Grooming tip - Trim your Shih Tzu's nails every 4 to 10 weeks

Trim your Shih Tzu's nails every 4 to 10 weeks. Some dog's nails grow more quickly than others and require more frequent clippings. Use nail clippers designed to trim dog's toenails and cut them after a bath as they will be softer then. Avoid cutting the quick, the red vein inside the nail. If you do, it will bleed.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Grooming tip - Brush your Shih Tzu daily

Brush your Shih Tzu daily. If you do not brush your Shih Tzu's coat, it will tangle. The tangles can cause pain, hot spots and even parasites to reside on your Shih Tzu's skin. Use a brush and comb to de-tangle the dog's entire coat. In addition to the body of the dog, brush his face, neck, ears, legs, feet, tail and belly. If you keep your dog's coat clipped short, you can lighten this brushing schedule to every few days.

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Grooming tip - Wipe your Shih tzu's face with a damp cloth after every meal

Wipe your Shih tzu's face with a damp cloth after every meal. Due to their short snouts, it's common for food to lodge itself around a Shih Tzu's mouth. Clean your Shih Tzu's mouth area after every feeding to prevent health issues caused by rotten food particles.

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Grooming tip - Use a shampoo and conditioner designed for dogs

Use a shampoo and conditioner designed for dogs when you bathe your Shih Tzu. While many dogs simply require shampoo, conditioner will help to keep your Shih Tzu's coat free of tangles. Make sure you rinse both the shampoo and conditioner completely out of your dog's coat. If left behind, the residue can lead to skin irritations.

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Grooming tip - Wash your Shih Tzu every 3 to 8 weeks

Wash your Shih Tzu every 3 to 8 weeks. The frequency of your washings will depend on your environment as well as the length of your dog's coat. Longer-haired Shih Tzus require more frequent washings as do those that spend a good deal of time outdoors.

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Grooming tip - Shih Tzu requires extensive grooming

The Shih Tzu breed of dog requires extensive grooming, due to its long, flowing coat. If left unclipped, the Shih Tzu's hair will grow to floor-length. Its long nature, coupled with its double coat quality, make the Shih Tzu's coat particularly prone to tangles and mats. The double coat consists of a woolly undercoat and a silky outer coat. While this double coat looks elegant, it means double the amount of hair that needs to be groomed.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your Shih Tzu's nails, face and teeth properly. If you are crunched for time, you can always take your Shih Tzu to a professional groomer. You can, however, properly groom your Shih Tzu at home.

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Owner guide - Walking with Shih Tzu

When walking your Shih Tzu, be sure to pull or tug him to your right leg. Do not let your puppy to run in front of you or ahead of you. You want to show your dog that you are the leader and pretty soon they will know the routine.

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Owner guide - In controlling your shih tzu, be positive

When your shih tzu disobeys, immediately punish him before he forgets why he is being punished. If your dog is stubborn, you can confine him to his cage. By the tone of your voice, a shih tzu knows he's done wrong. In controlling your shih tzu, be positive and consistent and never hit your dog.

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Owner guide - Start training your Shih Tzu while he is still a puppy

Start training your Shih Tzu while he is still a puppy. Be sure you let your puppy know who the boss is from the start, and never show the dog that you fear him. Bribing your dog is never helpful.

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Owner guide - Special tip for Shih Tzu's food

It is a good idea to add a small amount of garlic powder for flea control, parsley for good breath, and apple cider vinegar for expelling any toxins. These additives can be gven as often as you like, but only in very small amounts. If you follow this diet, and rough percentages, you will have a happy, healthy, and long lived Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover