i was wondering if anyone can help i have just reholmed a 6 year old shih tzu he was in a bit of a state when i got him but after being groomed feels and looks a lot better he was fine first night but the next day he has started growling at us for no reason if i pet him or lift him up or if i talk to him i dont know if he is just trying to comunicate or is he being agressive as sometimes his tail is wagging but if you tell him no in a firm voice it makes him worse he has never tryed to bite is there anyway to stop him doing this or is he too old to teach him this is wrong as i have fallen in love with him already thanks

> if you tell him no in a firm voice it makes him worse

Don't tell him no.  Listen to what he is telling you.  Most dogs hate being picked up.  His growling is just expressing his fear if he is not accustomed to it.  You say that he has never tried to bite.  But, if you ignore is warning, you are setting him up to resort to biting.

Most dogs that we have from 8 weeks, eventually get accustomed to being lifted in the air.  This doesn't mean that they like it.  It means they get used to something that they can't stop anyway.

Distract this behaviour Veronica. If he starts to growl, get up and find a toy ( if he likes toys) or a tasty treat and call him over to play or 'watch' for the treat.

Replacing unwanted behaviour by instigating and encouraging good.

If you can replace a 'growl' situation with a 'waggy' one...youre on your way.

thanks for your help  will try anything as its not just when i pick him up one minute he can be wagging his tail and the next he will be growling at you like last night for instance i was taking him out and he refused to move i was saying lets go but he started growling and wouldnt move
i know he will have a great life here as when i got him he was in terrible condition he had tight matts all over his body and was not a very happy boy since he has been groomed he is like a spring lamb if only he knew we are trying our best for him
i think the woman we got him from just tied him out in the garden and forgot about him than was the impression i got anyway thanks again

Give him time.  I get the impression you've not had him long - dogs take time to settle in to a new environment with new people and, potentially, new sources of stress.  It sounds like he's very unsure of what's happened and what will happen - let him take things at his pace.  If he growls, leave him be - let him learn that he is allowed to express his anxiety and he will be listened to.  Do that, and he'll learn that he doesn't need to growl to begin with :-)

I agree, think he needs time to trust you - possible that in the past a command was followed by a boot and until he learns that you will not chastise him he is getting in first.

Watch for the slightest sign of compliance and reward, go back to treating him like a tiny pup, encourage but never touch him to force compliance or shout. If he likes his food and it is dry then call him outside to eat. Then later call him out to pee and praise and reward.

thanks for all your replys i will take on board all your advice
he really is a beautiful dog
dont understand why people get dogs to mistreat or neglect them
one thing for sure he will live the rest of his life in a very loving home
i will try and teach him what a good home should be like but i am really glad i have this website to come for all your advice thanks again

Your poor little boy.  Sounds like he'll be well looked after now.  It might be worth checking he has no injuries or could be sore from the matts, they do hurt.

Kong toys work well for you to play with him, if you can get him interested.  Try using a little bouncy ball around the house and then let it bounce out the back door one day whilst he's engaged in chasing it, he might be fixed on the ball enough to go after it.  don't give up and keep doing it, even if its only every other day.  if he doesn't fetch it, go and get in in a singy voice and keep ecouraging him to follow.  lots of praise even if to the door.

i agree with you, why do they have them.  If you search for Shih Tzu rescue or the breed club, you get lots of help and advice from them if you call them.  the breed club sec' is very nice.

He might think you want to take him back or move home again.  Shih Tzu aren't daft, lol.  You also have to let them think its their idea to do things.

They're a beautiful breed to own and offer hours of love and entertainment.

> dont understand why people get dogs to mistreat or neglect them
>

I'm with you all the way on that one.