How to Adopt a Shih Tzu in West Virginia

Shih tzus are some of the best dogs for first-time owners. They are gentle with children, love spending time indoors, and never miss a chance to lounge on your lap.

West Virginia’s continental climate generally suits shih tzus well. However, you’ll still need to keep them cool and hydrated during the hot and humid summers. Their thick coats and short faces make them prone to overheating.

Adopting a shih tzu is a great way to add one to your family. You’ll give a dog a fresh start and, in return, get a loyal companion who treats you like their world. In this guide, we’ll explain how to adopt a shih tzu in West Virginia.

Shih Tzu Adoption in West Virginia

Shih tzus are adorable little canines with lots of love to offer. They form deep bonds with their humans and stay comfortably in all sorts of homes. Despite all that, a lot of them end up in shelters and rescues. Some parents move out, leaving their furry nugget behind, while others fail to keep up with their grooming needs. Make sure you’re fully ready before adopting one.

When you’ve made up your mind, start looking for adoption centers with available shih tzus. Facebook has many shih tzu fan groups where rescues and shelters post profiles of their pups. You can also get recommendations from your local vet or attend dog events to connect with trusted agencies.

Once you find the organization you want to adopt from, submit an adoption application on its website. This form will have questions about your lifestyle, other pets, and living situation. Answer honestly to find your perfect match. The staff will review your application and call you for an interview soon after.

During the meeting, ask about the dog’s medical history, behavioral quirks, and training needs. This information will help you make an informed decision. If you decide to go on with the adoption, the staff will request you to give them a virtual home tour so they can be sure it’s suitable for a small breed, like the shih tzu.

Finally, you can meet the shih tzu and spend some time with them alone. Greet them warmly and offer some treats so they know you bring love. If they like you, they’ll wag their tail and give you their signature head tilt.

Ask the facility’s on-site vet to check the pup for any signs of poor health, too. If everything checks out, you can submit the fee and bring your pup home.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Shih Tzu in West Virginia? West Virginia shelters and rescues charge around $100 to $500 for shih tzus. All dogs are already vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered or spayed, which makes adopting one much more affordable. However, if you still want to save more, you can adopt an older dog. Since they need a little less attention than puppies, their adoption fee is slightly less. Besides the adoption fee, you’ll have to pay for basic supplies, such as food bowls, cozy bedding, chew toys, and a right-sized crate. Also, keep a flexible budget for vet visits, grooming, and training. As small dogs, shih tzus sometimes get into accidents and hurt themselves. It’s a good idea to keep a safety cushion for emergencies.

How Should I Train a Shih Tzu? Shih tzus are slightly stubborn, so the best approach is to start training them from the very first day. Set a schedule for playtime, naps, meals, and bathroom breaks. Follow it strictly, so your pup understands what’s expected of them. Also, make sure you adopt every good behavior with treats and praises right away. It’ll keep your little charmer motivated. Separation anxiety is a common issue with shih tzus. As velcro pups, these dogs need to stay around their humans. Being alone for long makes them anxious, and they express it by barking endlessly, chewing on furniture, and soiling the house. Introducing your pup to a crate early on can help keep them calm in your absence. You’ll also have to work on their leash manners. Shih tzus get a little too excited in public spaces. They might tug on the leash to go explore their surroundings or play with other dogs. A simple way to fix this is to stop walking the moment they pull. If you need help, Dog Academy’s Loose Leash Walking course has some excellent tips. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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Find the Right Shih Tzu in West Virginia for You

There’s always a shih tzu in West Virginia looking for a caring family. Look for your perfect match in adoption centers near you. Adopting a shih tzu will ease the burden on shelters and rescues, and be easier on your pocket. Plus, you’ll get a chance to show an adorable fluff ball that they matter.