Momo - Shih-Tzu Community

The summer is a great time for being outdoors and for enjoying nature so why not look for activities that you and your Shih-Tzu can enjoy together? There certainly are plenty of options available. Let’s look at a few of your choices.

Spend the day at an off-leash park

Off-leash dog parks are places where your Shih-Tzu can run, play, and frolic with other dogs without having to be attached to a leash. They have more freedom to act like a dog and to socialize with other dogs while you watch and mingle with other dog owners. More and more cities across the country are opening these dog parks. Most of the parks require a fee, usually paid annually, and proof of up-to-date vaccinations for your dog.

Buy your Shih-Tzu some summer clothes at Amazon.com!

Some of the parks make water available. If you’re not sure, bring a healthy supply just in case. Nothing ruins a fun day like an overheated dog.

Enjoy an outdoor meal with your Shih-Tzu

As more cities become dog-friendly, they also become the site of dog-friendly restaurants. Most of these restaurants have outdoor seating – one of the reasons why this is ideal for summer – for you and your Shih-Tzu. The pet-friendly nature of the restaurants varies. Some will provide free water for your pet when your purchase a meal. Others go even further and offer actual food for you and your dog. All of these outdoor restaurants do require your dog being on a leash and under your control.

Visit a dog-friendly attraction

In the past, dog-friendly attractions were limited to amusement parks that offered all-day kenneling for pets. Today, you can find more attractions that provide at least some access for your dogs. For example, the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog in St. Louis, Missouri is an art museum dedicated to images of dogs and, appropriately enough, allows pets if they are on-leash. In Miami, Club Nautico Power Boat Rentals allows dogs on the rented boats so you can take them with you on your watery voyage.

Other attractions are not as open. However, you may be allowed to bring your dog as your stroll through national parks, vineyards, outdoor walking tours, and more. Check with the activities in your area to see what is available for you and your Shih-Tzu.

Go to the beach

Many beaches now allow dogs as long as they are on leash and are cleaned up after by their owners. Some beaches may even allow limited off-leash activity (although make sure you have good control over your dog off-leash before you attempt this) so he can enjoy a dip in the ocean. Make sure you bring plenty of fresh water for your Shih-Tzu and have a shady place where he can rest out of the hot sun. Also, be sure to rinse off your dog after he takes a dip in the salty ocean – you don’t want him to start licking the salt water off of him.

These are just a few ideas to explore this summer with your Shih-Tzu. If there’s not much available in your local area, take a short trip with it. Many hotels and motels now allow pets to stay so enjoy an opportunity to get away with your dog.

Developing a proper grooming routine for your Shih-Tzu is one of the most important things to be considered as far as dog grooming is concerned. There are some health concerns that come in addition to a good smell and cleanness your puppy should have. Keep in mind that this will comes as a favor done both to you and your guests. Important indicators in revealing future health problems that may appear are given by your Shih-Tzu’s coat and skin. Learn how to groom your puppy and follow the proper instructions and you will ensure it the normal health a puppy should enjoy. It will also create a special bond between the two of you. As owner, it’s your responsibility to follow basic dog grooming instructions. It means that you should have in your house things such as brushes, shampoos, clippers and other necessary equipment, but also to be armed with appropriate knowledge as well as maintaining a sound and regular routine.

Look for good deals on grooming supplies for your Shih-Tzu at Amazon.com!

Brushing is part of a dog’s grooming and should be thought of before even considering bathing your Shih-Tzu. Brushing should be done daily as it will help remove dirt and pests and untangle knots. Use natural oils evenly through your Shih-Tzu's coat.

Trimming your Shih-Tzu’s nails is also very important. The trimming should be done once a month, but this really depends on your Shih-Tzu's habits and activities. When cutting their nails pay attention to length: do not cut them too short and use appropriate trimmers.

Bathing your Shih-Tzu is yet another important part of grooming. It is important that you do not bathe your puppy too often. You may want to brush your Shih-Tzu daily but when it comes to bathing it do not overdo it since this will wash away vital oils they need for healthy skin. It will also cause skin irritations and encourages itching.

As a rule of thumb, wash your Shih-Tzu once every 10 days. Before washing your Shih-Tzu, make sure you have bought dog shampoo, some brushes or combs, a washcloth, some cotton balls, and a towel or two. To prevent sliding or slipping, you can try using a detachable spray hose for your bath and a rubber mat.

Following these tips will ensure healthy hygiene for your Shih-Tzu and will make sure he remains healthy.

Crate training is a popular method for house training Shih-Tzus and any puppy for that matter. There are several considerations that you should first make, however.

You can find Dog Cages & Crates at PetSmart.com. You can also find good deals at Amazon.com below.

Crate training is by far one of the most popular methods of house training, as it is more than that. Crate training also trains the puppy to be calm in a crate so that you can travel with your Shih-Tzu as well. Many trainers do not even consider another form of house training, as there are many downfalls to paper training and puppy pads. One is that the puppy learns that he must use the bathroom on paper and it's hard to make the switch to going outdoors.

When selecting a crate, especially in the situation where your Shih-Tzu is going to grow to be much larger than he is now and at a very fast rate, you do want to purchase a crate that is going to fit the adult dog. For a Shih-Tzu, you're not going to need a very large crate, but you do have to keep in mind that your Shih-Tzu puppy will grow. This also means that your puppy is going to have a lot of space at his current size. What you may need to do is to block off a part of the crate with boxes or a divider of some kind. This is because the puppy will have a lot of extra room and may use the bathroom in the crate because he can get away from it. This is not something you want your Shih-Tzu to learn to do.

The theory behind crate training is that your dog is a den animal and has natural instincts to not use the bathroom in the den. In the wild, wolves do not use the bathroom in the den; they go outside to do this. The same is true with your dog. Crate training uses those natural instincts and the dog, in turn, learns bladder control by being in the crate. At the same time, you will teach the puppy an elimination command and an elimination spot for when you take him out to use the bathroom.

Your Shih-Tzu needs to spend as much time in the crate as possible. He will only come out to eat, exercise and use the bathroom. There are three things that will cause your puppy to need to use the bathroom and these are:

• Eating
• Sleeping
• Playing

These are also the three things that your Shih-Tzu will do the most of in his life. Now, some puppies readily accept the crate and others don't. Those that don't may throw a huge, barking, howling fit about being in the crate. However, this is okay; you're going to completely ignore that behavior. Do not even tell the puppy to be quiet. This behavior will resolve itself as the puppy stays in the crate. When he is having that fit, you do not want to give attention to his negative behaviors. This also means that he has to calm down before you allow him to come out of the crate.

When you take your Shih-Tzu out, take him directly to where you want him to do his business. Give him a command, such as "Go Potty" and then praise him when he does so. Then take him back to his crate. Do the same process every time he comes out of his crate. When you take him to eat, let him eat and then put him back in his crate. About fifteen minutes later, take him out to use the bathroom. When you let him out to play, only do so under supervision. When it has been about forty-five minutes, put the puppy back in his crate, wait about five minutes and then take him out to use the bathroom. Perform this same process over and over.

Eventually, the puppy will learn bladder control and will also eliminate on command. As your Shih-Tzu gets older, you will let him have more and more supervised playtime and not-so supervised playtime. As he gets older, he will become more dependable. Some dogs may only need a couple of weeks of this, while other dogs may need several months. Whatever you do, give the dog a consistent schedule at all times. Soon, your Shih-Tzu will be able to be trusted and will even begin to sit by the back door when he needs to go out.

You can find Dog Cages & Crates at PetSmart.com

Crate Training Helpful Tips

• Don't provide your Shih-Tzu with too much bedding. Too much bedding allows the dog to have an accident in his blanket or towel and then cover it up.
• If your Shih-Tzu does have an accident in his crate, clean it up thoroughly before putting the puppy back in it. Clean the crate with something that is not ammonia based, as ammonia smells like urine and will encourage the dog to have an accident.
• Always have a consistent schedule of eating, sleeping and playing.
• Do not use the crate as an area of confinement, but as a tool in training.
• Small puppies should be allowed to eliminate every one to two hours to avoid accidents in the crate. Give the puppy the command and then three to five minutes to produce, if he does nothing return him to the crate.
• If your Shih-Tzu has a fit about being in the crate – completely ignore it! This behavior will become extinct over time.
• Only allow your Shih-Tzu to run unsupervised through the house if they have already eliminated and then only allow them about forty-five minutes before going outside to eliminate.
• Crate training is very effective when your Shih-Tzu sees his crate as his "house." When they are old enough to play around the house, they may go back to sleep in their crate or when they are seeking a safe place.

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Lock up your shoes and laundry, your Shih-Tzu is a chewing addict. When you have a Shih-Tzu that likes to chew on things nothing is safe. They will chew on anything from toys to the corner of your cabinets. Chewing on things is natural for Shih-Tzus, it’s part of the way that they explore the world and often it can be the result of boredom. Teaching your Shih-Tzu not to chew on inappropriate objects can be an uphill battle. Dealing with a Shih-Tzu that has a chewing obsession involves using a combination of tactics, along with some safety measures to protect your curious pup.

Try these products from PetSmart and Amazon to stop your Shih-Tzu from chewing up your house!

Grannick's Bitter Apple Spray

Sofa Scram

PetSafe Pawz Away Spray Deterrent

NaturVet Bitter Yuck! No Chew Spray

Teaching

When your Shih-Tzu is munching down on something that they are not allowed to have you need to interrupt them while they are in the act. Clap or make a loud noise to get their attention and then replace the item they are chewing on with one of their own toys. When your Shih-Tzu accepts the toy and begins to play or chew on it praise them for doing to reinforce this proper behavior.

There are also sprays that you can buy that help deter a Shih-Tzu from chewing on something. The sprays are not harmful, but they taste bad. Spraying these on furniture and larger items in your home can help keep your Shih-Tzu stay away from them. Typically, they need to be reapplied ever so often, but usually by the time they wear off your Shih-Tzu will have probably have lost interest in chewing on that item.

Boredom

Give your Shih-Tzu plenty of appropriate chew toys. Don’t confuse them by giving them items that resemble items you don’t want them chewing on like old shoes and socks. In a Shih-Tzu’s mind if they can chew on the old ones, they can chew the new ones too. Keeping your Shih-Tzu’s toys new and exciting is important as well. Rotate the toys available to your Shih-Tzu so they don’t get bored and seek out new things on their own. Consider trying a chew toy that is filled with treats. Many companies like Kong make chew toys that you can stuff with food and your Shih-Tzu has to work to get the treats out. Chewing on things like this will keep your Shih-Tzu occupied and out of trouble.

Spending quality time with your Shih-Tzu playing and giving them attention can help prevent boredom. When left alone for long periods of time most Shih-Tzus get bored and become destructive. If you work and have to leave your Shih-Tzu confine them to an area of the home that is safe and that is free of items they can destroy.

Walking your Shih-Tzu may also lessen the likelihood that your Shih-Tzu will chew things. Shih-Tzus need to explore and allowing them time to go out in the world and investigate will help alleviate bad behavior caused by boredom.

Safety

It is essential to your Shih-Tzu’s safety that you keep their environment free of things that may cause harm when chewed on. Keep cabinets shut and electrical cords tucked out of sight. Additionally, place items that your Shih-Tzu likes to chew on out of their reach. Keep shoes, purses, jackets and other go to items put away. Sometimes it takes time to teach a Shih-Tzu that chewing is unacceptable and the less temptation they have the better.

Barking is a Shih-Tzu’s way of communicating with the world, but when your puppy has a lot to say it can become problematic. Not only can your puppy’s barking excessively bother you, but it can be disruptive to your neighbors and company. Nobody wants to be the person with the annoying puppy, but stopping your puppy from barking at everything and everyone can be difficult. Training your puppy to bark less requires a great deal of patience and perseverance, but it is possible.

Try these products from PetSmart and Amazon to stop your Shih-Tzu from bothering your neighbors!

PetSafe Deluxe Little Dog Bark Control Collar

PetSafe Deluxe Spray Bark Control Collar

Responding to a Shih-Tzu’s excessive barking much like responding to a child's temper tantrum will only reinforce the behavior. If your puppy is outside barking like a maniac and you go out and bring him in, your reinforcing in his mind that he should bark like that when he wants something. That being, said you cannot leave your puppy to bark and just ignore it.

When your puppy starts to bark, get their attention and use the command quiet in a calm low tone. When your puppy complies, praise him immediately. The repeated use of this practice will teach your puppy that you are happy when they respond to the quiet command by stopping their barking. It's really no different then sit, stay, roll over or teaching your puppy to go the bathroom outside. It takes time, but Shih-Tzu’s live to please and they can be taught to obey commands when given. You can even practice this command by having someone knock on your door and then going through the motions with your puppy. Repetition typically helps puppies to learn, so practice usually makes perfect.

Another way to break your Shih-Tzu of excessive barking is to make sure they are adequately stimulated. Take your Shih-Tzu for walks to help them burn off some of their pent up. Walking them also helps to alleviate boredom and it fulfills their need for exploration. Playing with your Shih-Tzu and spending an adequate amount of attention with them daily also helps reduce barking. If your Shih-Tzu already has your attention, they will not feel the need to bark as often. Regular interaction and play also helps to reduce boredom, which in turn reduces barking.

It should never be a goal to completely eliminate barking. People talk and puppies bark, that is how they communicate. The goal of bark training should only be to control excessive barking that is disturbing your household or neighbors.

Premier Gentle Spray Bark Collar - Adjustable Mfc: Premier Price: $69.99 Store:  Only Natural Pet Store There’s no need to put up with endless barking. The GentleSpray Anti-Bark Collar, immediately and without pain, conditions dogs to stop barking. .Innotek micro no bark collar Mfc: INNOTEK Price: $102.74 Store:  Pets Warehouse .Innotek no bark collar Mfc: INNOTEK Price: $59.26 Store:  Pets Warehouse SO2 BARK CONTROL COLLAR Mfc: PETSAFE Price: $60.29 Store:  Pets Warehouse .MUV Collar ANTI-BARK CITRONELL Mfc: MUILTIVET Price: $60.00 Store:  Pets Warehouse RAD Collar BARK CNTRL W/VIDEO Mfc: RADIO SYSTEMS Price: $76.72 Store:  Pets Warehouse Multivet Anti-Bark Spray Collar Deluxe spray collar Mfc: MUILTIVET Price: $85.71 Store:  Pets Warehouse RAD Collar BARK Control BIG DOG Mfc: RADIO SYSTEMS Price: $108.37 Store:  Pets Warehouse DELUXE BARK CONTROL COLLAR Mfc: PETSAFE Price: $81.34 Store:  Pets Warehouse SPRAY BARK COLLAR LRG 6 Mfc: RADIO SYSTEMS Price: $55.49 Store:  Pets Warehouse

We brush them, bathe them and buy them tons of toys, but often we over look one of the most important things about our Shih-Tzus. A Shih-Tzu's teeth are essential to their daily living; they clean with them, eat with them and play with them. However, due to a number of circumstances beyond their control they often end up needing teeth extracted in numbers. Fortunately, there are plenty of things that we can do as owners and caregivers to minimize the likelihood of our Shih-Tzu needing dental work.

Starting your Shih-Tzu off with a tooth care regimen at a young age is always a good idea. This will help decrease the likelihood that your Shih-Tzu will need dental intervention. It will also help the Shih-Tzu develop a tolerance for the activity. Optimally, you should brush your Shih-Tzu’s teeth daily. However, if that is not feasible brush them every other day. The more often that you brush your Shih-Tzu’s teeth, the quicker that they will become accustom to having it done.

There are many dental products for puppies on the market currently. It is important that you purchase pet toothpaste. Toothpaste that is made for humans can be harmful to your Shih-Tzu. You can find toothpaste that contains fluoride for puppies, but it is not 100% necessary. Puppies that already have dental issues, like gum disease may benefit from pet toothpaste with fluoride.

Leba III Dental Spray for Dogs and Cats



Selecting a toothbrush can be tricky. There are many different types of toothbrushes to choose from. The easiest style of brush to use is the finger brush. This brush fits easily over your finger. This style of brush works well for smaller Shih-Tzus who have an adverse reaction to getting their teeth brushed. You can also use dental pads for Shih-Tzus that are difficult. When you choose a toothbrush, the most important thing is to select a brush that is made for puppies; they are softer and smaller than our brushes.

Staying relaxed and positive is essential to your Shih-Tzu taking to getting their teeth brushed. Practice brushing their teeth with just your finger and a yummy liquid. Next, move on to practicing with gauze and a yummy liquid. You will gently move in a circular motion to remove any plaque.

When you graduate to the actual brushing instrument, let the Shih-Tzu inspect it. Letting them sniff, lick and even bite their toothbrush may help to alleviate any anxiety they have about it being in their mouth. You can start by brushing the outside of your Shih-Tzu’s canine teeth and gradually increase the number of teeth you brush each day. Eventually, you will be brushing all your Shih-Tzu’s teeth daily, both on the inside and out.

Toys and diet can also be a part of your Shih-Tzu’s dental care. Dry food tends to cause less plaque then wet food. So, it is an important part of your Shih-Tzu’s diet even if it is not their sole source of nourishment. Avoid foods with excess sugars or gluten and limit table scraps. Poor diet is definitely a contributing factor to dental problems. This may become more apparent later in your Shih-Tzu’s life.

Besides diet, the toys that you give your Shih-Tzu can play an important role in their overall dental health. Pet stores are filled with toys that can help remove plaque when chewed on. You can buy soft cloth and rope toys that wipe away plaque. Some Shih-Tzus prefer chewing on harder toys. They have many dental bones and snacks available that are a bit tougher. The most important thing is that you make certain your Shih-Tzu is not chewing hard enough to break or chip a tooth. Dental toys are a great way to supplement brushing your Shih-Tzu’s teeth, especially if you do not brush them daily.

Regardless of your Shih-Tzu’s age, it is important that you start implementing a puppy dental care routine. Dental intervention with your vet, if need can be expensive and uncomfortable for you pet. Veterinarian dental care can be avoided or minimized if you make your Shih-Tzu’s teeth as much a priority to you as they are to your Shih-Tzu.

Leba III Dental Spray for Dogs and Cats Leba III is unique, advanced-formula herbal dental spray for pets that removes tartar and prevents future buildup on the teeth... all in a convenient spray.

Chew toys can either work for you or against you. Many Shih-Tzus will chew on their chew toys exclusively, while other Shih-Tzus will chew on both the toys and anything else in the house that resembles the toys.


There are many different reasons behind why people use chew toys in Shih-Tzu training. It is true that Shih-Tzus instinctively chew, so many believe that if he is going to chew on something then it might as well be something it is okay for him to chew on. Unfortunately, the Shih-Tzu does not understand this realm of thinking, so he is more likely going to chew on his toys as well as his other items around the house. People also use chew toys in Shih-Tzu training to help relieve a Shih-Tzu’s boredom. Instead of chewing on the sofa, it is better for the Shih-Tzu to chew on a nylon bone.

It is instinctive for Shih-Tzus to chew, and when a Shih-Tzu is investigating something new, he will smell it and then taste it to see if he can eat it. You cannot get rid of this natural behavior because it has been ingrained in them for thousands of years. However, when you use a chew toy, you may inadvertently cause that instinct to become stronger and the Shih-Tzu moves from one item in the house to the next chewing up items that are not necessarily a chew toy.

The fact of the matter is that when you feed your Shih-Tzu a well-balanced diet you should not have a destructive chewing problem. The key to training your Shih-Tzu not to chew and to not need chew toys is to not allow them to put his teeth on anything that he cannot eat. This means not allowing them to chew on sticks in the yard or anything else. Whenever they begin chewing on something, you tell them to “leave it” and then redirect their attention elsewhere. The Shih-Tzu still has the instinct to chew, but because you never allowed him to chew destructively on anything while bored or playing, the Shih-Tzu will not associate chewing with boredom. You can think of it as “preventative Shih-Tzu training.”

There are several types of toys that do have a role in Shih-Tzu training. Things like balls, Frisbees and similar items are invaluable training tools. These can be regularly used to motivate your Shih-Tzu while training. However, you do not want the Shih-Tzu to see the ball has “his” but “yours.” When you do this, you still get the full effect that a ball can have on a Shih-Tzu’s training and motivation, but he is not going to associate chewing and boredom with it. In fact, it is a better idea to keep these toys out of sight and out of mind for your Shih-Tzu only a daily basis. This will help them to be more effective as training tools in your obedience training and the Shih-Tzu will have an even greater amount of motivation towards that ball instead of seeing it as just another chew toy.

You can find some great deals on chew toys below.


Chew Hooves 112 Count Natural

Chew Hooves 112 Count Natural Chew Hooves Dog Treats Completely natural chew for dogs, no chemicals and no preservatives. Great source of digestible protein. Made in the USA, that makes these chew hooves some of the healthiest dog chews available! Features: Natural dog treat digestible protein Made in the USA! Item Specifications: Flavor: Natural Smoked Size: 28 count 112 count Guaranteed Analysis: 90% protein 1% fat

The Best Pet Insurance for Shih-Tzu's? Read about Embrace Pet Insurance and QuickCare Pet Insurance below.

Is pet insurance worth getting? You bet. A friend of mine who has a bulldog told me about his last vet bill: $3,000!

A couple months ago, his dog was not feeling well and had trouble keeping down her food. She kept vomiting and was generally not her usual spunky self. They took her to a vet, who said that she would have to have a couple exams done and spend the night. An x-ray determined that something she ate was lodged in her intestine, making it difficult for her to fully digest her food. I am not exactly sure how they removed the object, but they managed to clear her digestive path out. She ended up staying for two nights at the animal hospital.

While they were relieved it was not anything serious, the bill for the visit, exam and hospital stay stunned my friend. Stunned me too, quite frankly. This prompted him to look at pet insurance - to avoid having to pay exorbitant animal care bills.

The good thing is he started early - the dog is still a puppy and so fairly healthy and not beset with the typical health issues dogs face as they grow older. It made me think about looking into pet insurance as well, for Momo and Chuy. I looked around and found what I believe to be the best deals out there. I have found two companies that seem to offer the best pet insurance plans out there.

Embrace Pet Insurance consistently receives rave reviews from consumers. Embrace is great for the following reasons:

• You can use any vet and do not have to use vets within a network, such as VPI's (with VCA).
• Embrace Pet Insurance plans cover genetic conditions. Treating genetic conditions can be very expensive and unfortunately many pet insurance plans do not cover genetic conditions at all.
• Embrace Pet Insurance's customer service is top-notch. Embrace turns claims around in 15 days or less. Their claims adjusters are veterinary technicians who keep in touch with you while your claim is processed.
• Embrace Pet Insurance plans reimburse your claim as a percentage of your actual veterinary bill so you almost always get more back. The way of calculating your reimbursement that other plans use, the benefit schedule method, oftentimes means you get back much less than you expect - less than 30% what Embrace reimburses you in many cases!
• Embrace Pet Insurance allows you to customize your plan. Each pet on your policy can have a different maximum, deductible, co-pay, and optional coverages. For example, if you have a young, healthy dog and an older, indoor cat then you could customize pet insurance coverages for each pet to get just the right level of protection. You can customize the following:
  • Annual Maximum: Choose from $2,000, $5,000, or $10,000 per year
  • Annual Deductible: Choose from $100, $200, or $500 per year
  • Co-pay: Choose from 10%, 20%, or 35% per visit
  • Prescription Drug and Dental Illness Coverage: Choose whether you want this or not
  • Embrace Wellness Rewards Plan: Choose whether you want this or not
• Embrace Pet Insurance provides coverage for chronic conditions. Embrace provides what they call Continuing Care Coverage, which reimburses you for treatment of an accident or illness that first showed up in a prior period of insurance. In other words, it protects your pet against chronic illnesses or problems that last more than 12 months, including allergies, diabetes, thyroid imbalances, and osteoarthritis, to name a few.
• Embrace Pet Insurance does not raise your premium if you submit claims for your pet bills. And the only person who can modify your coverage is you. Once your pet is enrolled with Embrace, it stays protected for life.

QuickCare Pet Insurance is also one of the best deals I have found on the Internet. The good thing about their insurance program is that you can choose from different programs, and decide on how much coverage you would like to get for your dog while at the same time choosing how much of a premium you would like to pay on a monthly basis as well as how high a deductible you are willing to pay before insurance covers pet care expenses.

In other words, if you would like to get comprehensive coverage, you may have a higher deductible or pay a higher monthly premium. If you are okay with selective coverage, you may be able to pay a lower monthly premium or lower your deductible. With QuickCare Pet Insurance, you can pick the plan that meets your needs in terms of the care you would like to give your dog and your economic situation.

Almost everyone universally dislikes VPI, one of the first to provide pet insurance in the market. We tend to agree with this view. There have been too many complaints about disappointing reimbursement levels and VPI's tendency to raise rates once you begin submitting claims. Embrace Pet Insurance and QuickCare Pet Insurance have very good reputations in the market and almost always receive high ratings.

As with human health insurance, you never know when a loved one might fall seriously ill. That is why we seek health insurance in the first place, as a serious illness like cancer or something requiring surgery could cost thousands of dollars. The right thing to do for your dog is to get pet insurance. We highly recommend you look into Embrace Pet Insurance or QuickCare Pet Insurance today.

We took Momo to the groomer and got her a haircut about a week ago and she looks so much different. At first, we thought the long, puff-haired look was cuter on her, but we've grown used to seeing her like this and it's also cute - a different kind of cute, but cute nonetheless.

She also got her nails cut and her tear stains removed.

What do you all think? Cast your vote on whether you like Momo's old or new look below or on the home page.

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Innotek Automatic No-Bark Collar (Rechargeable)

Our neighbor finally began to complain about our shih-tzus' barking, prompting us to look for the best bark collars on the Internet. Momo and Chuy do not bark that much, at least compared to some dogs I know. Sure, they yap a little, but it's nothing out of the ordinary for two young puppies.

Still, we didn't want to risk having our neighbors file a complaint so we began to do some research on the best bark collars for shih-tzus on the market. We ultimately decided on the Innotek Automatic No-Bark Rechargeable Collar. There's some more detailed information below, but we chose this particular one because:

• The Innotek Automatic No-Bark Collar automatically sets its sensitivity to your shih-tzu's barking level. In other words, it learns how your shih-tzu barks and adjusts the stimulation needed to prevent them from barking.

• The stimulation used is not at all painful to your shih-tzu and only escalates if your shih-tzu does not stop barking immediately. It's humane, unlike what most people mistakenly think.

• The Innotek Automatic No-Bark Collar has a rechargeable battery, meaning you don't have to constantly buy new (and often expensive) batteries. The rechargeable feature is absolutely convenient.

There were others we were considering (see the carousel selection below), but we opted for the Innotek (detailed description and link to buy further below). We'll write a more extensive review of the product in a subsequent post, but we would encourage you to get this one as it works really well for shih-tzus.

Innotek Automatic No-Bark Collar (Rechargeable) Innotek is best known for its compact training products. That innovation is shown yet again in our Micro No-Bark Collar. At only 3.2 ounces, compact takes on a whole new meaning. The receiver is rugged and 100% waterproof, so it can be used indoors or out and on any dog. This new generation of bark-control products requires no external vibration sensor - all working parts are housed inside the rugged case. Despite its small size, the BC-200 includes all of the features that have made Innotek bark-control products the industry standard. New Auto Set Technology - the model BC-200 automatically sets itself at an appropriate stimulation that quiets your dog. It also gives your dog a two second "learning time-out" between stimulations. This Package Includes Adjustable Nylon Collar No-Bark Waterproof Microline Receiver 2 sets of stimulation probes (for long and short fur) Battery Charging Unit Instructional Video Features & Specs 7 levels of progressive correction - New Auto Set Technology lets your dog control the correction level. Automatically sets itself at an appropriate correction level that quiets your dog. Uses vibration sensor to sense for barking. Recommended for dogs 15 - 200 lbs. with neck size 8" - 21" 2-second pause between corrections. If your dog stops barking, the bark collar rests. If your dog keeps barking, the bark collar emits another static shock. Adjustable correction probes - Comes with both short probes for short-haired dogs, and long probes for long-haired dogs. Waterproof, Microline receiver measures 1 7/8" x 7/8" x 7/8". Use indoors or out. 2 sets of probes (for long and short hair). Rechargeable NiMH battery (included). Battery charger included. Adjustable nylon collar. Weighs just 3.2 oz. Programming & Training DVD included.

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