If you’re the proud owner of a Shih Tzu, you already know how much joy they bring to your life.
But did you know that there are certain activities that make them even happier?
In this blog article, we’ll explore 18 activities that are sure to keep your furry friend content, healthy and smiling all day long!
What Makes Shih Tzus Happy
There is no single answer to this question as different shih tzus will have different things that make them happy. However, some things that may make a shih tzu happy include playing with their toys, getting lots of attention from their family and friends, getting to cuddle with their owner, and being able to run around and play.
There are many things Shih Tzus enjoy doing. However, let’s explore the activities that are sure to keep your furry friend content, healthy and smiling all day long:
1. When they’re Playing fetch
The best way to make your Shih Tzu happy is to play fetch. It’s one of the most fun activities you can do with him, and it’s also a great way for you to bond with him.
Playing fetch will help keep his mind sharp and active, plus it’ll give you time to bond together.
Playing fetch is also an excellent way for you to get exercise so that you can spend more time cuddling with your Shih Tzu.
2. When they are picked up and cuddled
Shih Tzus are known for being friendly little dogs that love to please their masters.
They are often considered as one of the best family dogs, and they make great companions for children.
Shih Tzu dogs are very intelligent, they have a lot of energy, and they can play all day long.
If you want to be able to relax with your Shih Tzu at home, then you should know that this breed needs a lot of exercise every day.
Shih Tzu dogs are very affectionate and loving animals, so if you have a Shih Tzu puppy who is just starting out his life as an adult dog, then he will definitely enjoy being held in your arms while he sleeps on your lap at night time.
3. Exercising
Shih Tzus are active dogs, but they need a good amount of exercise.
Shih Tzus can be sedentary indoors, so they need to get out and get some physical activity every day.
Exercise should be an enjoyable experience for your Shih Tzu.
If you’re looking for something fun to do with your dog, consider going on a hike or taking him to the dog park.
You can also take him for a swim in your local lake or river if it’s warm enough.
Shih Tzus love to run around and play fetch with their favorite toys or balls, but make sure that he does not overdo it on exercise because he could become overweight or develop arthritis later in life if he is not physically active enough.
4. Attending dog-related events
Dogs are a lot like people: they love to have fun, they love being active and they love socializing.
But it’s not just play time that makes shih tzus happy — they also thrive on attention and affection.
Attending dog-related events is one of the best ways to get your shih tzus excited and engaged.
Whether you’re going out for walks or to the park, taking part in an obedience class or playing with agility equipment, there’s no better way to keep your pup mentally stimulated and physically fit than going on adventures with them.
5. Playing in the water
One of the best ways to make Shih Tzus happy is by playing with them in the water.
This is a very low-key activity that can be done anywhere, anytime.
The two of you can play together, or you can play separately and then meet up later.
The key is that you need to have fun while doing it! If your dog is bored, he will show it by being aggressive or just going off on his own.
The more excited your dog gets, the happier he will be.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try throwing some toy bones into the water as well as treats! This will keep your dog entertained for hours at a time!
6. Napping
This is the best way to make your Shih Tzu happy.
Napping is a normal part of life for a Shih Tzu, especially if they have been bred to be lap dogs.
They love to snuggle up with their humans and take naps in the middle of the day, but they also need to be allowed to rest during the night too.
This means that you should never wake a sleeping dog unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Some owners believe that this can cause anxiety or other problems in dogs that feel they are being left out of important activities, but these are not caused by lack of sleep and can be easily fixed by allowing them to nap during the day as well as at night.
7. Traveling
This is one of the best ways to keep your Shih Tzu happy and healthy.
Traveling with your pet, even if it’s only for a few days at a time, gives both you and your dog a break from routine and stress.
Your dog will also get exercise while you travel, which can be beneficial for his health.
If you’re traveling by car or plane with your Shih Tzu, make sure that you bring plenty of treats and snacks for him as well as water bottles for both him and yourself.
You should also consider taking along toys that he can play with during the trip.
8. Treating their owners to a special meal
Shih Tzus are the smallest of the four dogs, and they have a reputation for being the most friendly.
They have been known to lick their owners’ faces, sit on your lap and put their paws on your shoulders.
They’re also very intelligent — they can figure out how to open doors, turn on lights and even play fetch with tennis balls or Frisbees.
But what makes Shih Tzus happy? Here are some tips from Dr. Stanley Coren:
Treat them to a special meal. His favorite dinner is chicken, rice, broccoli and rice cakes — basically anything that’s healthy for him but doesn’t cost much money!
He also likes macaroni and cheese (but not too much of it).
He doesn’t care for hamburgers or hot dogs, so he gets them once in a while as treats only.
9. Watching their friends play
Shih Tzu dogs are not only small but also incredibly cute.
This means that whenever you go for a walk, your dog is bound to attract attention from other people and dogs.
With this in mind, it’s important that you train your Shih Tzu puppy properly.
One way that owners can train their Shih Tzu is by watching them play with other dogs.
The key is to make sure that the two dogs get along well and have no problems playing together.
This will allow you to teach your Shih Tzu how to play safely with others without getting hurt.
Another great way of training your Shih Tzu is through teaching him commands such as “sit” or “shake.”
These techniques can be used throughout their lives so that they will always respond when called upon.
10. Playing in the yard
Shih Tzus are very active dogs. They love to play, so it’s important that they have a yard they feel comfortable in.
If you have a Shih Tzu who loves to run around and play in the yard, you need to find ways to keep him entertained and happy.
One way is by giving your dog lots of toys. This will give him something to do with his time, especially when he’s bored or nervous about something new like going for a walk or meeting new people or other animals in the neighborhood.
Another way is by letting your Shih Tzu run free! You can let him out into the backyard or even into an area where there’s lots of grass and not much else around it.
Just make sure you keep an eye on him so he doesn’t get into trouble with anything dangerous like electricity lines or broken glass!
11. Jumping on the furniture
The Shih Tzu is a very happy dog. They’re friendly, playful and love to play with other dogs and people. But they don’t always play well with other dogs.
They are very athletic and love to jump on the furniture or other objects like your legs!
This can be a problem when you have small children who cannot control their jumping on the furniture.
The Shih Tzu also loves to chew on things like shoes, toys and furniture items that are not designed for chewing.
This is why you will find them chewing on anything in sight when they are bored or upset.
12. Being around people
Shih Tzus are known for being friendly and loving. They love to play with you, they love to be petted and they love to be part of the family.
Shih Tzus are very social animals that love to be around people.
They enjoy being with their human companions and will do best if they have a large fenced in yard where they can run around freely.
They can get bored easily if left alone too long so it’s important to make sure they have plenty of toys, food and treats on hand at all times!
13. Listening to music
One of the biggest things I’ve learned about Shih Tzus is that they love to listen to music.
They will sit on your lap and listen to a cd or you can put on a Pandora station and they’ll sit with you while you work.
I have one little dog who likes to lay in my lap while we watch movies together, but she’s not nearly as much of a cuddler as my Shih Tzus are.
They just love being around me and if they’re not in front of me they’re laying next to me or stuffed animal or toy.
Listening to music is also great because it helps them relax after all the running around we do during the day, but it also gets them ready for bed time so that when we put them down for their naps they fall asleep quickly and easily!
14. When their owners are happy and affectionate
Shih Tzus are very affectionate, and they love to be around their owners.
If you are a happy, outgoing person, your Shih Tzu will have a hard time staying away from you.
Shih Tzus like to be with their families and in their homes.
They don’t do well in kennels or dog parks because they aren’t comfortable with other dogs.
They are very friendly toward children and adults, so if you have kids or live in a family home with older adults, this breed might be right for you!
15. When they are allowed to sleep in a warm bed
Shih Tzus are very affectionate and love to be with people, but they need to be with their family. They don’t do well if left alone for long periods of time.
The first thing that makes Shih Tzus happy is when they are allowed to sleep in a warm bed.
This is because the temperature in their skin affects how happy they are.
When it’s cold outside, it will make them feel lonely and sad, so being able to lay down in front of a fire or by the window is a good way to keep them contented.
Another thing that makes them happy is if they have someone to play with.
They love to cuddle up with their owners while they watch TV or play games on their computers or tablets!
16. When they are given treats
Shih Tzus are loving, loyal dogs who love to be around people. They are considered to be one of the most intelligent breeds.
They are very athletic and love activities such as playing fetch, running, hiking and even swimming.
Shih Tzus are known for being active and curious dogs who love to explore their environment.
They can get bored easily so it’s important that you give them some toys throughout the day to keep them occupied. They also love to play with other dogs and children, which is why they make great family pets.
Shih Tzus have a very high energy level compared to other breeds, which means they need plenty of exercise each day.
If you don’t provide them with this activity then they will become destructive or anxious around your home.
17. When they are allowed to chew on bones
Shih Tzus are extremely smart dogs. It’s not uncommon for them to be able to understand things that humans can’t.
They’re also known for their adorable faces and playful ways, but one of the most important things that makes Shih Tzus happy is being allowed to chew on bones.
If you have a dog that loves chewing on bones, then consider having your pet chew on bones that aren’t real ones.
Having a dog chew on plastic or rubber bones will not only cause an injury to your pet, but it can also cause an injury to your mouth if the toy isn’t strong enough.
If you don’t have any real bones in your home, then try finding some plastic or rubber ones at the store where you buy any other toys.
The main thing is that they should be small enough so that your dog won’t choke on them, and big enough for them to hold onto easily as well.
The purpose of these toys is not only for entertainment purposes; they’re also used as dental chews by many pets!
You should always supervise when giving your dog any type of toy that he or she might play with in order to prevent injuries from occurring
18. When they are allowed to sleep in the sun
When it comes to Shih Tzu, one of the most obvious things that makes them happy is when they are allowed to sleep in the sun.
They love being outside and soaking up the sun’s rays. This can be done at any time of day and they will be happy with this arrangement as long as they are given enough attention.
Shih Tzus also like to bask in the sunlight when they are relaxing at home or out on walks.
They do not mind when you hold a hand or pet them while they are laying down; however, if you want their full attention and respect, then you should refrain from doing so.
They also enjoy playing with balls and other toys, so if you want your Shih Tzu to be more active, then try getting him or her a ball or toy that will keep them occupied for hours on end.
Read more; 9 Easy Steps to Train Your Shih Tzus to Behave Around Cats
11 reasons to consider as to why Shih Tzus Sleep So Much
What Do Shih Tzus Like To Do To Make Themselves Happy
The following are what Shih Tzus will like to do to make themselves happy:
- Play and run around
- Eat their favorite treats
- Touch and be touched
- Be near their families
- Bark and wag their tails
- Nap
- Play with their toys
- Get their nails done
- Eat their favorite type of food
- Play outside
What Are Some Things That Make Shih Tzus Unhappy
The following are some things you do to your Shih Tzu that will make them unhappy:
- If their human is not paying enough attention to them
- If their human is constantly away from home
- If their human does not provide enough love and affection
- If their human does not provide enough exercise and playtime
- If their human does not provide a stimulating environment
- If their human does not provide enough food and water
- If their human does not provide enough sleep
- If their human does not provide enough grooming
- If their human does not provide enough privacy
- If their human does not provide enough space
How Can People Make Shih Tzus Happier
The following are common ways people can make Shih Tzus happier as the case maybe:
- Touch them – whether it’s a quick pet on the head, a back scratch, or a long, slow pet on their back, Shih Tzu’s love being touched.
- Feed them – whether it’s a small snack or their favorite meal, Shih Tzus love getting their tummies scratched and their bellies filled.
- Play with them – whether it’s a game of fetch or a romp in the yard, Shih Tzus love getting their energy out.
- Talk to them – whether it’s a simple “hello” or a long conversation, Shih Tzus love to be around people who are interested in them.
- Take them for walks – whether it’s around the block or on a longer adventure, Shih Tzus love getting out and about.
- Give them a bath –
Takeaway: There is no one perfect way to keep a Shih Tzu entertained, as they are creatures of infinite curiosity and activity.
However, providing plenty of opportunities for physical and mental exercise, playing with their friends, and providing regular treats will keep them happy and healthy.
