Boredom Busters

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!

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