Summer's Over: Will Your Shih Tzu Miss the KidsKids go Back to School

Another school year is just around the corner - parents celebrate and children shudder. But what about your Shih Tzu? After a summer of being spoiled with attention, they suddenly have to go cold turkey as children go to school and parents go off to work.

Do you feel guilty leaving him behind? If so, you're not alone. More than 75 percent of people surveyed feel guilty for leaving their pets to go to work or school (source: the American Animal Hospital Association). Shih Tzu are part of the family, and who wants to think that a family member is sitting home, lonely and forlorn?

Most of the time, a Shih Tzu is fine until someone comes home, as long as their needs have been met: fresh water, or walked, and their meals. If leaving a Shih Tzu does cause behavior problems, there are some strategies you can try to minimize the stress of being away.

One way is to get your Shih Tzu used to the new schedule. When leaving the house, try to depart at the same time each day. When leaving, don't gush an elaborate farewell. Shih Tzu react to your emotions. If you're calm when leaving, your Shih Tzu is more likely to be calm as well. Making a scene only makes your Shih Tzu more anxious.Some guilt-wracked people rush out to get another Shih Tzu to keep the resident one company. Beware! The intentions are good, but has anyone considered the Shih Tzu's opinion? Another canine may be the last thing they want because now they have to sort out who's going to be the top dog.

Your best bet is to get two Shih Tzu at the same time. This way they can grow up together before they develop any prejudices toward their own kind or another species (i.e., a puppy and a kitten). The household is "claimed" together, so they are less likely to become territorial.

You may be concerned that your dog is not housebroken or that he's still too rambunctious when left alone. Some dogs will bark or become destructive if bored. If so, consider getting a roomy crate or a baby fence to keep him in an enclosed area. A crate or kennel can be a retreat for your dog, especially if you line it with material that has your scent on it.

You may also consider Doggie Daycare, one of the newest trends in the world of pets. Doggie daycare facilities are opening up all over the country. Dogs get exercise, grooming, playtime, even a "spa" in some cases. Some daycares permit even-tempered, obedient dogs to play together; others do not. Another option is hire someone to visit your Shih Tzu in the middle of the day. They keep the her company and walk the dog for an hour.

Separation Anxiety

It's possible for Shih Tzu to become too attached to family members. This is beyond the normal yearning for the return of a playmate. These animals go into a state of panic when left alone. This behavior is called separation anxiety, and it can affect dog. It is different from behavior that comes from simple boredom.

Dogs may become destructive, soil the house, bark or whine constantly (this is different from barking in response to something specific, like the mail carrier).

All show excessive joy upon the owner's return.

Dealing with a Latchkey Dog

Working parents have long worried about their latchkey children - the kids who fend for themselves while mom and dad are at work. Now, a newly recognized phenomenon - latchkey dogs - is raising issues and concerns of its own.

Too often, according to a new book, family dogs are being trapped in a cycle of solitary confinement during the day and overindulgence at night when their owners lavish them with attention to assuage their guilt.

``We are raising dogs that are all entitlement and no self-control,'' says Jodi Andersen, author of The Latchkey Dog (Harper-Collins).

Separation anxiety, aggression, obsessive-compulsive barking and destruction of property are increasingly common in dogs left alone for long periods or overindulged, according to Andersen, 42, who recounts numerous tales of struggling owners and troubled pets.

Domestic dogs are descendants from pack animals whose instincts tell them to follow the pack leader.

Andersen also outlines a system for "parenting'' a dog - teaching the animal to feel secure and confident that the owner will care for his practical and emotional needs. She walks the reader through the process of teaching simple commands and retraining a dog that's been treated too royally.

``Don't ever underestimate the power of a dog's mind,'' she advises. ``Whether instinctive or reactive, your dog's behavior is ultimately your responsibility. Being careful to send clear 'leadership' messages to your dog is not cruel - on the contrary, it's imperative to the animal's well-being,'' she writes.

It's not a question of shouting to get your point across or meting out punishment - far from it. Instead, she advises, never be cruel and always reward obedience with lavish praise and affection. Food and affection should be tied to the dog listening and following commands.

Andersen also says that setting rules can be as simple as teaching the dog to come to the kitchen and sit on command before he's served dinner; or to abide by the commands ``down, stay'' at the foot of your bed and wait for you to invite him up before he jumps onto the sheets. If the dog jumps onto the easy chair without your invitation, firmly correct him by saying ``off,'' and firmly but gently help him get all his paws on the ground.

Training Tips

For those willing to learn - or relearn - dog training, Andersen offers her most important training tenets:

Dog parenting is not a phase; it's a way of life. Great dogs are the result of ongoing, good dog parenting.