Everyday more and more money is being spent on pets including the Shih Tzu. The professional Shih Tzu groomer is a rather unique entry in the professional world. Outside the family and the Shih Tzu’s vet, the professional Shih Tzu groomer is the one person closest to the Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy.

If you plan to use a professional Shih Tzu groomer, the groomer will see your Shih Tzu regularly either monthly or bi-monthly. A knowledgeable professional Shih Tzu groomer will be able to supply you with advice on matters of health, breeding, boarding and various Shih Tzu products. The extent to which the professional Shih Tzu groomer fills these roles affects the relationship between the groomer and Shih Tzu owner. A close bond between the family and the professional Shih Tzu groomer is desirable.

The Shih Tzu Grooming Shop:

Many professional Shih Tzu groomers start out in their basements or spare room in their house and then graduate to their own shop on Main streets in towns throughout the country. Although a Shih Tzu groomer should have knowledge of how to groom all breeds of dogs, specializing in the Shih Tzu breed can be a unique opportunity for those who love the Shih Tzu exclusively. The Shih Tzu breed is one of the top 10 favorite family pets. Their popularity continues to grow, therefore, to specialize in Shih Tzu grooming would definitely be a professional groomer’s own unique niche.

Quality training:

Be sure to seek out the best instruction available. This instruction should come from licensed, qualified instructors in state-approved locations with adequate space and facilities. Proper training is the most important part of your investment. Without proper training, there is no business. Good dog grooming instruction means training in grooming all breeds with access to dogs of as many breeds as possible. Specializing in Shih Tzu grooming can come later. The school’s reputation is most significant. Check with your State Education Department, the Better Business Bureau and other consumer agencies to determine the reputation of the schools you choose. Make a personal visit to the school.

Shih Tzu Grooming Shop Site:

Once you are fully trained and/or you have built up a customer base while working out of your home you begin to consider setting up a shop. Go where the action is. Shih Tzu pet owners will like locations in a good part of town, one with good parking. If funds allow, a busy shopping mall would be an excellent location for a Shih Tzu Grooming Salon.

An important factor to consider when deciding on a location for your Shih Tzu grooming shop is the element of competition. Is there already a grooming shop in your chosen location? And how long has the shop been in business? If the grooming shop has been in business for quite some time, you may want to choose another location.

Zoning

Most state laws are loose about zoning requirements for dog grooming shops and so would be the same case for a Shih Tzu grooming shop. Usually a commercial area or on a main street there are no problems with zoning. If you begin your grooming at home, you may have to cope with complaining neighbors if the traffic begins to become congested in the neighborhood, etc. You will need to check your local zoning laws in a case such as this.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: stainglassshihtzus.com stainglassshihtzus.com

Tags: dog grooming, groom, shih tzu

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A good obedience class to train your Chihuahua is always helpful. However, you don’t have to go to obedience classes. Many classes are especially for handling big, out-of-control dogs and may emphasize force methods to try and dominate and calm these dogs. These methods are not good for Chihuahuas, or any dog for that matter. If you run into instructors and classes like this, you are better off training your Chihuahua on your own or with other small-dog owners.

Old-fashioned force-training methods are ineffective and no fun for your dog either. Chihuahuas respond best to amendable training and only the gentlest of techniques.

Some guidelines to keep in mind:

• Guide, don’t force. Chihuahuas want to please you. Your job is to show them what pleases you. If you force a Chihuahua you might bring out that notorious Chi stubborn streak.

• Punishment does not work. Chihuahuas seldom require anything but a mild correction.

• Accentuate the positive. Reward your dog for behaviors that please you.

• Will work for food. Your Chihuahua will work better for training sessions if her stomach is not full. She will be more responsive to food rewards on an empty stomach.

• Happy endings. Keep sessions short and fun, no longer than 10 to 15 minutes. Begin and end each training session with something your dog can do well.

Chihuahuas are intelligent. Just because your Chihuahua lives a life of leisure does not mean she can’t learn tricks. Chihuahuas don’t hunt, herd or guard so they don’t have an opportunity to show off like some of the other breeds. Obedience and agility trials give Chihuahuas a chance to show what they can do. But you don’t have to compete in the competitions to enjoy training your Chihuahua. Training should be a fun time for both of you. Chihuahuas need to have some kind of schooling.

Clicker training works well for Chihuahuas. In clicker training you teach the dog that a “click” sound signals a coming reward. A clicker signal is used because it is fast, noticeable, and something the dog otherwise does not encounter in everyday life. Once the dog associates the click with an upcoming reward, you wait for the dog to do the behavior you want her to do. The instant she does so, you click to tell the dog her behavior deserves a reward. Then you give her the treat. If the dog makes a mistake, no treat. You just wait for her to do it right, then reward with a treat.

Connie Limon raises Shih Tzu puppies. She owns Little Guys Dog Clothes Shop. Purchase designer dog clothes and accessories for your Chihuahua and other toy breeds at: littleguysdogclothesshop.com littleguysdogclothesshop.com

Tags: chihuahua, dog clothes, shih tzu

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Tags: chihuahua, dog clothes, shih tzu

Does your little toy dog know who is in charge? Or do they think they are in charge? Some people are not bothered that their little toy dog seems to run the household and may mistakenly call this being “spoiled.” A better description would be lack of training or failure to set limits. The life of a little dog can become dangerous without some official “human” rules.

Dogs have excellent ability, senses and ways of communicating with us. They do need to learn the limits of living in our human society without allowing them to be “little people” who can just do as they please. Dogs are like children. They feel more secure and understand how they fit into the world around them when rules and limits are set for them.

Because small dogs are less dangerous and are capable of doing less harm, aggressiveness is often overlooked and uncorrected. People often put up with a small dog’s aggressiveness. However, all dogs are much more enjoyable when they are well mannered. A toy dog with good manners is an ideal companion. Teaching good manners to your small dog will allow him to be welcome everywhere he goes.

Obedience commands are the ideal way to teach small dog manners and prevent or correct problems. The first thing any dog or puppy should hear when he is headed for trouble is a stern “NO!” He must learn this word means to stop immediately whatever naughty thing he is doing. That “NO” should always gains his immediate attention. Remember to praise him when he does the right thing.

For a puppy to remain safe he needs to learn four or five commands. Teaching him the command “Wait” will keep him from jumping out in front of a car. Sit, Stay and Come are the other important commands to teach your toy puppy for his own safety. The commands of “Leave it” and “Out” are also important commands for the curious toy puppy. Begin training your toy puppy as soon as he has settled into his new home. Buy a good training book especially for the toy puppy and look for the gentle training methods. Even better is training classes with a professional trainer. Definitely learn whether or not the trainer has ever worked with toy breed dogs and puppies.

A toy puppy should also be taught to lie on his side at a very young age. This training is especially valuable for the toy breeds that have a lot of hair and will require regular brushing.

Even though your toy breed puppy is very small, and quite easily to pick up, and carry around, train him to wear a collar and leash as soon as possible.

Connie Limon raises Shih Tzu Puppies. Buy Designer Dog Clothes and accessories made especially for any toy breed dog are offered at: littleguysdogclothesshop.com littleguysdogclothesshop.com

Tags: dog clothes, shih tzu

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Tags: dog clothes, shih tzu

It’s widely believed that dogs originated over 17,000 years ago; recent DNA testing and closer fossil examination is suggesting that dogs originated as far as 150,000 years ago. However the dating in relation to the Bible seems a little far fetched. We know they were around in Bible days because it is mention in several passages.

Scientists and researchers have come up with several possible paths that the development of modern dogs has followed.
Dogs have lived and worked with humans in many different roles throughout the ages. Even today people are continually finding new ways in which dogs can enhance their lives, or perform useful services to people.

In order to understand dogs and their complex relationship to humans we need to look back to the origins of the species; and take a closer look at the habits of wolves.

Wolves are very social animals; they live in packs and derive not only assured survival but also enjoy relationships within the pack. We can clearly see evidence of wolves’ social structure systems if we look at our own dogs today.
In a healthy relationship the human is the alpha member of the pack. A less socialized dog is widely believed to think that he is the leader of your pack, instead of you - the owner.

Today it is widely believed that domestication is occurring at a much greater speed than was previously thought. It seems dogs are now born with highly prized traits.

Not only their temperaments but also the way they look is greatly changing. Scientists have had a tough time telling some skull and bone fragments apart. It’s mainly differences in the skull and teeth that scientists can sue to determine if the specimens are wolf or dog remains.

At a farm in Siberia researchers have been experimenting with foxes and how quickly they can be tamed. They believe that this might lead to an understanding of how our own dogs have evolved.

Researchers around the world are also becoming interested in the cognitions of our dogs and how our dogs have become accepted into our human social structures. History cannot trace the exact routes of wolf to dog.

Wolves are now on endangered lists around the world. Many valiant efforts are being made to curb the steady decline in wolf numbers.

Is it all part of evolution?

Dogs have evolved slowly from wolves and found a home with humans. They’ve become an essential part of human life. If all wolves had formed such relationships with humans they too might be assured of life without extinction.

It is far easier to envision a world without wolves than it is to imagine a world without Boston Terriers, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Shih Tzu’s or Pugs.

Steve Allison loves writing about dogs and manages the website

Tags: shih tzu, yorkshire terrier

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Tags: shih tzu, yorkshire terrier

Unfortunately, there are no cures for dog allergies. However, there are several things you can do to make life with your dog more comfortable:

1. Wash your hands frequently.

Wash your hands with soap and hot water immediately after handling your dog. If you are unable to wash your hands right away, avoid touching your hands with your face especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you have severe allergies and are in close contact with your dog, you may need to take frequent showers and change your clothes throughout the day.

2. Feed your dog a well-balanced diet.

Your dog’s diet should include some natural fat. This fat helps to make your dog’s skin less dry, resulting in less shedding. Talk to your vet about his recommendations on how to safely add fat to his diet.

3. Don’t allow your dog in the bedroom.

This tip takes a lot of discipline, but it does make a big impact on your reaction to allergies. Keeping your bedroom door closed is ideal because it keeps airborne particles away. Sleep on mattresses and pillows with hypoallergenic polyester fillings. Also, as an extra precaution, cover your pillows, mattresses, and box springs with plastic, zippered, allergy-proof covers.

4. Brush your dog often.

It is ideal to brush your dog daily. However, if you suffer from allergies, you’ll need to give another family member the responsibility of brushing the dog. If possible, the dog should be brushed outdoors. If you live alone with your dog, consider taking him to a professional groomer. You could wear a dust mask and gloves for brushing him in between grooming visits.

5. Bathe your dog often.

Check your dog’s current shampoo. It should be ahypoallergenic or oatmeal based shampoo. If it’s not, try switching brands. If your allergies can’t handle the bathing, have another family member be responsible for giving baths. Or, have your dog visit a groomer.

6. Wash your dog’s belongings.

Get into the habit of washing your dog’s bed, blankets, and toys on a weekly basis either by hand with a safe soap or in the washing machine.

7. Check your vacuum.

Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Air) filtration system. This type of system will help pull up and trap more of your dog’s dander from the floor.

Note: vacuuming is recommended over sweeping because sweeping can stir the dander into the air, rather than trapping and removing it.

8. Have carpets cleaned regularly.

Even though you use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filtration system, it is important to still have your carpets steam-cleaned throughout the year. Try to have this done at least quarterly.

9. Dust often.

Use a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces such as tables, shelves, window sills, wall hangings, lamps, and other furniture and accessories. If necessary, wear a dust mask as you clean. Reccomended cleansing solutions:Oti-Clens Cleansing Solution

10. Keep the air fresh.

Use an air purifier one that contains a HEPA. This type of system will help eliminate dander from the air.

The less a dog sheds the less dander it produces. The following breeds typically produce less dander:

Airedale

Basenji

Bedlington terrier

Bichon frise

Chinese crested

Irish water spaniel

Italian greyhound

Kerry blue terrier

Maltese

Poodle

Portuguese water dog

Schnauzers

Shih tzu

Soft-coated Wheaten terrier

Tibetan terrier

Wire-haired fox terrier

Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican hairless)

To read the Entire Article and the remaining allergy prevention tips go to: largedogbreedz.com/your-large-dogs-health/large-dog-grooming-techniques/dog-allergy-prevention-tips.html

For more largedogbreedz.com/your-large-dogs-health/” target=”_blank Dog Breed Health Tips, largedogbreedz.com/large-dog-breeds/” target=”_blank Large Dog Breed Profiles, and details on specific Dog Training Exercises, visit us at largedogbreedz.com” target=”_blank largedogbreedz.com

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