Shihtsu

The grooming went really well..he seemed to instantly like the two ladies...they did a really good job too...he's now going every six weeks...
Re the comments about gizmo and children...he's fine now and absolutely loves them all...gets excited when he hears them on the drive....he's never left alone with any of them...as were none of our past dogs....

My lovely friendly little dog needs to be muzzled for any nail clipping or trips to the vet!

We had the same problem with our last rescue dog farview we were able to help her get the past the problem by distracting her whilst the groomer did her rear end. We stroked, talked calmly and played with her ears which she loves. It took a few visits but she is fine now and I can safely leave her at the canine beauty parlour whilst I go shopping.

Are you really going to keep a dog that threatened to bite your grandchild?

I wouldn't. But perhaps you are prepared to lock the dog up when your grandchild is visiting.

I like dogs, but the child must come first.

I've had a lot of rescue dogs. I absolutely love them.
Training helps but won't change their basic character. Changing what you do and training (older) children is far more effective. Teach them to never touch a sleeping or eating dog. They should let the dog come to them, keep their face at a distance, never stare at it or try to take something away. You have to supervise and never leave them alone together.

No dog can ever be completely reliable or trusted. Young children and dogs just don't mix (especially if they've grown up around only adults). Keep him in his own space, behind a gate with mesh over it, when youngsters are around.

Children are killed and disfigured with depressing regularity simply because adults don't control or supervise their dogs.

Well today am taking gizmo to be groomed..he looks such a mess..and much as I love him now..my tummy is in knots..as the other groomer ,a guy,coped with gizmo really trying to bite him...but this groomer is a young lady and I will warn her..he hates his legs tail rear end being touched..due to teasing by his stupid previous owner...am so tense...

fairview ?. So happy for you and Gismo. X

Was just googling something re shihtsu behaviour...and there..on Google..was my thread and ALL the posts off gransnet...and that really disturbed me/freaked me out!!!!!..

Wow vickya ??

Oh they absolutely are vickya. Anja sorry my phone decided to alter your name??

I'm glad you settled together, fairview. Having the two dogs got me down from size 28 to size 14 and better health! You have to walk them whatever happens. Now I can walk less and one dog is gone and the other arthritic like me, but he still has to go out a few times a day. Dog exercise partners are good for your health!

That's so true Anna...but I am stubborn also ?

farview well done to you and Gismo. Shih Tzu’s, like their cousins Lhasa Apsos, can be very stubborn.

That's such good news farview hope you and Gizmo have many happy years together now.

? Brilliant news.

Update
I absolutely love this little dog now.. wouldnt be without him..yes he's strong willed..but has accepted I'm boss (I think haha) he's clever,funny...the best bit is his cocky little walk...my H won't walk him as he's not keen on little dogs..so I walk him three times a day come rain or shine...he's made lots of doggy friends on the park..and I love chatting to their owners
So Gizmo is happy and I'm happy..the initial bumpy road has been worth it..?

ShihTzus can be unbelievably stubborn and strong willed (I have 3!!!!) but also the most loyal and loving companions. Your little chap must be feeling utterly bewildered, and - yes- bereaved after the loss of his lifelong master. Give him time to settle and get over his grief but also do remain The Boss! He will reward you over and over with his love once he realises he's safe and with you for keeps.

BTW there is a fabulous Facebook group for Tzus and their humans, called Oh Shih Tzu.... do join up for loads of helpful advice, support, fun and fantastic friendships.

Good news farview, we've had a shih tzu, they are clever little things, I'm sure he'll learn what's expected of him easily.
Lovely photo of Bobby and your girl vickya, your sad story brought tears to my eyes. I have also had a rescue German Shepherd cross, she was one of the best dogs I ever had, luckily she lived to a ripe old age.

Great news.

thanks farview, great news.

Just an update...have adhered to some of the advice offered..up to now...no more aggressive behaviour shown...am considering dog training classes..meet up also with dog walkers most days..he's so good with other dogs...he's really grown on me,on all of us
..so whatever it takes...he's forever ours
Thank you all

There are no such things as bad dogs.only "bad" owners. Putting down a dog should be the very very last resort.if ever I.M.I.O

Have always had shih tzus and currently have a male three month old puppy. They are very intelligent and easily trained. First one we had was a rescue dog who had been beaten by her previous owner and so was quite nervous, but I trained her and she was so lovely I could leave her with my very small granddaughter and know they were safe together. Lovely, loyal breed. My suggestion would be to find a local training class, if you look on the Kennel Club website, they will have a list of classes near you, and if there aren't any, ask your vet. We've taken our new baby to classes and he just loves to learn, and the amount of advice the trainers can offer is limitless. I wish you joy with your new addition to the family. It may be that family members need training on how to be with the dog. No offence intended here but when we went for the first class the trainers said their main aim was to train the owners so they could train the dogs!!!

That is sad, his grieving. We had a second rescued dog too. When out walking Bobby in the fields the walker had been taking food for a wild dog who'd had a litter of 9 two days before. One was pushed out in the cold and he thought the pup wouldn't make it so brought her home. She just fitted on your hand. We bottle-fed her every 2 hours, day and night. She grew into a German Shepherd cross and was a loving and loyal dog. Bobby, 6 months old when she arrived, let her play with his toys, sleep in his bed and have his food when she got onto solids. She barked a lot at strangers but when she knew people welcomed them with squeaking and jumping and excitement. When she was grown she began to try and defend Bobby in the park too.

She died in January 2017 of cancer and Bobby whined for her for 2 days. We have been very sad too. Bobby took ages to cheer up. Dogs do mourn. I am glad your Shitzu now loves you and you him. I hope you will settle together and enjoy years of companionship.

Urmstongran Fri 12-Oct-18 10:42:33
Get rid. My parents had a Westie. Cute to look at but a growler. Lived with his behaviour for years. Till he bit me badly on my face when I crouched down to fuss him when I was 21y. Whilst I was getting stitches my parents took him to the vet and by the time I was back he had been put down. I was so relieved. Be warned.

Why on earth would you crouch down to a dog that you knew for yrs had growled !!! this dog was telling you he/she was not comfortable/scared ,