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You probably can't wait to take your new puppy home and start playing, but make sure you go to your local veterinarian first in order to get a check-up and vaccinations. Rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and canine hepatitis vaccines are all non-negotiable, and you should ask your vet if they recommend any additional vaccines, such as those for kennel cough or Lyme diseases. The wellness exam is particularly important if you purchased your puppy from a breeder, as most breeder contracts include this initial visit in your purchase as long as you do it within the first three days of ownership. Many people think that health insurance is only something to think about for people, but, in fact, it's wise to ensure your pet just as you would any family member. After all, veterinary costs can pile up quickly, leaving you with a hefty bill for your pint-sized pup. And, while puppies tend to suffer from fewer health problems than older dogs, the costs of covering your Shih Tzu when it's older will be higher than starting a policy now. Most plans such as that offered by the ASPCA will cover illness and injury, but you can purchase additional coverage which can address genetic disorders, routine health care, or behavioral problems. Shih Tzus can be difficult to housebreak, so you should start teaching proper potty procedures as soon as you bring your puppy into your home. Do this by covering specific areas in a newspaper or disposable "piddle-pads" and praising the puppy when it pees or poops in these prescribed areas. Stay close when you go outside in order to praise the puppy when it does its business outdoors. When it's time for bed or you need to leave the puppy unsupervised for a short amount of time, put the puppy in its crate. If your crate is too large, you'll have a harder time crate training and housebreaking your puppy. A puppy is unlikely to soil its sleeping area, but, if it can get up and walk away from the bed, it won't be so particular about making a mistake. Shih Tzus don't need much outdoor exercise a day, as they're small enough to get most of their daily exercise quota running around the house and furniture. That being said, you should play fetch, tug-of-war, and other fun games with your puppy in order to keep them engaged and healthy. You should also take your puppy on at least one brief walk per day. This lets your puppy sniff around and see the exciting world outside of your apartment or home, as well as get them used to diverse sounds and smells to which they wouldn't normally be exposed. and socialize by the twelve-week mark. Shih Tzus can be stubborn and slow learners if you wait too long to start training and socializing them, so get them into doggy kindergarten classes by ten- to twelve-weeks old. Take them to dog parks as soon as they can walk comfortably on the leash so that they'll tolerate other canine and human company without displaying troublesome behaviors like barking, jumping, and nipping. Make sure you do this only after your puppy has received all the necessary vaccinations in order to avoid catching any bugs from other dogs.
Take your puppy to the vet for a wellness exam and vaccinations. Sign your puppy up for pet health insurance. Start potty-training immediately. Stay active with plenty of play time. Train