How Shih Tzus Communicate With You: 17 Surprising Ways
Many Shih Tzu owners may not realize that these fluffy little companions have many ways to communicate with us. From body language and vocalizations to facial expressions and physical touch, Shih Tzus constantly tries to convey their needs, wants, and feelings to us.
In this article, we will explore 17 different ways how Shih Tzus communicate with you and how you can better understand and respond to your furry friend’s messages.
So, read on to be surprised at some of the things they do!
1. Barking
As any dog owner knows, dogs bark for a variety of reasons. For Shih Tzus, barking is one of the most common forms of communication. They may bark to warn of danger, greet you, get your attention, or express excitement or fear. If your Shih Tzu is barking excessively, it may indicate that something is wrong or that they feel anxious.
However, it’s also important to remember that barking is a natural part of being a dog. So, if your Shih Tzu is healthy and happy, take your time to silence their voice. Instead, take the time to listen to what they’re trying to tell you. It just might be the best conversation you have all day.
2. Whining
One of the most remarkable things about Shih Tzus is their high-pitched whining. Puppies often use this vocalization to signal to their mother that they are hungry or need to go outside. However, adult dogs may also whine when nervous, scared, or in pain. If your Shih Tzu is whining excessively, it is vital to take them to the vet to rule out any medical causes.
Understanding how Shih Tzus communicate, you can better interpret their needs and build a strong bond with your furry friend.
3. Howling
Howling is just one of the many ways that Shih Tzus communicate. This behavior is most often seen in bored or lonely dogs, as they are trying to get your attention. However, howling can also be a sign of distress or anxiety. If you hear your Shih Tzu howling frequently, you must take them to the vet for a check-up.
4. Growling
Shih Tzus are known for being sweet and cuddly, but they also have a unique form of communication; growling. It can be a sign of aggression, but it can also be a way for your dog to warn you of danger or express their fear or discomfort. If your Shih Tzu is growling excessively, it is important to consult with a trainer or behaviorist to help them learn how to express themselves better.
With proper training, your Shih Tzu can learn how to communicate their needs and wants better, and you can continue to enjoy all the snuggles you desire.
5. Sniffing
As any dog owner knows, dogs are always sniffing around. But for Shih Tzus, this isn’t just a habit – it’s how they communicate. When they sniff other dogs, they can gather information about that dog’s age, health, and social status.
Additionally, dogs will often sniff people to greet them and get their scent. If your Shih Tzu constantly sniffs you or other people, it could indicate they are not getting enough mental stimulation and need more exercise.
Shih Tzus also sniff before pooping or peeing to check for scent marking from other dogs. So the next time your Shih Tzu starts sniffing around, take it as a cue to give them more attention – they’ll surely appreciate it!
6. Licking
Shih Tzus are known for their affectionate nature, and one of the ways they express this is by licking their owners. But did you know that licking is also a form of communication by Shih Tzus (and other animals)?
When dogs lick their owners, it is often seen as a sign of affection. However, licking can also be a sign of stress or anxiety. If your Shih Tzu is licking excessively, consulting with a trainer or behaviorist is essential to help them learn how to cope better with stress and anxiety.
Excessive licking can lead to problems such as hot spots or skin infections, so it’s essential to nip this behavior in the bud.
7. Wag their tails
Shih Tzus are known for their friendly dispositions and cheerful dispositions. One of the ways that they communicate their happiness is by wagging their tails.
A tail wag can mean different things depending on the context, but generally, it’s a sign that your Shih Tzu is happy to see you. If you’re looking for a little extra dose of happiness, spending some time with your Shih Tzu will surely make you smile. From their adorable faces to their playful personalities, it’s no wonder that Shih Tzus are such popular companions.
So if you’re feeling down, spending time with your furry friend will surely cheer you up.
8. Tilt their heads
Have you ever noticed how dogs tilt their heads when trying to understand something? It’s a widespread behavior among dogs, and it’s one of the ways that they communicate with us.
When a dog tilts its head, it usually tries to get a better view of our face. It helps them read our expressions and pick up on any visual cues we give them. It also helps them better identify the direction of sounds, which can be very important in determining whether or not something is worth barking at.
So next time you see your dog tilting its head, take it as a sign that they are trying to understand you. And if you want to let them know you understand them, try tilting your head back at them. Chances are they’ll appreciate the gesture.
9. Yawning
A yawn is more than just a sign of fatigue; it’s also a way to communicate feelings. For example, when you see a friend yawn, it’s often a cue to start winding down the conversation.
Dogs also use yawns to communicate, and according to some experts, Shih Tzus are especially prone to yawn when stressed out. If you notice your Shih Tzu yawning more than usual, it may indicate they feel overwhelmed or anxious.
10. Snuggle up
One of the most critical ways Shih Tzus communicate is through body language. When they snuggle up close, they tell you they feel safe and comfortable with you. They are also seeking your warmth and protection. It is a powerful sign of affection and trust, so it’s important to reciprocate by giving them plenty of love.
If you’re ever feeling cold, remember that your Shih Tzu is always there to snuggle up and keep you warm.
11. Paw at you
When a Shih Tzu wants attention, they gently pat its owner’s arm or hand. It’s usually accompanied by an adorable puppy-dog face, which is hard to resist!
However, it’s important to remember that pawing can signal anxiety or stress. If your Shih Tzu starts pawing excessively, it may be time to consult with a veterinarian. But in general, this is just one of the many ways these lovable dogs let us know they need a little love and attention.
12. Urinate in inappropriate places
When it comes to communication, dogs have a variety of ways to let others know how they’re feeling. One of the most common methods is urine marking when a dog urinates in an inappropriate place to claim its territory.
Shih Tzus are notorious for being territorial and often mark their territory by urinating on objects or surfaces. While this behavior may not be ideal from a human perspective, it’s important to remember that it’s simply how Shih Tzus communicate.
13. Scratch themselves
It’s also how they communicate. When they’re itchy, they’ll scratch themselves and make a noise. It’s their way of telling you that they need to be scratched. They’ll keep grinding until they get relief if you don’t scratch them. So, if you have a Shih Tzu, give them a good scratch when they start making that noise.
14. Curl up in a ball
They make themselves as small and unthreatening as possible by curling up into a ball. It sends a clear message to whatever is causing them to fear that they are not a threat and should be left alone. In most cases, this will cause the aggressor to back off and leave the Shih Tzu alone.
Of course, this isn’t always the case, but it’s still a good way for a Shih Tzu to try to defuse a situation before it gets out of hand.
15. Stare at you
One of the most memorable things about Shih Tzus is their eyes. They can communicate everything they’re feeling with just a look. They’ll stare at you intently if they want your attention until you give them what they want.
If they’re happy, their eyes will crinkle up impossibly cutely. And if they’re sad or upset, their eyes will convey all the sorrow in the world. It’s no wonder that so many people find themselves powerless to resist the charms of these beautiful dogs. With just a glance, they can melt even the hardest of hearts.
16. Follow you
Most Shih Tzus are velcro dogs – meaning they love being close to their people and constantly follow them around the house. It’s how they communicate their affection and bond with their humans.
While some may find this behavior annoying, it’s pretty sweet and endearing. And, let’s face it, it’s better than having a dog that ignores you all day! So if you’re looking for a companion that will always be by your side, Shih Tzu is a perfect choice.
17. Sleep in bed with you
One way Shih Tzus communicates their love is by wanting to sleep in bed with you at night. While this may be convenient for pet owners who don’t want to make an extra trip to the dog bed every night, it’s essential to understand why Shih Tzus wish to sleep in your bed.
For one thing, Shih Tzus are pack animals and feel most comfortable when they’re close to their pack members. They also like to be close to their people to stay warm. And finally, sleeping in your bed gives them a sense of security and belonging.
So if your Shih Tzu wants to snuggle up with you at night, it’s best to let them. After all, it’s just one of the many ways they show their love.
Conclusion
If you have a Shih Tzu, it’s important to learn how they communicate to understand your pup better. By understanding their body language and vocalizations, you can provide the best possible care for them and create a strong communication bond. Have you ever seen your Shih Tzu do any of these things? Let us know in the comments below! And if you found this article helpful, be sure to share it with your friends.
