What Makes Shih Tzus Happy: 23 Happy Hacks

Shih Tzus owners are always asking what makes Shih Tzus happy, which is exactly what this article is all about.

After reading this article you should be able to understand all the necessary things you should be doing to keep your Shih Tzus happy.

I interacted with many Shih Tzu owners to draw up this post.

What you get from this post is actually coming from real Shih Tzu owners, not just some random online research.

I must say that you can only get the best out of your Shih Tzu if they are happy.

However, if you let your Shih Tzu to become obsessed or excited, it becomes a problem of its own.

Always strive to strike a balance to avoid unnecessary behaviors issues associated with over-excitement.

That been said, let’s jump into why you are here, which is what makes Shih Tzus happy.

Don’t forget to check out this post: 14 Shih Tzu Anxiety Symptoms & 11 Anxiety Hacks.

What Makes Shih Tzus Happy

Here is the list of things or activities that make Shih Tzus happy, which are as follows:

Plenty of attention

One of the best things you can do for your Shih Tzu is to provide plenty of attention consistently.

When a Shih Tzu is with his master, he is at his happiest.

Keep in mind that this is a companion breed, so anticipate them to cling to you.

Spending quality time with your Shih Tzu may be as simple as playing with him or simply hugging him on your lap.

Petting and cuddles

Shih Tzu is a small breed of dog that loves petting and cuddles from anyone, cuddles make Shih Tzus happy.

However, you should be careful in petting and giving your Shih Tzu cuddles, moderation is the key.

When you over pet or cuddle your Shih Tzu they can become over-excited and this can also become a problem on its own.

Since petting and cuddles make Shih Tzu happy, you can use petting and cuddles as a reward for good behavior.

Shih Tzu loves to take nap on their owner’s lap or while their owners are rubbing their tummy.

Regular rooming session

Shih Tzus, like other long-haired dog breeds, require frequent maintenance to maintain their happiness.

Your Shih Tzu will undoubtedly be bothered by an extremely long, knotted, and filthy coat.

In order to minimize infection and irritation, keep your Shih Tzus’s ears and paws clean.

To maintain their paw pads healthy and tidy, trim their nails and any extra hair growing between them.

Food puzzle toys

Shih Tzus are energetic small dogs who like playing, so their owners should keep lots of toys available.

Food puzzle of any type makes Shih Tzus happy and keeps them entertained and busy.

Stuffed toys are fun to play with, but be sure they don’t have any little attachments that might be bitten off and ingested.

You can provide a Kong stuffed with treats or frozen fruits that will keep your Shih Tzu happy and entertained.

Tummy rubbing session

Shih Tzus enjoy it when their owners touch their tummies in the proper manner; this makes them happy and strengthens their relationship with their owners.

A nice massage is something that most dogs, like most people, enjoy. It not only aids in relaxing, healing, and connecting, but it also feels fantastic.

Read more about: Shih Tzu Barking At Night: 8 Reasons & Solutions.

Sleeping

Most Shih Tzus will want to take a lengthy nap after playing, ideally on their owner’s lap, which makes them happy.

Shih Tzus are extremely loving and affectionate, and nothing makes them happier than snuggling with their favorite person under a warm blanket.

If their owner’s lap isn’t available, a soft toy or favorite toy will help them snooze off.

The Shih Tzu will happily snooze with it as long as it is a bit warm and comfortable.

Treasure hunts

Why not create a fun treasure hunt for your Shih Tzu if you’ll be gone for a few hours.

Hide a few of her favorite snacks around the house and see how many she can locate before you arrive.

Repeat the technique after a week, this time distributing the sweets in fresh locations.

It will encourage her to go out and explore while you are away, and this makes your Shih Tzus happy.

Treasure hunts make Shih Tzus happy even when you are at home, give it a try and see how excited your pup will be.

Sniffing around during a walk session

Are you looking for a quick and easy method to make your Shih Tzu happy? Allow them to sniff when out walking.

For many Shih Tzus, walks are about more than simply getting some exercise; it’s the one time of day when they get to observe what’s going on in the neighborhood.

When you go on a stroll with your pup, you use your eyes to see what’s going on, but your Shih Tzus uses their nose.

Allowing your pup to smell about on walks allows them to look out and investigate their surroundings.

Stopping for a few minutes and allowing your pup to smell everything will make their stroll more pleasurable.

Interactive toys

There are mind-stimulating toys available that can keep your Shih Tzu happy and busy all day long.

Keeping your Shih Tzu’s mind occupied is one of the most effective ways to keep them from being bored and sad.

Keep them engaged with items that are too large for them to swallow, such as small balls, soft toys, and interactive toys.

Have you seen the 24 Pros And Cons Of Shih Tzu You Should Know?

Playing with a ball

Over nearly everything else, every breed of dog prefers to play with a ball and Shih Tzus are not an exception.

It doesn’t get much easier than this when it comes to discovering easy methods to entertain a Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzus are always happy to have the ball, especially if you provide different colors of balls.

However, you need to be careful with your Shih Tzu and the ball as they can be overly obsessed with the ball, which becomes a problem on its own.

Removing their collar or leash

Consider taking your Shih Tzu’s collar off at night, when you’re inside your house, or when your dog wants to play in the yard.

Shih Tzus will undoubtedly appreciate the independence just as much as we do, always take off their collar when they are in a safe zone.

Furthermore, many Shih Tzus are bothered by the noise of jingling tags; to lessen it, tape the tags together or put them in a pouch made for that purpose.

Not being bored

Shih Tzus are a tiny dog breed with a lot of activity, however, they are prone to heat exhaustion and can’t manage it.

As a result, Shih Tzu will not receive enough activity; thus, it is best to keep them entertained and not bored.

Enrichment puzzles, new toys, trips to new locations, and learning new skills and behaviors are all great ways to give your dog additional cerebral activity.

Being busy with activities will keep your Shih Tzu happy and not bored.

Shih Tzus love being well-fed

Being well-fed is the most important aspect of a Shih Tzu’s happiness.

To ensure that puppies and adult dogs obtain their daily nutritional needs, give them three correctly portioned meals each day, or two for adult dogs.

Fresh items like broccoli, potatoes, and chicken liver may be used to make nutritious meals for your dog.

Always make sure your dog’s daily diet is nutritious, whether you’re feeding him wet food, dry food, or both.

Playing in snow and beaches

You could receive a mound of snow bigger than your Shih Tzu depending on where you live, but it won’t stop him from trying to jump into it.

Because Shih Tzus are fascinated with the white snow, snowy weather is also the perfect excuse to purchase your Shih Tzu a beautiful sweater.

Taking your Shih Tzu to the beach will be a lovely treat for him, and the fresh air will have him ready for a nap as soon as he gets home.

A clear window view of the outside world

Shih Tzus are such friendly small dogs that they are constantly curious about what’s going on around them and may pass the time while waiting for their favorite person to get home by watching what’s going on outside the window.

Shih Tzus are always happy to sit by the window side and watch the outside world, especially if you live in a busy area.

Leaving the windows open while you’re gone will keep your pup active.

If your pup is more prone to jump out the window, make sure you have safe screens on your windows.

However, you must properly socialize your Shih Tzus with other dogs, cats, and humans to avoid unnecessary barking at people passing by.

Playing hide & seek with rewards

Shih Tzus enjoy playing games, and playing indoor activities like hide-and-seek is a simple way to keep your Shih Tzus happy.

Allow your Shih Tzu to stay while you go find a hiding location for a game of hide-and-seek.

Once you’ve found a good spot, call your pup and reward them when they locate you.

This makes your Shih Tzu happy and increases bonding with your pup.

Destroying its toys

I understand what you’re thinking; after all, you just paid for it!

Allowing your Shih Tzus to wrestle her toys to the point of no return is actually in your pup’s best interest.

Dogs need to keep their natural instincts strong, and trashing toys is one way to do it.

It might also be a sign that it’s time to shake things up with the toys.

Being around treats dispensing toy

Hanging around and anticipating treats to fall out of the dispenser makes every Shih Tzu happy.

Treating your Shih Tzus with a treat dispenser provides them with a fascinating issue to solve and adds a lot of mental stimulation to their routine.

Increasing your Shih Tzu’s mental activity can also help to reduce undesirable habits like excessive barking and chewing.

On Amazon, you can get a variety of food dispensers that are sturdy, dishwasher safe, and allow you to choose the size of the hole through which the food/treats emerge.

Watching TV or YouTube animated series

It’s incredible how much Shih Tzus enjoy TV or YouTube animated series, not only watching them but also staring at them.

Shih Tzus like viewing movies of other dogs, cats, or even films of the outdoors, however, you must make them comfortable with it by watching it with them.

Get a computer and a playlist of entertaining dog videos. Who knows, maybe you’ll find the next online phenomenon right in your own house!

Sit back and watch the videos with your Shih Tzus and increase your pup bond. Don’t forget to cuddle your Shih Tzus and offer treats once in a while.

Visiting family and friends

Inviting your Shih Tzus to a social event is a simple approach to make them happy.

Allow your Shih Tzus to tag along the next time you go out to see your family or friends.

Shih Tzus are a sociable breed of dogs, and allowing them to socialize in a controlled environment rather than a dog park, which may be frightening and overstimulating, is a terrific method to allow them to do so.

The majority of Shih Tzus like going on rides, and surprise them with a lively social gathering is an added benefit.

However, just make sure you ask if your friends are comfortable having your pup around.

Seeing new toy weekly

Is your Shih Tzu’s toy collection dwindling? If this is the case, turning old toys may make them appear brand new once more.

Limit your dog’s toys to a handful at a time and rotate them every week or month, rather than leaving them out all the time.

When your dog hasn’t seen that squeaky hippo in a few weeks, he’ll be ecstatic when he sees it again.

However, if you have some cash you can always get new toys for your pup as they enjoy new toys. You can always rotate your pup toys if you can’t get new ones.

Regular massages

Regular massages will reduce your Shih Tzu’s stress levels and relieve any joint discomfort he may be suffering.

A gentle massage that penetrates the muscle, fat, and bones can help an anxious dog relax.

Massages on a daily basis might help your pup live a longer and healthier life.

Rubbing your Shih Tzu’s joints can help him get ready for physical exercise and then relax afterward.

Staying cool all day long

Most people are unaware that Shih Tzus are considerably more sensitive to high temperatures than they are, especially if they reside in hot areas.

Make sure your Shih Tzus have access to shade, fresh air, and cool water at all times.

Because Shih Tzus have a small snout, they are prone to heat exhaustion, so keeping them cool will make them happy.

I hope your question about what makes shih tzus happy was answered to your understanding.

Read more about: Do Shih Tzus Bark A lot: 13 Causes of Shih Tzus Barking & Solutions

Find out ways to keep your dog healthy.