Shih Tzus are affectionate, friendly, and playful dogs, making them a great choice for families with children. However, like any dog breed, a Shih Tzu needs proper training, supervision, and socialization to ensure a safe and positive interaction with kids. While they are known for their loving nature, they are also small and delicate, which means both the dog and the child need to learn how to respect each other’s space and boundaries.
Ensuring a harmonious relationship between a Shih Tzu and children involves teaching kids how to interact with dogs, setting clear rules, and providing proper care and training for the pet. In this guide, you will learn the best ways to help your Shih Tzu and your children build a happy, respectful, and safe bond.
Is a Shih Tzu a Good Dog for Families with Children?
Yes, a Shih Tzu can be an excellent companion for families with children, especially those who are old enough to understand how to treat a small dog gently. Shih Tzus are known for their playful and affectionate personality, and they often love being around people, including kids. However, their small size and fragile body mean they are not as sturdy as larger breeds, so interactions with young children need to be supervised.
Why a Shih Tzu Can Be a Great Family Dog
- Gentle and Affectionate Nature – Shih Tzus thrive on companionship and love being close to their family members.
- Playful Personality – They enjoy playing with children and can be very entertaining.
- Adaptability – Shih Tzus can live in apartments or houses, making them a great fit for different family lifestyles.
- Low Aggression – They are not typically aggressive, making them a safer choice for families.
While these traits make them wonderful pets, it’s important to remember that each dog is unique, and early socialization and training play a major role in how well they interact with children.
How to Introduce a Shih Tzu to a Child
1. Create a Positive First Meeting
The first introduction between a Shih Tzu and a child should be calm and controlled.
- Allow the dog to approach the child at their own pace rather than forcing interaction.
- Keep the child calm and seated to avoid overwhelming the dog.
- Reward the Shih Tzu with treats and praise to create a positive association with the child.
2. Teach the Child How to Approach the Dog
Children must learn how to approach and handle dogs respectfully. Teach them to:
- Move slowly and speak softly to avoid scaring the dog.
- Let the dog sniff their hand first before petting.
- Avoid grabbing, pulling, or squeezing the dog’s fur, ears, or tail.
- Never pick up the dog without adult supervision, as improper handling can injure a small Shih Tzu.
3. Supervise All Interactions
Never leave a young child and a dog alone together without supervision. Even the gentlest dog can react negatively if startled or hurt.
- Watch for body language indicating discomfort, such as ears pinned back, tail tucked, or growling.
- If the dog tries to walk away, teach the child to respect their space.
- If play becomes too rough, gently separate them and redirect their attention.
Training Your Shih Tzu to Be Gentle with Children
While children need to learn how to respect a dog, the Shih Tzu also needs training and socialization to feel comfortable around kids.
1. Early Socialization
If you have a Shih Tzu puppy, expose them to different people, including children, so they grow up feeling comfortable in various situations.
- Let them experience different sounds and environments gradually.
- Invite friends or family members with well-behaved children to interact with your dog.
- Use positive reinforcement (treats and praise) whenever your Shih Tzu remains calm around children.
2. Teach Basic Commands
Training your Shih Tzu in basic obedience commands will help ensure safe interactions. Teach:
- “Sit” and “Stay” – Helps prevent the dog from jumping on children.
- “Gentle” – Reinforces soft and controlled behavior.
- “Leave it” – Helps if the dog tries to grab a child’s toy or clothing.
- “Come” – Encourages the dog to return to the owner when needed.
A well-trained Shih Tzu is easier to manage and less likely to develop behavioral problems around kids.
3. Set Boundaries for Both the Dog and the Child
It’s important to establish rules for both your child and your Shih Tzu.
- Teach the child that the dog’s bed, food, and toys are private spaces.
- Make sure your Shih Tzu has a quiet retreat area where they can rest undisturbed.
- Avoid encouraging rough play that could lead to accidental biting or scratching.
Common Challenges and How to Solve Them
1. Shih Tzu Barking at Children
Shih Tzus can be vocal, and some may bark at children if they feel nervous or overstimulated.
- If barking happens, redirect their attention with treats or toys.
- Teach children to avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may trigger barking.
- Socialization and gradual exposure will help reduce excessive barking over time.
2. Shih Tzu Snapping or Growling at a Child
If a Shih Tzu growls or snaps, they may feel threatened or uncomfortable.
- Identify the cause—is the child being too rough, or is the dog feeling territorial?
- Never punish growling—this is your dog’s way of communicating discomfort. Instead, remove them from the situation.
- Work on positive reinforcement training to build a more comfortable relationship.
3. Children Becoming Too Rough
Young children may unintentionally hurt or scare a small dog by being too rough.
- Always supervise interactions to prevent accidental harm.
- Teach children that a Shih Tzu is not a toy and must be treated with care.
- Encourage gentle petting instead of pulling or grabbing.
Best Practices for a Happy Relationship Between a Shih Tzu and a Child
1. Encourage Respect and Love
Helping a child develop kindness and empathy toward animals is key to a successful relationship with a Shih Tzu. Show them how to:
- Care for the dog by helping with feeding, brushing, or giving treats.
- Recognize when the dog wants to play and when they want to rest.
- Always treat the dog with love and patience.
2. Involve Children in Basic Care
If the child is old enough, let them participate in simple tasks like:
- Filling the dog’s water bowl
- Brushing the dog’s coat gently
- Handing out small treats during training sessions
This helps build responsibility while strengthening the bond between the child and the dog.
3. Create Positive Experiences Together
Plan fun activities that both the child and the Shih Tzu can enjoy, such as:
- Playing gentle fetch with a soft toy
- Going for short walks together
- Setting up a calm cuddle time with the dog on a soft blanket
Final Thoughts
A Shih Tzu and a child can form a beautiful and lasting friendship when their interactions are guided with patience, respect, and understanding. Teaching children how to treat a small dog properly and ensuring that the Shih Tzu feels safe, loved, and well-trained will create a peaceful and happy household. With the right approach, your child and your Shih Tzu can become the best of friends for many years to come.