained of the "smelly dog" issue. She switched her dog from Purina One to Timberwolf Organics and has no more smelly dog problems.
  • stacey bird
    • Puppy
    stacey bird

    Posted : 7/13/2007 8:37:48 PM

    He smelled when I got him and she said he was just due for bath and anal glands to be done. Did that and he still stunk. Anyway, she feed him whatever- her words. So I got purina one senior. I am going to switch dog food. I wish it was as simple as him rolling around in something!! 
  • tzu_mom
    • Gold Top Dog
    tzu_mom

    Posted : 7/13/2007 9:08:07 PM

    It's certainly worth a try.  Some good choices:
     
    Timberwolf Organics--Dakota Bison, Wild & Natural--nice, small kibble size--both are popular choices with many shih tzu owners I know
    [linkhttp://timberwolforganics.com/s.nl/it.A/id.90/.f?sc=2&category=-102]http://timberwolforganics.com/s.nl/it.A/id.90/.f?sc=2&category=-102[/link]
    [linkhttp://timberwolforganics.com/s.nl/it.A/id.98/.f?sc=2&category=-102]http://timberwolforganics.com/s.nl/it.A/id.98/.f?sc=2&category=-102[/link]
     
    Solid Gold Wee Bits---I know a lot of shih tzu who do well on this
    [linkhttp://www.solidgoldhealth.com/products/showproduct.php?id=68&code=140]http://www.solidgoldhealth.com/products/showproduct.php?id=68&code=140[/link]
     
    Artemis Natural fresh Mix Small Breed--also a lot of shih tzu on this formula
    [linkhttp://www.artemiscompany.com/products_detail.asp?product=small_breed_adult]http://www.artemiscompany.com/products_detail.asp?product=small_breed_adult[/link]
     
    Eagle Pack Holistic Formulas
    [linkhttp://www.eaglepack.com/Pages/HS_Dog.html]http://www.eaglepack.com/Pages/HS_Dog.html[/link]
     
    Canidae  [linkhttp://www.canidae.com/]http://www.canidae.com/[/link]
     
    Naturapet Products : Innove, EVO, California Natural
    [linkhttp://www.naturapet.com/]http://www.naturapet.com/[/link]
     
    Natural Balance   [linkhttp://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/]http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/[/link]
     
    Wellness   [linkhttp://www.oldmotherhubbard.com/wellness/dog_index.html]http://www.oldmotherhubbard.com/wellness/dog_index.html[/link]
     
    I know there are more, but this is a good start
     
  • Luvntzus
    • Gold Top Dog
    Luvntzus

    Posted : 7/13/2007 9:35:00 PM

    If he's a happy, people friendly dog and he nips at you and the kids there's a good chance that he's being dominant and thinks of himself as the leader of your household. When you get out of line he nips you as a correction. If you google NILIF you'll find some really good advice about being the pack leader in a non confrontational way. It involves them staying off the furniture, eating after you, performing a command like "sit" for things they want, etc.

    If your dog is nipping because he's fearful NILIF will still help because dogs feel more secure with a strong pack leader and it makes them more confident.

    Or, it could be that your kids are overwhelming him. Even though he's friendly, he may not like sudden movements, loud noises and other stuff that kids usually do.

    The breed name is spelled Shih Tzu. You'll find a lot of info on the internet if you do a google search.

    Oops, almost forgot to comment on his doggy smell. I've heard people say that their Tzu had a doggy smell until upgrading from grocery store brands to premium/holistic foods. I recommend either Canidae or Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul. Both of those are very affordable and have really good ingredients. If you go to their websites they have a store locator.