After all the years of answering readers questions in dog columns for newspapers, magazines and now this blog, I have never had anyone ask me that question. And as bad as it sounds, I do not have any specific experience with shih tzu top knots. However, this is where we turn to our wonderful readers and ask for their assistance:

Does anyone have specific experience with getting young dogs used to their top knots?

My suggestions would be using a distraction while you are putting it in such as a peanut butter in a Kong if you can do it while he is lying down to eat or even a bit of peanut butter on the top of his nose. If you have a friend handy that is willing to help, try getting them to hold a bit of soft dog treat tight in their hand with only a small hole with which to bite off a tiny bit at a time. Make him work to get it. This trick is often incorporated for trimming toenails, removing stitches, or anything where you need the dog to refrain from moving.

My other thought would be using something in his topknot that is quick to put in such as a barrette instead of an elastic band. Could it be the amount of time it takes to wind the elastic band around the top knot that is driving him crazy? Hard to say.

Make sure that you are telling him he is a good dog when he sits still and discouraging his whining, barking and rolling over antics with a ‘eh eh eh’ noise. A solid stay command will help as well.

Does anyone else have any suggestions? I am at a loss on this problem I’m afraid!

Ann