How to Rescue a Shih Tzu

By Sarah Letts

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Dog supplies

Step 1:
Search for rescue organizations that are dedicated to the Shih Tzu breed. Organizations such as Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue and Shih Tzus & Furbabies regularly place rescued Shih Tzus in caring homes. You can sign up for mailing lists on various sites and request to be notified when new dogs are available for adoption.
Step 2:
Know that you may not be able to verify the pedigree of your rescued shih tzu. Many will have papers, verifying their lineage and purebred status. Prior owners who can no longer care for their shih tzus will usually give the organization their dogs' pedigree papers. If a shih tzu is rescued from an abusive or neglectful situation, or found as a stray, he will probably not have papers. In such an instance, the rescue organization along with veterinarians can give you a firm opinion on the dog's lineage, but you won't have written documentation.
Step 3:
Research the particular organizations that interest you. Each foundation will have specific guidelines for their adoption process. Adoption fees will vary with each organization, but expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars. The adoption fee is applied toward the cost of running the rescue foundation.
Step 4:
Choose the shih tzu that is right for you. Ideally, you will have a chance to interact with the dog in person prior to selecting him. If you don't, ask questions about his background and demeanor, and view multiple photos online. While shih tzus are generally playful, rescued shih tzus may be more wary of human contact. Once you have established trust with the dog, you'll likely see more rambunctious personality traits in him. Not all rescued shih tzus have been abused. Since rescue organizations have dogs that were given away for a variety of reasons, you'll often find dogs that are no different than those you would find at a breeder.
Step 5:
Contact the organization regarding any questions you have about the process. Inquire about advice for caring for your particular rescued dog. Most shih tzu rescue foundations perform temper assessment on each dog so they can advise you about the best home situations for your pup.
Step 6:
Complete all required adoption paperwork. Some organizations may require a background check to ensure you are an upstanding person who will care for the dog well. Rescued dogs have already been through a lot, so organizations want to ensure they place the dogs well.
Step 7:
Ask for records of your new shih tzu's vaccinations. He should be vaccinated against rabies, worms and other common parasites. Since shih tzu's are prone to breathing issues due to their short snouts, the rescue foundation will also confirm that the dog's respiratory function is completely healthy.
Step 8:
Spay or neuter your new shih tzu. While many rescue organizations will perform this procedure prior to putting a dog up for adoption, some do not. It's wise to have your dog fixed to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Step 9:
Expect some accidents initially. It will take some time for your new shih tzu to adjust to her new home. As a result, you may experience some behavior issues at first. Whether this results in her wetting the carpet or chewing on the sofa, be consistent in your reprimands. You need to establish that you are the dominant one. Shih tzus can be particularly stubborn when it comes to house-training. While the potty-training process may take several weeks, shih tzus do respond to consistent training.
Step 10:
Give your new shih tzu lots of love. Shih tzus are very loyal, and love being around people. Depending on the background of your particular pup, she may be wary of you initially. You need to show her that you care for her and are worthy of her trust. Be patient as the process may take some time but is well worth it in the end. You'll find your Shih Tzu will become very attached to you once you have established a bond.

Tips & Warnings

Many rescue organizations provide post-adoption services. Take advantage of these services, which aid in the transition process
Reward your dog's good behavior with positive praise.
Never strike your dog. Instead, discipline with firm commands.
Avoid putting your face down next to your new dog's mouth. He doesn't know you very well and may feel threatened by this action.

Resources

Photo/Video Credit

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/michelleisinlove/shih_brown.jpg

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