As a Shih Tzu breeder with 25 years of experience in breeding, training, and grooming, I know firsthand how important mental and physical stimulation is for this intelligent and affectionate breed. A bored Shih Tzu can become frustrated, anxious, or even destructive, leading to unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or restlessness. Fortunately, there are plenty of engaging activities that can keep your Shih Tzu entertained, even when you're busy.

Here are my top five boredom busters for Shih Tzu:
1. Interactive Puzzle Toys
Shih Tzu are bright little dogs that thrive on problem-solving activities. Interactive puzzle toys challenge their minds and keep them occupied while working for treats. Snuffle mats, treat-dispensing balls, and puzzle feeders encourage mental engagement, preventing boredom while offering a rewarding experience. If your pup is new to puzzle toys, start with an easy level and gradually increase the difficulty as they master each one.
2. Training Sessions and Trick Learning
Training is not just for puppies—Shih Tzu of all ages love to learn new tricks and commands! Short, positive training sessions provide mental stimulation and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Teach basic commands like "sit" and "stay," or have fun with playful tricks like "spin" or "high five." Shih Tzu respond best to positive reinforcement, so be sure to use treats and praise to keep their enthusiasm high. Even just 5-10 minutes a day can make a big difference in keeping their minds active.
3. Scent Games and Hide-and-Seek
Engaging your Shih Tzu’s natural scenting abilities is a fantastic way to alleviate boredom. Hide treats or their favorite toy around the house and encourage them to sniff them out. You can also play hide-and-seek with yourself! Ask your Shih Tzu to stay in one place, then hide in another room and call their name. This game provides both mental stimulation and light physical activity while reinforcing recall skills.
4. Rotating Toys and Chews
Variety is key when it comes to keeping a Shih Tzu entertained. Instead of leaving all their toys out at once, try rotating them every few days to maintain interest. Durable chew toys, soft plushies, and safe dental chews keep them engaged without requiring intense physical exertion. For extra fun, freeze a Kong toy filled with peanut butter (make sure there is no xylitol or Birch Sugar) or yogurt for a long-lasting treat that will keep them happily occupied.
5. Calming Mental Activities
Boredom relief doesn’t always mean high-energy play. Many Shih Tzu enjoy quieter activities that provide mental engagement without physical exertion. Gentle brushing sessions, snuggling with a lick mat covered in spreadable treats, or even listening to soothing music designed for dogs can help ease anxiety and provide entertainment. Some dogs even enjoy watching "dog TV" videos with moving animals or nature scenes. These low-energy boredom busters are great for older dogs, puppies, or those recovering from an illness or surgery.
Boredom is More Than Just Physical Activity
​Many dog owners assume that preventing boredom means constant physical exercise, but that’s not necessarily true—especially for Shih Tzu, who are companion dogs rather than high-endurance athletes. Mental stimulation is just as important, if not more so, for keeping your Shih Tzu happy and well-balanced. Activities like problem-solving, learning new tricks, and engaging in scent work provide deep satisfaction without requiring high energy levels. The key is to provide variety and enrichment suited to your Shih Tzu’s personality and activity level.
Looking for more ways to keep your Shih Tzu entertained? Visit our Amazon Shopping List featuring some of our favorite brain-stimulating toys and activities: https://a.co/al4vVdT.
For more expert tips on training, grooming, and caring for your Shih Tzu, explore our past blog posts and check out all the resources available on our website: shurbeezshihtzu.com. Keeping your Shih Tzu mentally engaged leads to a happier, healthier, and more well-behaved companion!

The Pros and Cons of Grooming Your Own Shih Tzu at Home
Grooming is an essential part of caring for a Shih Tzu. Their luxurious, flowing coats require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best and staying free of painful mats. If you own a Shih Tzu, you may be wondering whether to take your pup to a professional groomer or try handling grooming at home. There are benefits and drawbacks to both approaches, and in this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of grooming your Shih Tzu yourself.

Cost Savings: The Long-Term Benefit of DIY Grooming
One of the biggest advantages of grooming your Shih Tzu at home is the cost savings. A simple professional groom typically costs between $85-$100 per session. Given that most Shih Tzu require grooming every 4-6 weeks, the cost can add up quickly. Over the course of a year, that’s anywhere from $740 to over $1,300 spent on grooming services alone.
On the other hand, investing in a good set of grooming tools is a one-time expense. A high-quality clipper, shears, brushes, combs, and a grooming table can range between $150-$300. This means that after just two or three grooming sessions, your tools will have already paid for themselves. You can find some of my favorite grooming tools on the Products We Love page on my website.

The Learning Curve: Patience Required
While the cost savings are undeniable, grooming your Shih Tzu at home does come with a learning curve. Grooming a Shih Tzu is not as simple as trimming a short-haired breed. Their fine, dense coat is prone to tangles and mats, and proper technique is essential to keep them comfortable and looking good.
Learning how to groom properly takes time and patience. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with:

• Brushing techniques to prevent mats and tangles
• Bathing and drying without causing frizz or irritation
• Clipping and scissoring to achieve a balanced and even cut
• Cleaning ears, trimming nails, and maintaining hygiene

Where to Learn Grooming Techniques
Fortunately, there are many resources available for learning how to groom your Shih Tzu at home.

• YouTube tutorials – Many professional groomers share their tips and techniques online.
• Online grooming courses – Websites such as Udemy, Skillshare, and even breed-specific grooming courses can help.
• Local grooming workshops – Some pet stores and grooming salons offer hands-on training.
• My website – I provide expert information on Shih Tzu grooming and care at shurbeezshihtzu.com.

The Challenges of Grooming at Home
While home grooming is rewarding, it does come with a few potential drawbacks:

• Time-consuming – A full groom can take 2-3 hours when learning, though experience will shorten the process.
• Initial mistakes – Everyone makes mistakes when learning, so be prepared for a few uneven haircuts.
• Your dog’s temperament – Some Shih Tzu are wiggly or anxious during grooming, requiring extra patience and training.
• Equipment maintenance – Clippers need regular cleaning and blade sharpening to perform well.

Should You Groom at Home?
The decision to groom your Shih Tzu at home depends on your lifestyle and commitment. If you enjoy hands-on care and want to save money, home grooming is a fantastic skill to develop. However, if you struggle with patience or don’t have the time to invest, a professional groomer might be the better choice.
Many Shih Tzu owners find a balance by bathing and brushing their dogs at home while visiting a professional groomer every few months for a full trim. This hybrid approach can help save money while keeping your pup’s coat in excellent condition. **Just remember, the more you brush and bathe your own dog at home, the less your groomer will charge you. Sometimes you can expect the cost of a professional grooming to double if your dog arrives with mats in their hair.

​Explore More Shih Tzu Grooming & Care Tips
If you’re interested in learning more about Shih Tzu grooming, training, and overall care, be sure to check out my previous blog posts and explore all the expert resources on my website, shurbeezshihtzu.com.

​Homemade dog food is a growing trend among pet owners who want complete control over their dog’s diet. For devoted Shih Tzu lovers, providing fresh, wholesome meals might seem like the best way to ensure their beloved companion’s health and longevity. While making your own Shih Tzu’s food has its advantages, it also comes with some potential risks. Let’s explore the pros and cons of homemade dog food, common mistakes to avoid, what ingredients are essential for a balanced diet, and the cost difference between homemade and store-bought kibble.
Pros of Homemade Dog Food

1. Control Over Ingredients – You know exactly what’s going into your dog’s food, avoiding fillers, artificial additives, and preservatives that may be found in commercial kibble.
2. Customization for Your Dog’s Needs – Shih Tzus are prone to food sensitivities, allergies, and digestive issues. A homemade diet allows you to tailor ingredients to suit their unique dietary needs.
3. Potentially Higher-Quality Ingredients – Many commercial dog foods use lower-quality meats and grain fillers. By preparing food at home, you can opt for fresh, high-quality meats, vegetables, and whole grains.
4. Better Hydration – Fresh food has a higher moisture content than kibble, which can help with hydration, especially since Shih Tzus can be prone to urinary issues.
5. Fewer Recalls and Contamination Risks – Pet food recalls due to contamination or nutritional imbalances are not uncommon. Preparing meals yourself reduces the risk of feeding tainted food.

Cons of Homemade Dog Food

1. Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies – One of the biggest challenges of homemade diets is ensuring that your Shih Tzu gets all the essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and taurine.
2. Time-Consuming – Preparing balanced meals requires research, planning, and meal prep, which can be overwhelming for busy pet owners.
3. Can Be Expensive – High-quality ingredients, supplements, and proteins can add up, making homemade food potentially more costly than premium commercial options.
4. Spoilage Risks – Homemade food lacks preservatives, so it must be stored properly and used quickly to avoid spoilage.
5. Not Vet-Approved by Default – Some homemade recipes found online are not balanced and can be harmful over time. Consulting a veterinarian or a veterinary board certified pet nutritionist is crucial before making homemade food the primary diet.

Cost Difference: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Kibble
One major factor pet owners consider is cost. Homemade dog food can be significantly more expensive than store-bought kibble, depending on the quality of ingredients used. Premium proteins like fresh chicken, beef, or fish, along with fresh vegetables and supplements, can add up quickly. On the other hand, store-bought kibble, especially lower-end brands, is often more cost-effective but may include fillers and lower-quality ingredients.
For those opting for high-quality commercial brands, the cost difference may be less drastic, but homemade food still tends to be pricier due to fresh, whole ingredients. However, some pet owners believe the benefits of better nutrition and fewer health issues in the long run justify the added expense. If you’re on a budget, it’s important to carefully calculate costs and explore cost-saving strategies like buying ingredients in bulk or preparing larger batches of food to freeze.
Common Mistakes When Making Homemade Dog Food

1. Not Including the Right Nutrient Balance – Dogs require specific amounts of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Many homemade diets lack calcium, iodine, and essential fatty acids.
2. Over-Reliance on Muscle Meat – While fresh meat is important, feeding only muscle meat can lead to deficiencies in calcium and phosphorus. Bones (cooked bones should never be fed) or proper calcium supplementation is necessary.
3. Feeding Toxic Foods – Certain human foods are toxic to dogs, including onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and xylitol. Always research ingredients before adding them to your Shih Tzu’s meals.
4. Failing to Measure Portions Correctly – Overfeeding or underfeeding can lead to obesity or malnutrition. Shih Tzus have small frames and require portion control.
5. Not Consulting a Professional – Working with a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist ensures your homemade diet meets your dog’s specific needs.

Essential Ingredients for a Balanced Homemade Diet
If you’re considering homemade meals for your Shih Tzu, here are some essential ingredients to include:

• High-Quality Protein – Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, fish, or eggs
• Healthy Fats – Salmon oil, flaxseed oil, or coconut oil for a shiny coat and skin health
• Complex Carbohydrates – Brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, or oats for energy
• Vegetables – Carrots, green beans, spinach, and pumpkin for fiber and vitamins
• Calcium Source – Crushed eggshells, bone meal, or calcium supplements
• Essential Supplements – Omega-3s, taurine, and vitamin D should be incorporated as needed

Final Thoughts
​Homemade dog food can be an excellent choice for your Shih Tzu when done correctly, but it requires careful planning to ensure balanced nutrition. Always consult with your veterinarian and a certified pet nutritionist before transitioning your dog to a homemade diet exclusively.
For more tips on Shih Tzu health, training, grooming, and nutrition, check out previous blog posts. Also, be sure to explore all the valuable resources on my website, shurbeezshihtzu.com!