New Shih Tzu Puppy Bringing a new Shih Tzu puppy home is an exciting time for everyone in the household especially children. Everyone wants to hold and play with the new puppy and children especially will want to invite all their friends over to see the new puppy. While this might be great for the people in the household, the new puppy might find it a bit overwhelming. A puppy is first and foremost an infant and should be handled as such. With that said, there is nothing wrong with holding and cuddling a new puppy, but there are limits. During your puppy’s first days with you, he is going to need rest and a secure place of his own. He will also need a routine that includes exercise, meals, potty breaks, training, and playtime. Getting a new Shih Tzu puppy takes planning and preparation. There are some important things that you should do before you ever bring a new puppy or even an older dog into your home. The following is a good checklist for you to consider prior to the big day. There are many links to other articles on this site that will provide more information.
like he needs you most. If you don’t know much about the background of the breed of the dog, you are in for trouble. Researches breeds and decide on what works best for your lifestyle and family. If you are reading this article, we will assume you are considering a new Shih Tzu for your family. Shih Tzu puppies can be irresistible but you should know that they require grooming, good food, regular visits to the veterinarian and daily exercise. For further reading, we suggest the following articles: Shih Tzu Standard Shih Tzu History Shih Tzu Hybrids Shih Tzu Colors Shih Tzu Health Shih Tzu Grooming Shih Tzu Diet and Nutrition What All Dogs Need Is a Shih Tzu Right For You?
You will next need to make some decisions about where you will purchase your new pet. Will you adopt from a local rescue organization or shelter? If you choose this route, you are probably more interested in an adult Shih Tzu. Will you look for a breeder? What type of breeder will you choose? If you are looking at dogs on the Internet, will you choose one close to your home or will you need to have the puppy shipped to you? It is always a good idea to have plenty of communication with the person you will be purchasing a dog from prior to the actual big day. Always have a list of questions prepared to ask and if you are not comfortable with the answers, go elsewhere. Reputable breeders are likely to have some questions for you, so be prepared. Four Types of Dog Breeders
Does gender matter to you? If you are planning to have your puppy spayed or neutered, remember the cost of the surgery. Neutering is less expensive than spaying. For most breeds, the gender is purely a matter of personal preference as both males and females are loving and loyal. If you are planning to obtain a puppy from a reputable breeder, they can often give you their opinion on the differences they have observed in the genders. This is important if you are unsure.
While adopting a dog from a rescue organization may be less expensive, the overall cost of owning a dog can be a major consideration. Think about what it will cost in terms of food, supplies, grooming, and veterinary services over the lifetime of your pet. According to the American Pet Products Organization, over $50.60 billion dollars were spent on pets in the United States in 2011. The cost of owning a pet should be considered before purchasing one. People often consider the initial purchase price, but forget to factor in the possibility of costly vet bills due to unforeseen medical emergencies or chronic problems that develop as a result of aging. Most Shih Tzu puppies purchased from reputable breeders come with health guarantees which should put your mind at ease. A higher initial purchase price may make the difference between a health puppy and one that will cost dearly over the life of the dog. According to the 2011-2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, Dog owners spent $407 in Surgical Vet Visits and $248 in routine Vet visits and that does not include other expenses such as food, boarding, vitamins, grooming and treats. Tiny Miracle Shih Tzu Purchase Contract & Health Guarantee
and can get into trouble quickly if your home is not securely puppy proofed. Realize that your puppy can get into mischief and plan accordingly. Anything within reach is fair game, so remove those temptations: poisonous plants, electric cords, household chemicals and anything else that would be within reach of a small puppy. Shih Tzu puppies love to chew, so get into the habit of keeping your personal belongings such as shoes, eyeglasses, and clothing out of reach. Block off an area where you will want your puppy to live initially. It is never advisable to give a young puppy free reign over your home. That is only asking for trouble. Puppy Proof Your Home
If the dog already has a name, consider keeping that name. If not, you will need to determine what to name your new puppy. Dog Names for Your Shih Tzu Puppy
shampoo and conditioner, pet stain and odor remover (there will be accidents) toys, chews, puppy gates, and a crate. Grooming Supplies First Aid Kit for Dogs
Read a good book on training and determine how and when you will train your new friend. Which housebreaking technique will you use? Do you know how to leash train your dog? Do you know proper techniques for teaching basic commands? Many people are choosing to train their dog at home these days. If you prefer, find a puppy kindergarten class that you and your puppy can attend. Quick Training Tips for Puppies Housebreaking Tips Puppy Socialization
Find a groomer and veterinarian you can trust. If you are going to groom your own dog, part of this step will not be necessary, but you will need to learn how to do it properly. Either way, you should have a veterinarian picked out in advance as it is always important to have a new dog checked out soon after purchase.
The day has arrived and you are ready for the new addition to your family. If you have prepared carefully, this will be an exciting day for you but it should also be a stress-free. Greet your new friend and start your new life together in a relaxed, low-keyed way. Allow plenty of time for the puppy to rest in between exercise and getting to know the family. |
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