Do Shih Tzus Bark a Lot? Barking, Screaming, and Howling Explained
How we researched this article: This guide follows the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) position on humane training, guidance from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and veterinary health information from the AKC Canine Health Foundation and Cornell University. Every source is listed at the end. Last reviewed: September 2026.
Call your vet right away if: your Shih Tzu suddenly screams or yelps when moving, jumping, or being picked up, or has a stiff neck, wobbly walk, weak back legs, or loss of bladder control. These can be signs of a spinal problem that needs urgent care.
The Short Answer
Some Shih Tzus bark a lot and some barely bark at all. Barking is normal dog communication. When it becomes a problem, there is usually a reason behind it, such as boredom, fear, wanting attention, or reacting to noises outside.
The fix is to find that reason and use reward-based training. Veterinary behavior experts advise against bark collars, shouting, and other punishment.
Why Shih Tzus Bark
- Alert barking. Reacting to the doorbell, people passing the window, or noises in the hallway.
- Demand barking. Barking for food, play, or attention, often because it has worked before.
- Boredom. Not enough exercise, play, or mental activity.
- Fear or anxiety. Barking at strangers, other dogs, or loud sounds.
- Being left alone. Barking, howling, or crying when separated from you.
- Excitement. Barking during play or when you come home.
- Pain or illness. New or unusual vocalizing can be a sign that something hurts.
Why Is My Shih Tzu Screaming or Howling?
Some Shih Tzus make high-pitched squeals when they are excited, such as when you come home. Others howl along with sirens or music, or cry when left alone. These sounds are usually normal.
A sudden scream or yelp is different, especially when your dog moves, jumps, or is picked up. The AKC Canine Health Foundation lists Shih Tzus among the breeds most commonly affected by intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a spinal condition. Cornell University lists crying out when moving and unusual aggression when touched among its signs. If your dog screams in pain, see your vet the same day.
How to Reduce Barking
1. Rule out pain first
The AVMA notes that how dogs feel can affect how they behave. If the barking or crying is new, start with a vet visit.
2. Manage the trigger
- Block the view from windows where your dog watches people pass.
- Use a fan or white noise to mask hallway and street sounds.
- Keep your dog in a quieter room when you have visitors, until training improves.
3. Meet your dog’s needs
- Give daily walks and short play sessions.
- Offer puzzle feeders and chew toys for mental activity.
- Keep a steady daily routine.
4. Reward quiet instead of noise
- For demand barking, wait for a moment of quiet, then give attention or the treat.
- Teach a “quiet” cue. When your dog stops barking, say the cue and give a treat right away. Practice in short sessions.
- For doorbell barking, practice with a recording at low volume and reward calm behavior, raising the volume slowly over days.
5. Help with being alone
If your dog barks or howls only when you leave, it may be anxious. Start with very short absences and build up slowly. For severe cases, talk to your vet.
What Not to Do
The AVSAB recommends only reward-based training methods for all dog training. Its position statement advises against aversive tools and methods, including electronic (shock) collars, prong collars, choke chains, and leash corrections. The AVSAB also warns that punishment can increase fear and aggression and teach a dog to hide its warning signs.
- Do not use shock, spray, or other bark collars.
- Do not yell. To your dog, it can sound like you are barking too.
- Do not reward barking by giving in to it.
When to Get Professional Help
If barking is severe, sudden, or linked to fear or aggression, start with your veterinarian. They can check for pain and refer you to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist or a certified trainer who uses reward-based methods. In British Columbia, the BC SPCA’s AnimalKind program lists trainers who meet humane training standards.
Related: Shih Tzu aggression and biting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?
It varies by dog. Most problem barking has a cause, such as boredom, fear, wanting attention, or reacting to noises, that can be addressed with training.
Why does my Shih Tzu scream?
Many Shih Tzus squeal when excited. But a sudden scream when moving or being picked up can be a sign of pain, including a spinal problem. See your vet the same day.
How do I stop my Shih Tzu from barking at the door?
Manage the trigger, then practice with a doorbell recording at low volume while rewarding calm behavior. Increase the volume slowly over time.
Are bark collars safe for Shih Tzus?
Veterinary behavior experts advise against them. The AVSAB recommends only reward-based training and warns that punishment can increase fear and aggression.
Why does my Shih Tzu howl?
Some dogs howl in response to sirens or music. Howling when left alone may be a sign of separation distress.
Sources
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Position Statements, including Humane Dog Training.
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Veterinary behaviorists: No role for aversive dog training practices. 2021.
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Preventing Dog Bites.
- AKC Canine Health Foundation. Overview of Intervertebral Disc Disease.
- Cornell University Riney Canine Health Center. Chondrodystrophy and Intervertebral Disc Disease.
- AnimalKind (BC SPCA). AVSAB’s position statement on humane dog training. 2024.
This article is for general information. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Read our medical disclaimer.
