Preparing Your Home for a New Shih Tzu Puppy

Everything you need to buy, every corner you need to check, and exactly what to do when your puppy walks through the door for the first time.

The Complete New Puppy Supply Checklist

Housing & Safety

✓Wire or plastic crate (24")
✓Exercise pen / x-pen
✓Baby gates for stairs and off-limit areas
✓Soft crate liner or washable bed

Feeding

✓Stainless steel food and water bowls
✓Puppy food (same brand your breeder feeds)
✓Puppy treats for training (small, soft)

Grooming

✓Slicker brush
✓Metal comb
✓Tearless puppy shampoo
✓Dog-safe conditioner
✓Nail clippers or nail grinder
✓Dog-safe ear cleaner

Health

✓Veterinarian selected and appointment scheduled
✓Enzyme cleaner for accidents (Nature's Miracle)
✓Pet first aid kit
✓Pet insurance enrolled

Comfort & Play

✓Soft plush toy
✓Rope toy
✓Puppy-safe chew toys
✓Blanket with familiar scent

Walking & ID

✓Step-in harness (avoid collars for Shih Tzus)
✓4–6 foot leash
✓ID tag with your phone number
✓Microchip scheduled with vet

For grooming tool guidance and technique, see our Shih Tzu grooming guide. For age-by-age portion sizes, see our Shih Tzu feeding schedule.

Puppy-Proofing Room by Room

Kitchen

⚠Toxic foods within reach (chocolate, grapes, onions, xylitol)
⚠Cleaning products under sink — use childproof locks
⚠Trash can access — get one with a lid
⚠Small appliance cords at counter level

Living Room

⚠Electrical cords — use cord covers or bitter apple spray
⚠Houseplants (many common plants are toxic to dogs)
⚠Small items on low tables they can swallow
⚠Recliner and sofa mechanisms — check before moving furniture

Bedroom

⚠Medication on nightstands — store in closed drawers or high cabinets
⚠Jewelry and hair ties — irresistible and dangerous to swallow
⚠Under-bed space — block access until housebroken

Bathroom

⚠Toilet lid should stay closed (drowning risk for tiny puppies)
⚠Medications, razors, and personal care products
⚠Hair tie and floss disposal — swallowing these causes serious injury

Your Puppy's First 24 Hours

The first day sets the tone for your puppy's adjustment. Keep things calm, predictable, and positive. Our step-by-step housebreaking guide will help you start potty training on the right foot from day one.

1Take them outside immediately upon arriving home — the car ride may stimulate the urge to go.
2Show them their water bowl and let them drink if they want to.
3Allow them to explore one room at a time rather than the whole house at once — too much stimulation can overwhelm.
4Introduce the crate with treats inside — do not force them in.
5Let children interact calmly, briefly, and with supervision. No picking up until the puppy is comfortable.
6Stick to the same feeding schedule your breeder used — same food, same times.
7Keep the first day quiet — no big gatherings or introductions to extended family right away.
8Set up the crate near your bed for the first few nights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to buy before bringing my Shih Tzu puppy home?

Essentials include: a crate (24"), puppy food (ask your breeder what they're currently eating), food and water bowls, a harness and leash, a few safe chew toys, a soft bed or crate liner, puppy shampoo, a slicker brush, and enzyme cleaner for accidents.

How do I puppy-proof my home for a Shih Tzu?

Get down on all fours and look for hazards at puppy level: electrical cords, houseplants (many are toxic), small objects they could swallow, toxic cleaning products under sinks, and gaps they can squeeze into. Use baby gates to block off unsafe areas.

What foods are toxic to Shih Tzus?

Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and peanut butter), macadamia nuts, alcohol, avocado, and raw yeast dough are all toxic to dogs. Keep these well out of reach.

Should I set up a puppy playpen?

Yes — a playpen or exercise pen (x-pen) is extremely useful for safe containment when you cannot actively supervise. It gives your puppy a safe space to play without the run of the house before they are housebroken.

How should I introduce my new puppy to my other pets?

Adjustment time varies. Keep introductions gradual and contact a veterinarian or qualified behavior professional if you have concerns.

What should the first night home look like?

Keep the crate near your bed so your puppy can hear and smell you. Expect some crying the first 1–3 nights as they adjust. Remain calm and consistent — do not take them into your bed unless that is your long-term plan, as habits form fast.

Ready to Welcome Your New Shih Tzu Puppy for Sale?

Ask the breeder which records or documents will be provided for the individual puppy, and independently confirm what is needed before travel and at home.

See Available Puppies

Shih Tzu Puppy Care Guide

The complete first-year care guide — feeding, sleep, socialization, vet visits, and more.

Shih Tzu Training Guide

Start the right habits from day one with training techniques designed for Shih Tzu personalities.

Housebreaking a Shih Tzu

A step-by-step potty training plan that works — even for stubborn Shih Tzus.