Shih Tzu Puppy:  Everything You Need To Know When Bringing Home a New Puppy

BY MOLLY | EVERYTHINGSHIHTZU.COM
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Four Shih Tzu puppies

Whether you became awestruck by their bright eyes, their silky, soft, multi-colored coat, or the tilt of their little round faces when they are thinking, a Shih Tzu puppy seems to cause the "love at first sight" reaction in their human friends.

Although it is hard to resist scooping up one of these adorable little pups and taking him home with you, caring for a puppy is more involved than caring for an adult dog.

Whether you've adopted your four-legged companion, or bought him from a reputable breeder, it doesn't matter you'll still have to plan for their arrival.

Taking time now to plan and get things in order will make a big difference in the long run.

Before Bringing Home Your Shih Tzu Puppy

Puppies, by nature are curious critters, so you have to make sure to puppy proof your home, as these little angels will often find things in their surroundings they will want to chew on.

Chewing on items around your house is often part of puppies teething stage.

Things like shoes, important papers, delicate home accents, fabric tablecloths and runners, your kid’s toys, socks, underwear and yes even homework.

It’s also a good idea to put things out of his reach that may be hazardous to his health, such as harmful household or automotive chemicals, poisons, houseplants that could pose health risks, electric cords anything chocolate and other foods toxic to dogs.

Shih Tzu are generally good with children, but children should be educated regarding your puppy’s care so that no one, including your puppy, gets needlessly hurt.

Keeping your puppies’ environment safe and clean will do wonders at minimizing potential hazards and will result in less visits to the vet’s office.

Shih Tzu puppies on a small puppy couch

What You'll Need For Your Puppy?

Just like human babies, puppies demand a lot of your time and attention.

So, before you even bring your puppy home, you should be sure to have all of the supplies that you will need to keep your little one clean, groomed, safe, and happy.

Some basic items that you should have include:

  • Appropriately sized food dish (preferably stainless steel), water bowl and/or a bottle (some Shih Tzu puppies do not like putting their faces in water bowls, and this also could help to keep their face cleaner)
  • If your puppy hasn't been weened yet and needs to fed by bottle, be sure you have one handy.
  • Puppy food and treats (treats will aid in training your puppy)
  • Travel crate or pen
Tan and white Shih Tzu puppy

Don't Forget The Trip To The Vet

Prior to bringing your Shih Tzu puppy home, you should arrange for his medical care by selecting a veterinarian.

Get referrals, if possible, and plan to be diligent with monitoring your puppy’s health.

You may even want to visit the vet beforehand so that you are comfortable with the facility and to establish a relationship with the staff.

Puppy Behavior Training

Very fluffy brown and white Shih Tzu puppy

The Shih Tzu puppy is famous for being stubborn.

But, no worries, eventually, your puppy will stay away from Aunt Susie’s flower pot or that cute candlestick in the foyer.

But it will definitely take training for managing your puppy’s behavior.  And remember he's just a puppy, and you'll need to have a lot of patience while he's learning how to behave.

For in depth puppy training, read these helpful articles "How to Crate Train a Puppy," and "10 Puppy Training Tips For Beginners"

Socializing your puppy is very important so gently introduce her to as many new people, places and things as possible, and make it a positive experience.

A Shih Tzu puppy makes a great addition to most households.

However, you may find that once you have one Shih Tzu, you may just want to bring home another...they are simply hard to resist.

Need help coming up with a name for your Shih Tzu, jump over to view our 25 Best Girl Dog Names and 30 Best Boy Dog Names for some inspiration.

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