At first, the Shih Tzu was a race of Chinese nobility in 629 BC. Today, these breeds are known as loyal and enthusiastic pets around the world. Adopting or buying a Shih Tzu puppy can be an attractive option, but you should know some basic principles and guidelines for caring for this breed of dog before deciding to own one. Know how much to prepare before raising a puppy, including the type of food, bedding, grooming and training that needs to be given.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing a Safe and Friendly Home
Step 1. Make the home a safe place for the puppy
Your new Shih Tzu will be very curious and knows no boundaries so you must prepare a suitable and safe home for him to play and adventure. Keep all shoes and items that can be chewed out of reach, put locks on cabinets filled with hazardous chemicals, and roll up any exposed wires that dogs can bite. Also, ask everyone in the house to close the exit door and toilet when the dog arrives so they don't accidentally get into trouble or leave the house.
Your dog's food and treats may be safely tucked away in a locked cabinet or cupboard, but don't forget that dogs, especially young ones, are also attracted to human food! Don't leave open bags of chips or candy, and make sure all kitchen items are kept out of the reach of dogs. Dried fruit, chocolate, and onions like onions and garlic are harmful to dogs so store them with care
Step 2. Purchase a crate and a bed
New puppies need a crate for several reasons. First of all, he needs a warm and safe shelter to wear when he's tired, stressed, or restless. Second, the cage will help him learn to defecate; know that the Shih Tzu are a breed notoriously difficult to teach to defecate properly. Make the crate look inviting to puppies by placing a comfortable bed, chew toys, and some treats in it.
- You should choose a well-ventilated crate that is large enough for your dog to stand, turn, and lie down when it reaches adult size. For a normal sized Shih Tzu, usually the adult height is 20-27.5 cm to the shoulder and weighs 4-7.5 kg
- Never leave a puppy less than 6 months old in the kennel for more than 3-4 hours at a time, and never use them as punishment. If you do, the puppy will associate the crate with negative emotions and will no longer feel it as a place of peace and safety.
Step 3. Purchase a stainless steel dinner and drink plate
Food and drink should always be available to the puppy just as he gets home, so it's best to have it ready before buying or adopting a dog. While most dog food and drink plates sold are made of ceramic or pottery, stainless steel is the best choice. This material is machine washable, strong, and contains no lead paint or glaze.
When you first bring your puppy home, it's a good idea to give him the same food as his old breeder or caregiver to make the transition easier
Step 4. Prepare some chew toys in your house
Shih Tzu puppies can go through a difficult period of teething so it's best to reduce pain and decay during this temporary phase as much as possible. Provide lots of chewing gum so that your dog doesn't vent his frustrations on furniture and household items. In addition, buy a special toy that can be frozen to relieve pain from swollen gums.
Stay away from rawhide and bones as they can cause splinters and be swallowed by puppies
Step 5. Make sure you have the right size necklace and leash
Even at an adult size, a Shih Tzu won't be strong enough to wriggle free from a regular harness, but make sure you get a sturdy and secure leash. Measure the neck of the Shih Tzu and get a collar that can be adjusted as the dog grows.
Stay away from leashes and collars with rings or other details that could get caught in the teeth and suffocate the dog
Step 6. Contact the breeder or shelter personnel regarding the background of the puppy
Whether you're adopting from a shelter or buying it from a breeder or pet store, it's a good idea to obtain a dog health verification file, history, and other relevant documents, such as a castration certificate. It's also a good idea to ask about any behavioral problems or history of abuse that your dog has that affects how you bring him home.
For example, if you find that your puppy is being bullied in a foster care setting or is moving around a lot, it's a good idea to prepare so that the dog's transition period is as peaceful and calm as possible. It's a good idea to play music as quietly as possible and keep people from moving around the house. Also make sure the cage is in a dark room away from outside distractions and noise
Part 2 of 3: Developing a Healthy Routine
Step 1. Take the dog to the vet for a health check and vaccination
Rabies, distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis in dogs should not be underestimated and you should ask your veterinarian if any additional vaccinations are recommended, for example for kennel cough or Lyme disease.
A health check is very important, especially if you are buying a puppy from a breeder as most breeder contracts include an initial visit in the purchase as long as it is done within the first three days of the dog being owned
Step 2. Provide puppies with pet insurance
Many people feel that health insurance is only for humans, but it's a good idea to insure your pets too. After all, vet fees can increase dramatically, which can put a strain on your finances. Also, although puppies are less likely to experience health problems than adult dogs, the cost of caring for a Shih Tzu will increase as they get older.
In the United States, most programs like those offered by the ASPCA will cover illness and injury, but you can purchase additional insurance that can cover genetic disorders, routine health care, or behavioral problems. In Indonesia itself, there are still few who offer this service, one of which is Sinarmas Insurance
Step 3. Start your Shih Tzu potty training as soon as possible
Teaching your Shih Tzu to poop can be difficult, so you need to start teaching him the correct procedure as soon as he gets home. The trick is to cover certain areas with newspaper or disposable “piddle-pads” and praise the dog when he defecates or urinates in the area. Always be near the dog when he is outdoors, and praise him when he is outside. When it's bedtime or you need to leave your puppy for a while, put him in his crate.
A puppy's crate that is too large can make crate training and defecation difficult. Puppies won't pee in their bed, but they can still pee in the crate
Step 4. Stay active with plenty of playtime
The Shih Tzu doesn't need a lot of exercise every day because it's small enough to meet its activity quota just by running around the house. However, play catch, chase, or other games with your puppy to keep him interested and healthy.
You should also take your puppy for a walk at least once per day. Let your dog sniff and explore the world outside your house or apartment, and get used to the different sounds and smells that are new to him
Step 5. Train and socialize your Shih Tzu when it is 12 weeks old
Shih Tzu can be stubborn and slow to learn if you wait too long to train and socialize them. So start when your dog reaches 10-12 weeks of age. Take him to the dog park as soon as he can walk comfortably so that he will be able to tolerate other dogs and humans without displaying distracting behaviors such as barking, jumping, and biting.
Make sure you only do this after your dog has had all the necessary vaccinations to prevent contracting the disease from other dogs
Part 3 of 3: Feeding and Caring for Dog Fur
Step 1. Choose a quality dog food brand
Once the puppy is used to his new home, choose a premium dog food with a variety of protein sources as his daily diet. Look for good ingredients like fresh chicken, duck, eggs, bean flour, wheat, and rice, and stay away from trouble-producing foods like fresh chicken, propylene glycol, corn, and animal fats.
Since dogs are now family members and pets, the Shih Tzu tends to be picky about food. If you give him even a small amount of food from the table, he will quickly get used to human food and refuse his special food. You can prevent this by never giving leftovers and breaking the whining behavior
Step 2. Feed the puppy three times a day
Even if your pup doesn't appear to be overweight or has weight problems, it's best to feed it on a schedule instead of leaving it in its bowl. This can help your dog establish a healthy routine and prevent picky eating.
You can, and should, give treats in exchange for good behavior, but make sure they're small. This way, treats don't interfere with your dog's schedule and diet. Consider using individual kernels from a dog's regular kibble and puppies won't be picky about their food
Step 3. Brush the puppy daily and groom his coat every month
Brushing and bathing your puppy should only take a few minutes, but you shouldn't miss it so he can get used to the sensations and grooming routine. Use a mixed bristle and nylon brush to brush the dog's fur completely and small scissors to trim body and facial hair that is too long and obstructs his view. If you maintain this brushing routine, you can delay it until an interval of 4-6 weeks before visiting a professional dog salon.
- Unless you want to raise a contest dog, it's best to give it what's called a puppy cut; that is, cutting the entire dog's fur short, about 2.5-5 cm.
- You can choose to let your Shih Tzu's coat grow long like a pageant dog, but be prepared for more complicated grooming.
