A Shih Poo’s temperament depends on the temperament of its parent dogs. However, there are many typical behaviors of this designer breed.
Shih Poo’s are energetic and is typically excellent when interacting with others. They are sweet and adaptable but sometimes have an attitude. Overall, Shih Poo puppies are ideal for those who love to enjoy life.
Shih Poos don’t require lots of maintenance, but they like to spend time with their owners. However, some crucial aspects of owning a Shih Poo can impact their attitude towards you or others around them.
Let’s examine Shih Poo temperament to determine if this dog breed is right for you.
Before scrolling down this article “Shih Poo Temperament: Is This Dog Breed Right for You,” check out these other Shih Poo-related guides: Are Shih Poos Hypoallergenic? and Best Shih Poo Haircut Styles.
Can Shih Poo Be Left Alone?
Shih Poos don’t like to be left alone. As a result, they tend to become anxious. Separation anxiety affects many dogs.
Shih Poos also get anxious due to particular circumstances. Unfortunately, they can be startled and anxious by things in their environment. For example, weather changes or noises such as sirens can prompt anxiety.
Noise from fireworks or thunderstorms can also trigger anxiety and stress for the dog. If your Shih Poo has experienced a traumatic situation, they will create an association between a current situation and the feeling from that past event.
Furthermore, Shih Poo, like many dogs, become anxious and stressed if they are not expending enough energy.
Physical activity every day is a necessity for Shih Poo. Otherwise, they become bored, and that can quickly turn into feelings of anxiousness. These factors can help you determine if you can leave your Shih Poo home alone.
Shih Poo Anxiety Signs and Symptoms
Dogs display anxiety symptoms, but identifying them can sometimes be tricky. Shih Poos, for example, tend to place their anxiety on their environment.
For example, Shih Poos may pee on the furniture or try to destroy it. You should also be concerned if you notice excessive panting, trembling, pulling back, and whining when you approach them.
Other signs of anxiety include decreased energy, inactivity, decreased appetite, and exhibiting signs of depression. Signs of stress vary, and there are several, but if you notice your Shih Poo exhibiting any of the above symptoms, there are ways you can help calm your dog and put him at ease.
How To Help
You can provide your Shih Poo with security tools to help them get back to a calm state. Giving them a blanket, a security sweater, or a stuffed animal has all been proven effective.
Also, making what’s known as a safe zone for your Shih Poo can help immensely. These comfort spaces can be especially beneficial if your dog paces when having anxiety. A safe zone usually consists of a comfy dog bed and blankets.
You can also put treats and water in the space. You must keep this space as quiet as possible. It won’t help if there’s lots of noise or activity near this area while your Shih Poo is trying to calm down.
Calming treats are also something to try. It may help them transition to their new calm environment.
Do Shih Poos Bark a Lot?
Yes, Shih Poos typically bark a lot. This is a natural instinct from their Shih Tzu genetics. They may bark at other dogs when taken for a walk, the postman, neighbors, house guests, etc.
Although this can be natural for them, it does not need to be accepted, and there are ways to train your Shih Poo if you find him constantly barking at the world.
How To Train Your Barking Shih Poo
It’s possible to train your Shih Poo not to bark so much. Ideally, you want them to decrease how much they bark, not stop barking altogether.
Barking is the natural instinct of any dog, and you don’t want to take that away from them. But otherwise, it will result in your Shih Poo not even barking when necessary, like if there’s a threat nearby.
Here are some tips for training your Shih Poo to bark less.
Ensure They Are Active
Sometimes constant barking from your Shih Poo means they need to get out and run off some energy. If your dog isn’t engaging in enough physical activity, he will become unoccupied or, in other words, bored.
Regular exercise, such as walks and playing fetch, should be incorporated into the day so your Shih Poo receives enough exercise and playtime to stay occupied and burn off lots of energy.
Otherwise, they will remain excitable, giving them the urge to always bark.
Get Rid of Any Potential Stimuli
There may be particular reasons why your Shih Poo may be barking. The reasons can vary, however, it typically boils down to three reasons:
- Hunger and thirst
- Bored and lonely
- Feelings of anxiousness
Hunger and Thirst
Make sure your Shih Poo is getting enough to eat and drink. Dehydration or hunger can easily agitate them and cause them to bark continually.
Boredom and Loneliness
It’s important to keep your Shih Poo engaged in healthy activities daily. Providing them with physical activity and toys helps them to remain positively stimulated and occupied in activities other than barking.
Feelings of Anxiousness
As previously mentioned, Shih Poos can, unfortunately, feel anxious. It’s easy to trigger this anxiety which causes them to feel as though they are in danger. It’s best to make sure that their surroundings are relaxed and calm.
Eliminating any potential signs of danger or leading your dog to his safe zone can help provide comfort and calm during these stressful moments.
Are Shih Poos Aggressive?
Shih Poos are not considered an aggressive breed. A Shih Poos temperament is affectionate and they are sweet. Instead, they are known for being friendly dogs. It’s not typical for Shih Poo to be aggressive, but they can have an aggressive side. It’s very important to understand that if a Shih Poo is aggressive, there is always a reason behind it.
It’s also critical to point out that they are not a violent breed. However, in certain situations, they can show aggression as a sign of something wrong.
The circumstances in which a Shih Poo typically shows aggression are:
- If they are experiencing physical pain
- If they are afraid
- If they become possessive of their food or toys
- If another dog is attacking them
- If another dog shows signs of aggression
Signs your Shih Poo is showing aggression includes showing their teeth or using their teeth and claws in defense.
Preventing Aggression in Shih Poos
There are several ways to prevent your Shih Poo from being prone to aggressive behavior. The first measure you can take is to be aware of your environment. If you notice things are becoming hostile in your surroundings, always remove yourself and your Shih Poo.
Removing yourself and your puppy is the best way to avoid further problems. These situations can vary between other humans or other aggressive dogs. Just move as soon as you can and avoid conflict.
Another important step in preventing aggressive Shih Poo behavior includes teaching your dog how to interact appropriately with other people. You must train them to behave properly around house guests or family members.
Your Shih Poo needs to understand it’s inappropriate to cross boundaries with others. They shouldn’t be allowed to jump, startle, bite, or do anything else that will cause discomfort to others around them.
Lastly, you need to train and ensure they are socialized early on. This process is essential for Shih Poos to understand how to behave in the world around them.
In doing so, your Shih Poo will learn how to interact with other dogs and strangers. In addition, these experiences will teach them discipline and how to react in certain situations if they receive effective training.
If you’re wondering why your Shih Poo is so aggressive, it is probably because they need to be socialized or need further training. If this doesn’t help, it’s possible that another need isn’t being met, as was mentioned above.
Ensure you are patient and gentle during this process. Give them pets and positive reinforcement when they reach goals and milestones. Make sure to surround your Shih Poo with lots of love and comfort. Unfortunately, if they are feeling lonely or upset, it can cause them to behave aggressively.
Are Shih Poo Good Dogs?
Shih Poos are wonderful dogs. Although they can sometimes be stubborn, they are great companions and excellent family dogs. Every dog will have their shortcomings, but that doesn’t take away its value and what they have to offer as a pet. Shih Poos are very energetic, sweet, and loving.
They are the kind of breed that enjoys making others around them feel good and smile. Of course, it helps that they are highly intelligent, which means they can be quick learners.
Despite having a stubborn temperament, Shih Poos listen well to instructions, which is critical for dogs. Stubbornness during training is an indicator of how they may behave later on.
All in all, the Shih Poo is the perfect addition to any household. They will enjoy loving you and making sure everyone is happy and full of life just like they are.
What Is the Temperament of a Shih Poo?
Shih Poos also have an affectionate temperament. They are loving and easy to get along with. In addition, they are very outgoing and friendly, which makes them ideal family pets.
Shih Poos tend to get along well with children and even other pets. Overall, they are full of energy and love to be around others.
The Shih Poo get their calm and friendly nature from their parents, the Toy Poodle and Shi Tzu. However, it’s also important to note that a Shih Poo’s environment contributes to its temperament.
Also, their temperament depends on how they are socialized when they are puppies. Ideally, a healthy temperament develops if they learn to socialize as puppies with their siblings, parents, and new dogs they meet.
FAQs
Shih Poos tend to bark a lot. They tend to bark more if they develop anxiety or if they lack socialization. It’s in their nature, but they will bark less if they are comfortable in their environment. They can also be trained to bark less.
Overall, they are considered to be good pets for apartments and are usually easy to train. With training, socialization, and changes in their environment, you can reduce how much your Shih Poo barks.
Shih Poos are great dogs. A Shih Poo’s temperament depends on their parent’s temperament, but they are considered to be affectionate and friendly. These dogs are very loving and need to spend time with their owners. They love to play and typically enjoy the company of children. Most Shih Poos also enjoy meeting new people and dogs. Most Shih Poos are easy to train, however, some Shih Poos have a stubborn side.
Shih Poos don’t like to be left alone. Being alone for long periods of time may lead them to develop separation anxiety. However, there are ways to help them with this, such as making sure they get plenty of exercise, calm environments with stuffed animals, and interactive toys. Make sure to give them plenty of affection and attention during times you are home.
Conclusion For “Shih Poo Temperament: Is This Dog Breed Right for You”
If you’re considering a Shih Poo for a companion, you may be wondering about a Shih Poo’s temperament and if this puppy would make a good addition to your family.
While Shih Poos are known for barking, they are not an aggressive breed. They are friendly, good dogs, and if you take the time to train your Shih Poo and display courage when bringing him home, you’ll have a happy furry friend for life.
For more guides similar to this list showing Shih Poo temperament, check out these articles:
- When Is a Shih Poo Full-Grown?
- Top Shih Poo Rescues & Small Breed Rescues
- Best Dog Food for a Shih Poo
You can learn more about this breed by watching “Shih Poo: Shih Tzu and Poodle Cross Breed | Health, Care, Temperament and Training |” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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