You thought you were in the clear. Your Shih Tzu puppy was sleeping through the night, sitting on command, and being their adorable, snuggly self.
Then, out of nowhere… they stopped listening. Started testing boundaries. Maybe even forgot everything they once knew.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Your Shih Tzu may be entering their teenage phase, yes, dogs have one too. And like human teenagers, it’s messy, emotional, and temporary.
Here’s what’s really going on (and how to handle it like a pro).
What Is the Teenage Phase in Shih Tzus?
Shih Tzu puppies typically enter adolescence between 5 to 8 months old, and it can last well into the 18-month range. During this time, their brains are undergoing a massive shift. Think of it like a software update: everything’s being reorganized, new systems are loading, and old ones are being tested.
This means your sweet, well-trained puppy might:
- Start ignoring cues they used to follow
- Test boundaries and limits
- Become more reactive or easily distracted
- Show bursts of independence or stubbornness
- Regress in crate training, housebreaking, or leash manners
It’s normal. It’s frustrating. And it’s fixable.
Why It Happens
Adolescence is a developmental stage where your Shih Tzu is transitioning from puppyhood to adulthood. Hormones are changing. Confidence is building. The novelty of the world wears off, and they begin to test their environment to figure out what still works.
They’re not being bad, they’re being curious, emotional, and growing up.
In fact, a lot of what looks like “disobedience” is actually your dog trying to make sense of new instincts and feelings. That’s why consistent structure, not punishment, is key.
What You Can Do
This stage can be rough, but it’s also a golden opportunity to solidify habits and deepen your bond. Here’s how:
1. Stick to Your Structure
Even if they seem to forget the rules, keep showing up. Consistency is everything. Keep up with the routines, commands, and boundaries you had before.
2. Reward the Good
Catch them doing something right, and reward it. This helps their brain wire the behaviors you want even if it doesn’t look perfect yet.
3. Increase Mental Stimulation
Bored teens make trouble. Add puzzle toys, sniff walks, short training sessions, or new experiences to keep their mind engaged. We love PawTree products like their Treatster Bone. It’s both a puzzle and a treat dispenser. Perfect for teen puppies needing a little mental stimulus.
4. Don’t Panic Over Regression
Regression is a sign of growth, not failure. Reinforce the basics, go back to square one if
When to Ask for Help
If behaviors feel extreme, like aggression, severe anxiety, or biting, it’s worth reaching out to a trainer or behaviorist who understands small breeds. You don’t have to go it alone.
Final Thoughts
The teenage phase in Shih Tzus can feel like a rollercoaster, but it doesn’t last forever. With patience, structure, and empathy, your pup will come out the other side more mature, more bonded, and even more amazing than before. If you are ready for your next Shih Tzu bestie, we have a few Ready Pups waiting for you! Click here to see them.
