| You will need to do some shopping before your Shih | | | | feeling of safety can be created with a wire crate by |
| Tzu arrives, as you want everything to be perfect | | | | putting a blanket over the sides of the crate. |
| on the day of his arrival. There are many places you | | | | Besides material another factor to take into account |
| can buy his supplies ranging from the store to the | | | | is size. Don't buy too large a crate. There should be |
| vet and even on the internet. So ladies, go out and | | | | enough room in the crate for the dog to stand up |
| do some serious shopping. Here is a list to get your | | | | and turn around easily, but not so much that he |
| started. | | | | decides to use the one end of the crate as a potty |
| Bowl | | | | area. |
| You have a choice between a stainless steel and a | | | | Bedding |
| plastic bowl. A stainless steel bowl is heavier, more | | | | The main purpose of the bedding should be to keep |
| expensive, but at the same time easier to clean. | | | | your dog warm. A dog bed is a good option, but |
| Plastic bowls scratch easily and as a result it is easier | | | | blankets, fleece or pillows will also do the job. Just |
| for bacteria to get embedded in the scratches. | | | | make sure it is easily washable. |
| Another problem with a plastic bowl is that it is light | | | | Grooming Supplies |
| and will move around when your dog tries to get the | | | | Yes, you will do a lot of grooming and it is important |
| food out of it. | | | | that you start at a very early age. You will need the |
| A Water Bottle | | | | following for a start: |
| It's not essential, but a nice luxury to have. Shih Tzu | | | | - Brushes and combs |
| have hairy faces that get dirty very easily when | | | | - Mat splitter |
| they eat, especially when the face is wet. One way | | | | - Dog shampoo and conditioner |
| to overcome this is to use a water bottle. Don't | | | | - Electrical clipper and grooming scissors |
| worry about training - you can easily train your Shih | | | | - Tear stain remover |
| Tzu to use the water bottle by rubbing some of his | | | | - Nail clippers |
| favorite food on the nozzle. | | | | - Toothbrush and toothpaste made especially for |
| Crate or kennel | | | | dogs |
| There are basically two types of crates: a plastic | | | | Collars and leashes |
| crate and a wire crate. Both will do the job, but each | | | | Some people prefer a harness instead of a collar as |
| one has advantages and disadvantages. A plastic | | | | the harness puts pressure on the dog's chest instead |
| crate is great to create a feeling of safety for your | | | | of the neck, and that makes it easier for the Shih |
| dog, as the sides are normally solid with the only | | | | Tzu to breathe. Also buy a leash and an identification |
| openings being ventilation holes. It can however | | | | tag if you want to take your Shih Tzu for a walk. |
| create a problem when your Shih Tzu is nosey and | | | | The tag should have the dog's name, your name and |
| likes to look at his surroundings, as he will only be | | | | contact number on it. |
| able to see in front of him. That said, the same | | | | |