you’ve decided to add a rat terrier shih tzu mix to your family. Congratulations! This little guy will bring much love and fun into your life. But before you can get him home, there are a few things you need to do to make sure he’s ready for his new environment.
First, you’ll need to train him in basic obedience commands. This will help keep him safe and under control. Second, you’ll need to ensure he’s used to being around other animals and people. This will help reduce his chances of getting scared or aggressive in new situations. And finally, you’ll need to make sure he’s properly socialized. This will help him get along well with both humans and other animals.
With some training, your rat terrier shih tzu mix will be the perfect addition to your family!
Introduction to the Rat Terrier Shih Tzu Mix
Welcome to the wonderful world of Rat Terrier Shih Tzu mixes!
As you can see, these two breeds make for a pretty adorable (and spirited) crossbreed. But what can you expect from owning one of these cuties? Well, that honestly depends on their personality. Some may be calm and lazy, while others may be high energy and always up for a game of fetch.
However, one thing is for sure: with the proper training, you can mold your Rat Terrier Shih Tzu mix into the perfect pet for your home. This guide will walk you through the basics of training your pup, from housebreaking to basic obedience commands.
What to Expect With This Mix
A rat terrier shih tzu mix can vary in size and personality, but you can generally expect them to be active, playful, and alert. They will require regular exercise and plenty of playtimes to stay happy and healthy.
You should also expect them to be very vocal†they will let you know when they want something or are unhappy. Training your rat terrier shih tzu mix early on will help curb some of these behaviors, as well as help to create a strong bond between you and your new pup.
Health Concerns With the Rat Terrier Shih Tzu Mix
Mixes can have health concerns like purebreds, so it’s important to be aware before bringing your new pup home.
The Rat Terrier Shih Tzu Mix is generally healthy, but there are a few health concerns to be aware of. They include:
-Eye problems: Rat Terriers are prone to developing various eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and canine glaucoma. Shih Tzus are also at risk for some of these conditions. So it’s important to have your dog’s eyes checked regularly by a veterinarian.
– Allergies: The Rat Terrier and the Shih Tzu are prone to allergies, so your pup is likely to develop them. Be sure to watch your dog for signs of allergy-related problems, such as skin irritation, excessive scratching, and sneezing.
-Digestive problems: Rat Terriers and Shih Tzus are susceptible to digestive issues, such as pancreatitis and gastroenteritis. Watch your dog for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, and take him to the vet if you suspect a problem.
Feeding Your Rat Terrier Shih Tzu Mix
The Rat Terrier Shih Tzu mix is a small, active dog with a high metabolism. They need nutrient-rich and calorie-dense food to keep up with their energy levels.
I recommend a dry kibble explicitly made for small breeds and includes ingredients like chicken, fish, or lamb, as the first few listed. Avoid kibbles with fillers like corn, wheat, or soy, as they provide little to no nutritional value for your pup.
It would be best to supplement your dog’s diet with fresh fruits and vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids. This will help keep their coat healthy and lustrous. Feeding your Rat Terrier Shih Tzu mix the right food is integral to keeping them happy and healthy.
Training Your Rat Terrier Shih Tzu Mix
You’ll need to remember when training your rat terrier shih tzu mix that they are a very active breed. They were bred to be hunting dogs, so they had a lot of energy and needed much exercise.
The best way to train your rat terrier shih tzu mix is to start with basic obedience training. This will teach them the basics, like sit, stay, come, and down. Once they have mastered the basics, you can move on to more advanced training.
One thing to remember is that rat terrier shih tzu mixes are brilliant dogs. They learn quickly, so keeping your training sessions short and sweet is important. If you try to train them for too long, they will get bored and fast lose interest.
Another thing to remember is that rat terrier shih tzu mixes are very stubborn dogs. They have a strong independent streak and can be very headstrong. This means that you’ll need to be patient when training them and be consistent with your commands.
Exercise and Playtime for Your Rat Terrier Shih Tzu Mix
You might wonder how much exercise your rat terrier shih tzu mix needs. The answer is that it depends on the individual dog. Some rat terrier shih tzu with breathing mixes are high energy and require much exercise, while others are more low key and only need a moderate amount.
Here are some general guidelines to follow:
– For high energy dogs: 1-2 hours of exercise per day, including a long walk or run, plus some playtime.
– For moderate energy dogs: 30-60 minutes of exercise per day, including a short walk or run, plus some playtime.
Of course, you will know your dog best and what they need in exercise. Make sure you provide enough for your dog to stay healthy and happy.
Conclusion
All in all, owning a Rat Terrier Shih Tzu mix is a hugely rewarding experience. These dogs are known for being affectionate, adaptable, intelligent, and great companions. With the proper training, they can be well-behaved family pets.
However, it’s important to remember that Rat Terriers were initially bred as hunting dogs, so they have energy. If you’re not prepared to deal with a high-energy dog, a Rat Terrier Shih Tzu mix may not be the right pet for you.
Do your research if you’re thinking of getting a Rat Terrier Shih Tzu mix. Talk to breeders and other owners, and read up on these dogs’ care and training requirements. With the proper preparation, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of owning a Rat Terrier Shih Tzu mix.