If you have a growing Shih Tzu puppy that likes to buzz around the house and seems to have limitless energy to get into things, you might be wondering at what age do Shih Tzus calm down?
What Age Do Shih Tzus Calm Down?
While it’s true that puppies sleep a lot, once they get to 6 or 7 months old, they can seem to have limitless energy.
They love exploring and getting into whatever they can.
No doubt, you’ve found one of your favorite shoes chewed on or maybe a leg of your dining room table.
So, when do they calm down a bit?
Most dogs, including Shih Tzus, calm down a lot by 2 years of age.
They are out of their puppy stage and teen years stage.
You should notice a change in their behavior.
But, keep in mind that smaller dogs, the toy breeds, age slower than larger dogs because they live longer.
So, it may take a bit more than 2 years for them to be the calm adult you’re hoping for.
Luckily, there are things you can do to help calm them down sooner and even as a puppy.
1. Exercise…Exercise…Exercise
They always say a tired dog is a good dog.
If your Shih Tzu isn’t getting enough daily exercise, they have to find a way to burn off that energy.
That can lead to destructive behavior.
The nice thing about Shih Tzus is it doesn’t take all that high of an activity level to burn off the excess energy.
A 20 minute walk a couple of times a day will go a long way.
And if you can’t get out for a walk, a fast game of fetch in the house for 15 to 20 minutes will do the trick.
A Shih Tzu is a wonderful family pet, so if you have kids or grandkids get them involved in walking your pup and playing with them.
As long as your dog doesn’t have any health issues that prevent them from exercise such as hip dysplasia, then you are good to go.
My Truman is an older Shih Tzu now and he does have hip dysplasia, so he can’t walk or run like he did when he was younger.
But as a young adult, he loved to go for walks and run after his toys.
It really took the edge off and he was always a good boy and didn’t get into things as some dogs do.
2. Training
If your Shih Tzu is really acting up, you might want to consider training.
Whether you do it at home or go to a professional training class, it can really help.
Just keep in mind that Shih Tzus tend to respond better to positive reinforcement than negative.
If you’re dealing with a puppy, you will want to wait until they are a bit older before you take them to a class.
Six months of age is a good time to start.
A lot of pet owners that I’ve talked to find that taking your Shih Tzu to a class is an easier way to help them learn than doing it yourself.
However, if you are good at training and have the time and patience then doing it yourself is a great way to go and you can save some money.
Just be sure to have some training treats on hand.
And you’ll want to keep your training sessions to about 15 minutes long.
Any longer than that and your Shih Tzu will lose focus.
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3. Mental Stimulation
Something else you should consider is that Shih Tzus need a lot of mental stimulation.
They like to stay active and they have an active mind.
Try to provide them with toys that will keep them happy and busy for a longer period of time.
If your Shih Tzu has any health conditions that might make play difficult for them, then be sure to consult your vet to get their opinion on what the right option is for your dog.
As your Shih Tzu’s human family, it is up to you to keep them busy, happy, and out of trouble.
Don’t expect your dog to do that for you.
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To Sum it All Up:
If your Shih Tzu is kind of hyper be sure they are getting plenty of exercise and meeting their exercise requirements. This will help calm them down easier than anything. As pet parents, it is your job to find ways to provide entertainment and exercise for your Shih Tzu. Shih Tzus are great family dogs so get your kids involved as well. This will help keep their energy levels in check and reduce the chance of any dangerous behavior that might hurt your dog or destroy your home.
Please Note: This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your Shih Tzu or have any health concerns. This article should not be considered in any way as veterinarian advice.
