| Puppies can be tough, they don't just instantly | | | | first six months that is about it, keep banding it as |
| have that big beautiful flowing mane to work with, | | | | it grows and keep it out of food and debris. |
| and you are going to have to be creative to get | | | | If you are working an older dog that has never |
| the job done otherwise they never will have that | | | | had its hair done, things can be rougher. Maybe |
| gorgeous trademark that the breed is so famous | | | | when you got the dog his coat was matted up |
| for. If you are just now starting out with your | | | | and nasty, but resist the urge to shave the coat. |
| little guy, congratulations, you will likely have one | | | | De matt the coat as best you can and save as |
| of the best looking dogs on the block before long. | | | | much as is possible. Use a de matting comb, and |
| If you are starting out with an older Shih Tzu | | | | then a metal straight comb. Don't pull too hard |
| puppy, or found Shih Tzu for sale in the paper as | | | | and give the dog breaks in between sessions. |
| an adult, then your job may even be a little | | | | No matter what, keep at it and don't give up. The |
| easier. | | | | reward is well worth it and the bonding time you |
| If you are just starting out with Shih Tzu puppies, | | | | are spending with your dog is not only relaxing for |
| this is a real exercise in patience. Reaching into a | | | | you but makes your pet feel adored and |
| basket of fangs and fur is a good way to lose a | | | | pampered (yes, even if he just hates it while its |
| finger, and combing their hair is certainly an invite | | | | being done). Very few people keep their Shih Tzu |
| for "game on". Be firm, take no nonsense, | | | | like this and when you walk your dog down the |
| regardless of how cute it is, because if you don't | | | | street folks will notice. The uneducated will want |
| the task will be awful when the dog is older. Make | | | | to know what kind of dog you own, and the |
| sure they know that grooming time is not play | | | | educated will just be delighted to see a kept |
| time, and don't allow any tomfoolery. The hair | | | | specimen of the breed for a change. |
| needs to be banded at the nose and at for the | | | | |