| Bringing your new Shitzu puppy home will be a very | | | | hook her up to in a harness that then lets her slide |
| exciting time, and a very busy time. Since you don't | | | | across when strung between two poles or trees. |
| want to leave your puppy at home alone for the first | | | | Never leave shitzu puppies attached to long pieces of |
| few days while she gets herself acquainted with the | | | | lead unattended for long periods of time, just in case |
| house, it's a great idea to get all the bits and pieces | | | | she gets tangled and into trouble. |
| required for her, before you collect her to bring her | | | | Some other accessories you might like; reflecting tags |
| home. | | | | that are put on her collar or jacket for night walking |
| One of the most important items to buy is the food | | | | are a great idea so she will be seen. An identity tag |
| and water dishes. These are available in many | | | | attached to her collar with owners details on it is handy |
| different sizes and styles. Plastic, glass, ceramic and | | | | just in case she goes missing. Muzzles are a good |
| metal. When considering the style of bowl, remember | | | | idea to have at the ready, just in case. If you plan to |
| that the Shih Tzu is a small breed and her head will | | | | travel with her, keep in mind that some countries |
| barely be inches off the ground. Choose dishes that | | | | require dogs to be muzzled at all times. When buying |
| are no more than 7.5 cm or 3 inches deep. For a | | | | one, choose the appropriate size for shitzu puppies. |
| puppy, I would choose a flat plate that sits on slip proof | | | | Buy yourself a set of tweezers, for ticks and rubbing |
| webbing fabric as there is a tendency for the dishes | | | | alcohol to disinfect the wound (I personally choose tea |
| to tip over. Here's a handy tip, when deciding on your | | | | tree oil and tea tree shampoo for a natural disinfectant |
| type of dish, take into consideration if it is dishwasher | | | | and repellent for fleas and ticks). |
| friendly (if you intend to wash it in the dishwasher that | | | | Toys: Toys and playtime are extremely important to |
| is). | | | | the growing development of your puppy. Playtime is |
| Next on our list is the collar and lead. Shitzu puppies do | | | | FUN, and it gives your dog a release from normality. It |
| not require a strong heavy collar made of chain, in fact | | | | shows her there is more to life than hanging out and |
| just a light nylon or leather one is perfect. Choose one | | | | being cuddled. Playtime also means exercise and that |
| that is adjustable to fit a puppy and then adult so you | | | | will allow her to burn energy and let of some steam. |
| don't need to buy another one, although you probably | | | | Toys also give your puppy time to be just a dog. Her |
| will buy several over the dogs lifetime due to wear | | | | natural survival instincts will develop as she takes |
| and tear, losing them or fashion. The same goes for | | | | ownership of her toys as prey and 'hunts' it. Giving you |
| leads. Nylon or leather is great. There are chain leads | | | | hours of entertainment as well! Chew toys are very |
| available; one thing to think about is, if you puppy | | | | important, especially if you don't want your shoe |
| decides she wants to chew of her lead, the chain | | | | collection to be destroyed or books, or furniture, or |
| might damage her little teeth. There are several styles | | | | clothing etc... Squeaky toys add another dimension to |
| of leads available and the one you will choose should | | | | chew toys and chew toys that taste good are always |
| most suit your lifestyle and walking style. For regular | | | | a winner. Remember to buy toys that are suitable for |
| walks, one that is only a few feet long will be perfect. | | | | a little dog and never give her anything that is made |
| Long leads may seem like a great idea so she feels | | | | from soft wood, anything painted, varnished, or made |
| 'free', however, you want to be able to retrieve her | | | | from toxic materials. Get creative with your toys - a |
| quickly if need be. So short is better. If you want a lead | | | | tennis ball, a paper bag, a box. Try not to go down the |
| for her in the yard, one that is 30 foot (10m) on an | | | | route of anything that resembles your shoes, slippers, |
| automatic reel could be a great investment. There are | | | | clothes, furniture, etc so she doesn't get confused with |
| pulley systems available from pet stores, that you | | | | the ones she isn't allowed to destroy. |