| Preparing for your Shih Tzu should begin long before | | | | This will usually include a sample of food, instructions, |
| you bring him home. One of the first things to | | | | and even a blanket or toy scented with the momma |
| consider is how you will help him adapt to his new | | | | and littermates. That can help make the puppy feel |
| environment. Keep in mind that he is used to being | | | | secure in his new home. Although helpful, the puppy |
| with his momma and littermates. Here is a quick tip, | | | | package is not sufficient preparation for your new |
| ready or not, you should be willing to spend lots of | | | | Shih Tzu. |
| time with your new baby. That will give him a sense | | | | Your puppy will need a soft and comfortable place to |
| of security and keep him safe. Begin planning how | | | | sleep. This means you should have a sleeping area in |
| you can adjust your schedule to allow plenty of time | | | | mind so you can help your new Shih Tzu acclimate |
| to spend with your new puppy. This should also | | | | quicker to his new home. A word of advice, puppies |
| include the mental preparation for changes in your | | | | take lots of naps so your preparation should probably |
| routines. | | | | include purchasing more than one bed; that will allow |
| A visit to your veterinarian is critical. This can be | | | | you to always be close by your new baby. Many |
| arranged prior to bringing your puppy home. This | | | | owners use a doggie play pen to confine their Shih |
| early preparation for vet care can get your puppy | | | | Tzu puppy. These are available online. They are |
| off to healthy start. Most breeders guarantee the | | | | flexible and are large enough to include room for a |
| health of their puppies but they may require that you | | | | bed, a play area, and even a feeding area. |
| take your new baby in for a vet visit within 48 - 72 | | | | Doggie play pens are wonderful for keeping your |
| hours of purchase. | | | | puppy safe. Remember that puppies like to chew on |
| There are several items you should have on hand in | | | | things and they usually do not discriminate when it |
| order to be completely prepared for your new baby. | | | | comes to choosing a chew toy. That can get them in |
| Many people use a crate for training purposes. | | | | a lot of trouble. As a Shih Tzu parent you will want |
| Although I do not suggest that I do suggest that a | | | | to insure that your puppy is in a place free of |
| dog/puppy have a crate or other small space | | | | electrical cords, poisonous plants, and anything else |
| available to call his home. This can be a safe place | | | | that could cause him harm. |
| with comfortable bedding, a toy or two, and even a | | | | Besides gathering all the needed supplies you will |
| treat. | | | | need to prepare your home and yard for your new |
| Having a few toys on hand for your puppy is | | | | Shih Tzu puppy. Ensure that the environment, both |
| important. Talk with the breeder about feeding | | | | indoors and out is safe and secure.. This includes the |
| routines and the appropriate food. Find out if your | | | | removal of anything poisonous or dangerous in any |
| puppy has been pad trained or has been going | | | | other way. Prepare the yard by making it escape |
| outdoors. You may want to continue with whatever | | | | proof. Puppies can be quick and it is a fact that your |
| he has been learning. | | | | little baby could very easily wonder off when you are |
| Most breeders will supply a "New Puppy" package. | | | | not looking. |