Shih Tzu Separation Anxiety & Alone Time: Preventing a Velcro Dog Meltdown

Shih Tzus are bred to be companions. That’s the job. The downside: if you don’t teach them how to be alone, you get barking, destruction, and full-blown panic when you leave. Hoping they “grow out of it” is wishful thinking.

Normal Attachment vs Separation Anxiety

Normal behavior:

• Mild whining when you leave, then settling down quickly.
• Sleeping or calmly chewing while you’re gone.

Separation anxiety:

• Pacing, drooling, or howling for extended periods.
• Chewing doors, crates, or windows.
• Accidents only when left alone, even if housebroken.

Prevention Strategy for Puppies and New Adoptions

• From day one, build short alone times into the routine.
• Use a crate or safe area with a chew or stuffed Kong.
• Leave quietly and return without making a huge event.

What to Do if Problem Already Exists

If your Shih Tzu is already panicking, you need a plan:

• Video them when you leave to see what’s actually happening.
• Start a desensitization protocol: very short absences that don’t trigger panic, gradually increased.
• Avoid long “cold turkey” absences during training; use sitters, daycare, or schedule changes if you can.

When to Get Professional Help

True separation anxiety doesn’t magically disappear. A qualified trainer or behaviorist can customize a plan. In serious cases, medication from your vet may be needed alongside training.

Find pros who know what they’re doing via MyPetAtlas, and cross-check them with what you know about Shih Tzu temperament from the Shih Tzu breed article. You want someone who understands small, sensitive companion breeds, not just high-drive working dogs.

Bottom Line

Teaching a Shih Tzu to be alone is part of responsible ownership, not an optional extra. Build the skill deliberately, and if you’re already behind, get help instead of waiting for your dog to “figure it out.” They won’t. You have to lead.