Are Shih Tzus good with kids?
Shih Tzus actually have a long history of being companion animals. Puppies can be an amazing addition to a family with children if children learn how to interact appropriately. On the opposite side of the coin, a Shih Tzu puppy must learn how to interact properly around children as well. It is a learning process that takes time, adequate training and patience.
Shih Tzu puppies are usually loving, affectionate, energetic creatures. Children possess similar traits which can be both positive and negative. On the one hand, your new Shih Tzu puppy and your child can run around and wear each other out. But, if the children and the Shih Tzu puppy aren’t taught the proper way to play, someone could get hurt.
Shih Tzus are a small breed. This puts Shih Tzu puppies at a very high risk of injury if rules and expectations aren’t in place. A Shih Tzu puppy from my responsible breeding program is only around 4 to 6 pounds at go home at 11 weeks.
It is important that all family members know how to properly interact with the new puppy. For example, if you’re not careful you may accidentally step on a puppy toe. It is important to be observant and slide your feet when walking near puppies. Some families even buy a bell to attach to their new puppy’s collar so they can hear the puppy coming. New owners can even take it a step further and hire a trainer to teach the children and the puppy how to properly interact. BringFido has a list of local trainers on their website: https://www.bringfido.com/.
If at all possible, I highly suggest that you purchase a Shih Tzu puppy for sale from a reputable breeder. A responsible Shih Tzu breeder doesn’t send puppies home before they’re developmentally ready. Often puppies are sent home before they’ve had the opportunity to complete socialization. Puppies learn lifelong skills from their mother and littermates during the critical socialization period.
Temperament testing is another tool that responsible breeders can use when placing puppies with young children. Temperament testing allows the Shih Tzu breeder to look at each puppies stable and adjustable traits. Shih Tzu puppies are sent to home environments that are in alignment with their unique temperament. For example, a puppy that displays extreme tenderheartedness and sound sensitivity might not do well in a home with young children. A puppy who scores low on tenderheartedness and is not sensitive to sounds would be a better match for a home with kids.
To sum things up, it is essential that both the puppy and the children feel safe and comfortable when they spend time together. If the children and the puppy learn to respect one another they are sure to become great friends. The bond between human and dog is nothing short of amazing.
