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Are you looking for an adorable, low-energy dog in Vermont? A shih tzu will be a great choice. These small canines are some of the sweetest and most beautiful dogs out there. They get along with children and make perfect snuggle partners for adults. However, before you add one to your family, it’s important to learn about their needs.
Vermont’s winters can be tough on shih tzus. Even though they have thick coats, their small bodies and low fat reserves make them lose heat quickly. They’re not made for freezing temperatures and icy winds. You’ll have to keep them covered in cozy blankets and prevent unnecessary outings when the mercury drops.
If you feel the breed is the right choice for you, adopting one from a rescue or shelter will be the next best step. In this guide, we’ll explain how to adopt a shih tzu in Vermont.
Shih Tzu Adoption in Vermont
Families in Vermont love shih tzus for their laid-back vibe, stunning looks, and friendly personalities. Start your search by joining breed-specific groups online. A lot of agencies post ads for available dogs on these forums. Just watch out for red flags, like advance payments and incomplete details.
When you find an organization with a dog that seems like your perfect match, fill out and submit the adoption application on its website. This form will have questions about your daily schedule, experience with fluffy dogs, and living situation. Shih tzus don’t need a lot of room to move and play, so even if you’re in an apartment, you can still be a good match.
The rescue team will go through your application and invite you for a meeting soon after. This is when you can learn more about the dog’s behavioral quirks, training needs, and health history. These questions will help you decide if you’ve picked the right dog.
Next, you’ll get to spend some one-on-one time with the dog. Observe how they respond to you. Well-socialized shih tzus are friendly and social. They’ll greet you with excitement and look at you with love.
If everything checks out, ask the on-site vet for a quick once-over. A healthy shih tzu should have a silky, mat-free coat, bright eyes, and clean ears. Once the vet gives you a green light, complete the rest of the paperwork and bring your pup home.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Shih Tzu in Vermont?Adopting a shih tzu in Vermont can cost around $200 to $600, depending on the rescue’s location, the dog’s medical history, and the dog’s age. Puppies need more attention and care, and so have a higher price. If you’re on a budget, adopting an older dog will be a better option. Almost all adoption centers include microchipping, vaccinations, and neutering or spaying in the adoption fee. Everything else is yours to take care of. Keep a flexible budget of $1500 to $3000 a year to pay for their vet visits, grooming sessions, and training classes. Basic supplies, like a puppy pen or a crate, food bowls, and toys, will cost an additional $400 to $800. |
How Should I Train a Shih Tzu?Shih tzus may be small, but they have big personalities with a hint of stubbornness. This makes training a little tricky. Starting early and sticking to a routine is your best bet. Use delicious treats, fun playtime, and sweet tummy scratches to motivate them to obey. Early socialization is important, too. These fluffy marshmallows tend to get excited when meeting people. They jump high and hop around to say hello, which can scare kids and seniors. Teaching calm greetings early on helps them become polite little companions wherever they go. Separation anxiety is a serious concern with shih tzus. These clingy munchkins want their humans around all the time. Being left alone for too long makes them feel anxious and triggers unwanted behaviors, like chewing on furniture or scratching the doors. Join Dog Academy’s Minimizing Separation Anxiety course to figure out how to prevent this from happening. |
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Find the Right Shih Tzu in Vermont for You
Shih tzus are sweet dogs with lots of love to give. They deserve a good life, where they feel wanted and cared for. If you have the time and energy to commit to these fluff nuggets, adopting one from a rescue or shelter will be a rewarding experience.
