Where Do Shih Tzus Like to Be Petted? (The Best Spots You Should Pet)

Shih Tzus, like other pets, have some parts where they like you to pet them. Now, if you want to play with your Shih Tzu, you can go to almost any place of its body. But, they would like it if you pet them in their chest and legs. Moreover, you can also go for their spine and shoulders.

Petting your Shih Tzu is one of the best ways to show your affection and love. Since they love petting, learning where they like to get massaged is vital to show love, the best way possible.

Let’s get into it more!

What are the best places to pet your Shih Tzu?

As I said earlier, Shih Tzus also have spots that they would like you to pet.

If you’re wondering where to start, the best way to begin is to settle them in your lap first. By doing so, you can access all parts with ease.

As soon as your pet settles on you, go for the spine. Use circular motions around the back of your Shih Tzu. It will help them relax their muscles.

You can also pet your dog in its chest and its legs. Still, some dogs don’t like their legs massaged. Thus, it would be best to massage it gently.

If your dog shrugs as you do it, then it’s a signal for you to go for other parts.

As always, every dog has its preferences. Thus, be sure to massage them in different parts and see where they like most.

Now, here’s how you can tell if your dog likes how you pet them.

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How to recognize that your dog likes petting?

If your dog is a Shih Tzu, then petting won’t be a problem. In fact, petting is something they like.

While other breeds don’t need such affection, Shih Tzus do. For this reason, you should be able to recognize what parts they like petting and what they don’t.

Here are some signs you can observe to see if your Shih Tzu likes how you’re petting it.

First, your pet is trying to pet you back. Your pet will do this if it tries to put its paws on your arm or leg. 

Although most dogs don’t do this, some Shih Tzus show their affection, closeness, and trust.

Another thing you can notice is that it’s wagging its tail or is licking you. A tail wag and a lick show a sign of its joy.

For this reason, if your pet licks you or wags its tail as you pet it, then it means your dog is happy with what you’re doing.

Another thing is that if your pet relaxes and even sleeps on your lap or your side.

Your Shih Tzu will only sleep beside you if it trusts you. Thus, you can consider it the right petting when your pet sleeps with you afterward.

Do Shih Tzus like to be petted?

 Shih Tzus are affectionate pets, and they can be adorable and clingy. Thus, petting is a thing they would appreciate.

If you’re wondering if they like petting sessions, they would, so you don’t need to hold back. 

You can pet your dog and cuddle with it as much as you want.

These dogs are great companions. Not only are they adorable and cute. They return the favor by being the sweetest and by cuddling and licking.

Shih Tzus are lively pets, and they can be playful almost all the time. 

Their breed gained fame for many pet owners. With their sweet and clingy attitude, it’s not something anyone would wonder why.

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How do Shih Tzus show affection?

 While we can show our affection by petting, Shih Tzus express their love in many ways. Moreso, each method can be quite cute and irresistible.

If your pet wants to express their love and sweetness towards you, you may see one or more of the following:

Wagging their tails

If your pet wags its tails whenever it’s with you, it means he is happy and enjoying time with you.

Barking whenever you’re back home

If your Shih Tzu barks and runs towards you every time you come back home, it shows how much it loves you.

Licking your face

These dogs also lick their owners’ faces when they feel happy and want to play with you.

Leaning on you

Leaning towards you is also one way to show they want to spend time beside you. You can respond by patting it gently.

Snuggling and cuddling

If your pet is trying to cuddle or snuggle, it shows how much they love being with you.

Getting on your lap or near your feet

If they are always approaching and getting their bodies near you, it means they want to play with you.

Wiggling eyebrows and staring at you 

Their eyes also tell many things. Shih Tzus have pretty eyes, and a stare from them is literal cuteness.

Bringing their toy to you

If they start bringing their toys to you, they love you enough to share what they think is theirs.

Showing you their tricks

Another thing they can do is to boast of their tricks in front of you. You can acknowledge it by giving rewards or treats.

Sleeping beside you

If your pet sleeps beside you, or even in your lap, it shows how much it trusts you and loves you.

Following you

Another sign that your pet shows affection is when it regularly follows you anywhere you go.

With all these things, you’ll never run out of affection from your pet. As always, they are sweet and cuddly, and you should return the love by doing so as well.

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Why are Shih Tzus so clingy?

Shih Tzus are so affectionate and clingy because they are bred for one thing – companionship.

Unlike other dog breeds meant for herding and hunting, Shih Tzus are affectionate. Thus, they are friendly even with new people and don’t show or exhibit any aggressiveness.

It’s also the reason why a lot of Shih Tzu owners like their constant companionship.

This breed is a loyal and affectionate one. Thus, if you’re looking for a pet where you can show all your affection and love, you can’t go wrong with Shih Tzus.

These dogs bond fast with humans, and they often rest at their owner’s feet or lap.

These dogs make it their purpose to be the best company for their owners. 

As a result, they can be the most affectionate and the sweetest pets you will meet.

Summary

Shih Tzus are affectionate dogs, and their breed’s nature is to be the ideal companion any human can have. Thus, you may want to learn petting your dog in the best parts.

The great thing about petting a Shih Tzu is that you can never go wrong with it. As long as you are gentle and careful, petting is nothing but a bonding time for you and your pet.

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Image Credits – Photos by Gia Oris and Filipe Resmini on Unsplash