Bringing your new Shih Tzu puppy home is so exciting!  You want to show everyone how cute he/she is.  My advice is to show them in a few days.  Take the puppy straight home.  When your Shih Tzu arrives he/she is experiencing several changes at once.  It is the first day to be separated from littermates. Avoiding any more confusion for your puppy is a good idea for a few days.  Offering your Shih Tzu puppy peace and quiet and love is the best thing you can do. In a couple of days with lots of love the transition will be complete.

Remember that your Shih Tzu puppy is not trustworthy yet and has to be housebroken, so have a confined area set up.  Decide if your puppy is going to sleep in a crate, the kitchen fenced off, or a playpen.  Have a soft bed for puppy ready or a fuzzy blanket in the area.  Make sure it's washable because she will make mistakes.

 

Basic Puppy Needs

 

  * 

food bowl and water bowl 

  *

confined sleeping area 

  *

bed

  *

collar and leash (Take puppy with you to get this;2 fingers must fit between the collar and puppy's neck when the collar is on. Chain collars mat Shih Tzu hair.  Leash should be 6' long.)

 

The adjustable small harness from Walmart is my favorite.

 

  *

grooming supplies (shampoo, brush, comb, etc)

I use Tropiclean Awapuhi White Natural Shampoo. You can get it at Petco.  And Foo-Foo Nature's Specialties Simply Plum Cologne.

  *

tiny reward treats with no dye in them; they should not be colored

  *

toys, toys, and more toys! 

  *

a chew toy for teething on

 

I feed Purina Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy. I'll send a small bag of it with your puppy. If you prefer a different brand just mix it in with your puppies new food for the first week. Just make sure to buy puppy food that is AAFCO approved. I recommend dry food not canned.

 

Before puppy comes home, choose a Veterinarian.  Ask other dog owners, friends, or family members to recommend a vet to you.  I think this is very important because I have found there can be a huge difference in vets.  

 

Introduce your other pets slowly to the new puppy. Be sure not to neglect your other pets and let puppy get all of the attention.  Make an effort to pay extra attention to your other animals to prevent jealousy toward the new puppy.

 

Do not, do NOT give in to the puppy's whimpers in the middle of the night.  Even if it means that the entire family gets little sleep for a night or two.  You will create a habit if you give in.  You will be teaching that if he cries long enough, you will get him out.  Of course she wants smack dab in the middle of your bed, but she is not ready. Give him a soft stuffed animal for comfort. My babies were used to listening to a country music radio station at night. So, that might help, too. 

 

Practice the "Shih Tzu Puppy Shuffle" a time or two.  You will need to know this dance when your Shih Tzu comes home.  It requires you to slide your feet across the ground.  You will need this step until puppy learns not to get under your feet. Sometimes I forget where I am and find myself doing the puppy shuffle in the mall!

 

After the adjustment period of a few days at home with you, your Shih Tzu puppy should meet as many people as possible.  Introduce him/her to other pets and take him/her in the car. This period of socialization (8-16 weeks) is crucial to your puppy's response to those stimuli in the future.

 

Find out if your puppy needs to be registered with the city and fill out any appropriate forms.  Your vet will know about this.  Order an I.D. tag for your Shih Tzu puppy (but never put his name on it).  I have "help me home" with my address and phone number on it.  If someone finds your Shih Tzu, not knowing his name will hinder him from attempting to keep your pet.

 

Begin training her right away.  Come is the first skill to teach.  This works best if two people sit on the floor a little apart from each other and say, "come" and have the puppy come and get lots of praise.  Then have the second person call the puppy to come.  To learn the correct way to teach the five basic commands to your puppy, check out AKC's website. 

With lots of patience and love your Shih Tzu puppy will be doing just want you want in no time!

 

 

Housebreaking your Shih Tzu 

There is more than one method to housebreak your new Shih Tzu puppy.  A few methods are:

         *Paper Training or "Pooch Pad" Training

         * Crate Training

         * Using a puppy playpen or safe room

         * Dog Litter Box Method

         * Doggy door leading to fenced in area.

My puppies start at 5 weeks old using a doggy door which leads to an outdoor fenced in area covered with white gravel. It's much neater than them going out on grass.

Each family needs to find the method that works best for them.  That being said, there are several important facts that you must keep in mind.

 

 

It is important to know that puppies learn best by positive reinforcement and repetition of the correct way to do things.

 

Dogs are "den" animals.  You must first teach your Shih Tzu puppy to not soil a small "den" (area) then move on to teaching him that your entire house is the "den".

 

Dogs are pack animals.  There is a leader in each pack. That leader must be YOU!

 

Dogs use body language to communicate with you.  Learn your dogs body language.

 

There are several rules you should follow regardless of the method of housebreaking you choose.

 

*

You must never allow your Shih Tzu to eat "free-choice".  Even if you bought that really handy self-feeder that you only have to fill up once a week.  Being lazy will not get the job done here!  Allowing your Shih Tzu to eat all day means he will poop all day and it will be impossible to house train him.

 

(Ignore this rule if your puppy is under 10 weeks old...Keep food out for her all the time. After 10 weeks old you may begin to feed 2-3 times a day.)

Puppies need to potty at these times:

 

  

* Whenever he wakes from sleeping

  

* After he eats a meal & maybe a treat

 

* After he drinks water

 

* Every time you remove him from his crate, playpen, or puppy-safe room

 

* After exercise or play

 

* First thing in the morning

 

* Any other time he acts like he needs to go

Dogs have a natural tendency to relieve themselves away from the "den".  You must select "the spot" that you want your puppy to eliminate.  You also must select a phrase you say when you want him to "go".  I always say, "Hurry Up".  Some people say, "Go Potty" or "Get Busy".

Feed your puppy in the same place each time using the same clean dish.  Stainless steel dishes are best since they do not harbor bacteria like plastic and ceramic dishes do. Give him 15-20 minutes to eat his food.  Take the food up after 15-20 minutes.  If your puppy was hungry he would eat.  Do not add stuff to your dogs food, change foods frequently, or hand feed him, you will only create a picky eater.  If it is your dinnertime too, you eat first, then feed your dog.  Pack leaders always eat first and you are the pack leader.

Dogs need to go potty almost immediately after they eat.  It can take some dogs up to 30 minutes after a meal to get the urge.  You can get a good idea of how long it takes your dog by paying attention to his routine.  The same holds true for water.  If he drinks a lot he may even need to "go" several times over the next few hours. 

Never play with your Shih Tzu in the exact spot that you want him to eliminate.  Designate a specific area for elimination.

One of the reasons you will find so many people who swear by the crate training method is because they first taught their puppy not to soil a small "den" then they moved to teaching the dog not to soil the larger "den" (your whole house).  Small steps works wonders!

Never take a puppy out of a crate while he is whining or barking wait until he is quiet.  Otherwise you are training him to protest his crate.

Learn your Shih Tzu's body language.  Most dogs give signs that they are about to eliminate.  Frequently it's what I call the "SCS mode".  SCS is my acronym for sniff, circle, and squat.  Your dog may also arch his back or arch his tail over his back.  Watch for the signs so you can avoid accidents and reward success.

Even if you have a fenced yard, don't just shove your Shih Tzu puppy out the door and expect him to figure out what you want him to do.  At least until you've trained him to "go" in the particular spot.  This will also prevent your Shih Tzu from thinking the entire backyard is his spot. 

Lead him to the spot and be quiet and still.  Don't talk or play.  Softly repeat your chosen phrase, such as "Hurry up".  Once he starts to eliminate, praise him very softly (don't distract him).  When he is finished, you can go wild with praise and maybe a treat. (But remember, the treat may make him need to "go" again!)  Then take him away from "the spot".  You will eventually get your Shih Tzu to go to "the spot" on his own when you let him out, but it takes small steps first.

Please keep in mind that if your Shih Tzu is under 5 or 6 months old, it just isn't realistic to expect him to "hold it" for an extended time.  If you must leave your puppy for extended time, you should create a puppy-safe room and designate a specific area for him to eliminate.

If you choose to crate train, the crate must be large enough for your Shih Tzu to comfortably stand up, turn around, and lie down.  If the crate is much bigger than that, your puppy will designate a potty area all by himself inside the crate.

If you choose to house train your puppy on pads, the best ones are "pooch Pads".  They are washable pads that are scented with a scent that only your dog can smell and it tells him/her what to do there.  Pooch Pads are available at PetsMart and many other Pet Supply Stores.  They are far better than newspaper which is a mess and they cannot be eaten like the disposable potty training pads made of paper.  Some Tzu love to eat paper.  It's fun!

A few words about pack animals:

You must make sure your Shih Tzu knows you are the pack leader.  As I mentioned earlier, the pack leader eats first.  The pack leader also walks first in line or at the front of the pack.  The person (or animal) who walks through the doorway first when it's time for a walk is the pack leader.  Do you want to walk your dog, or do you want your dog to walk you?  Some dogs will challenge you to become the pack leader so be careful and make sure you are the alpha dog!

Expect your Shih Tzu puppy to make mistakes because he will.  Try to keep him in your sight at all times that he is not confined, until you are sure he is trustworthy.  If you catch your puppy about to make a mistake, or already in the act, get his attention to let him know he is doing the wrong thing (a nasty voiced "NO!" will work) and quickly take him to the correct place to "go" or finish.

Never correct your Shih Tzu for "going" in the wrong place unless you catch him.  Never rub his nose in the mistake, this will only create a whole slew of other problems and set you back in your training. If you hear someone say their dog was trained by having his nose rubbed in it, the truth is...the dog was somehow trained despite having his nose rubbed in it.

Obedience training classes can help potty training problems by teaching your Shih Tzu that you are in charge.

If you are willing to invest the time it takes to teach your Shih Tzu puppy where you want him to "go" you will enjoy years of a well trained companion.

Happy Training....You can do it!!

 

        Grooming your Shih Tzu         

All dogs, especially the long-coated breeds like the Shih Tzu require grooming.  A beautifully-coated Shih Tzu which you've taken the time and trouble to achieve is a joy to see both in and out of the show ring.  Once you let the coat become matted due to neglect it takes endless time to repair.  It may become beyond repair if neglected too long and need to be clipped down.

    It is very important to establish grooming as a daily routine.  You should choose one particular spot for grooming your Shih Tzu each time.  If you are gentle with your dog and praise him/her she will look forward to this special time with you each day.

Bathing

    Your Shih Tzu will probably get a bath about once a week or so.  There are also shampoos formulated to the color of your dog's hair that work great too. Never get water in your dogs nose.  I actually cover the nostril with my thumb as I bathe the face. I use: Sho Sno Shampoo by Tomlyn.

    If you bathe a dog with mats in its coat, the mats will be ten times worse after a bath, so brush your dog out first.

    You can put cotton in the ears to prevent water from getting in them.  Use ear powder made for dogs after the bath.  This will ensure that the Shih Tzu does not get a yeast infection from having a moist ear.

Blow Dry

   The Shih Tzu should be blown dry always on a warm, not hot temperature.  Brush as you blow dry.  Combs can break the hair.  (I only use a comb on the face.)  Brush the dog out as you dry in the direction the hair grows.

Haircuts

    Many people who love the breed and own Shih Tzu do not have the time to keep their dogs in full coat.  There are a couple of different options for this situation that still keep them close to looking like a show dog.  They are a "Cocker Spaniel Clip" and a "Puppy Clip".  You can even leave the top knot on with these haircuts if you have the time and are willing to maintain it.

    A "Cocker Spaniel Clip" requires the legs be scissor cut, not cut with the clippers.  The legs should be left fuller and like cylinders.  The face hair is cut several inches shorter than if it were full grown.  The ears are left longer than the face, but still trimmed some.  This is an adorable haircut for a Shih Tzu.  If you choose to cut your dog yourself, you should use a #40 blade with a #2 attachment on it.  You follow the body of the dog and cut in the direction the hair grows.  The legs will be scissor cut.

    A "Puppy Clip" is basically the same as a "Cocker Spaniel Clip", but the hair is shorter and not left as full as the "Cocker Spaniel Clip".  You can choose a # 7 or #8 blade for a "Puppy Clip".

   I think one of the cutest things you can do for a Shih Tzu is trim around the feet.  It makes the dog look adorable.  The hair should be cut close to the toenails.  Just follow the foot around the nails as you trim.  I find it easiest to do this with a pair of curved grooming scissors.

Note:  A dog should never get a haircut while it has a dirty coat.  You must first bathe your Shih Tzu before you clip the hair.  You cannot clip dirty hair, it just doesn't work.

The Top Knot

   If you choose to leave your Shih Tzu's top knot on, you should never let the rubber band touch flesh.  This causes sores on the dogs head.  The top knot should be pulled up and fastened only around hair.  Once the rubber band is in place make sure that it does not pull the eyes, ears, or skin.  If the dog is scratching at the top knot, chances are it is too tight!

   There is a trick to getting that wonderful poof in the top knot.  Once the rubber band is secured, hold the top knot straight up in the air above the dog's head.  Take a hold of several pieces of hair from the center of the top knot and pull those hairs straight up.  You will then have a poof.

   The face and top knot should be done everyday with careful attention paid to the eyes.  It only takes 10-15 minutes a day to brush the dog and make a top knot. 

If you are thinking of grooming your Shih Tzu yourself, there are several Shih Tzu grooming videos that are fabulous!

          About your Shih Tzu             

    The correct pronunciation of Shih Tzu is "sheed zoo".  The name Shih Tzu actually means lion dog in Chinese. Shih Tzu is both singular and plural.  The Shih Tzu is classified as a Chinese dog, since it was bred for hundreds of years there.  It is believed; however, that it originated in Tibet, where it was kept in temples and sometimes given to Chinese emperors as a gift.  To be given a "lion dog" was a great honor.

    Shih Tzu are alert, affectionate, intelligent, happy, trusting, and arrogant.  They love people and other dogs.  They have no idea they are dogs!  They somehow know they came from royalty and they act like it.  Shih Tzu prance or sashay when they walk.    

    Shih Tzu are one of the few breeds that have hair (like humans) instead of fur.  This means that many people who are allergic to fur are not allergic to Shih Tzu.  It also means that Shih Tzu do not shed seasonally.  Instead they shed in small amounts all of the time, just as you do. This breed requires either daily grooming or a puppy cut.  The coat is luxurious, double-coated, and dense.

    The correct jaw of a Shih Tzu is undershot.  It has a slight under bite.  The stop of the nose should start on a line with the lower eye rim.  The nose should be level or slightly up tilted.  Shih Tzu do not have a long snout.

    There is something magical in a Shih Tzu's eyes.  They have such a soft, gentle, and loving expression in their eyes.  This breed is so easy to love and spoil rotten!

​