BASIC CARE GUIDE FOR PET OWNERS

I. Feeding

Your SHIH-TZU puppy will require four small meals per day until he is about nine weeks old. At this time you may reduce the number of meals to three until the puppy is twelve weeks old. Meals may now be reduced to three with a snack before bed (puppy biscuits etc.)

Large amounts of table food will make them "picky" and interfere with normal bowel movements (B.M's). We feed premium quality dry dog food as it is nutritionally balanced, meeting all the dietary needs of the growing puppy. Dry food may be softened with hot water until the puppy develops good strong teeth.

II Bathing

Your puppy should be bathed weekly. Use of a good flea shampoo is highly recommended. As the puppy's coat thickens a cream rinse should be used. Coats should be blown dry. Combing or brushing should be accomplished during the blow dry procedure. Be careful not to allow shampoo to get in the puppies' eyes. We do not recommend the use of flea collars.

III. Worms

Your Eljaes puppy has been checked for worms. Please note that puppies occasionally do get worms so it is important to maintain a regular worming schedule. Your Vet can advise you of the most appropriate method.

IV. Housetraining your Shih Tzu

The key to this project is patience and persistence. Your Eljaes puppy has been encouraged to use newspapers and the grass. If puppies are given the run of the house they will never be housetrained. Even at a young age, the puppy will usually give ample warning by trying to find a spot. You will soon develop a knowledge of when this will occur. Be patient. When they have a "Accident" show it to the puppy and say NO in a firm voice, don't yell as it will confuse and scare the puppy, then place it on the paper or outside.

If you notice the puppy going on the paper or outside, reward the puppy with praise and maybe a snack. SHIH TZU may be taken out during any weather as long as they are not left sitting in the cold. They love cold weather and are not prone to catching colds. They should have a cool shady spot in the summer months if left outside, although this breed is a house breed and should be kept inside. If the puppy has an accident on carpeting, wash the spot with carbonated soda water. When they are young the SHIH TZU will "go" quite often since there is little control during their first three months.

V. Handling Your Puppy

SHIH TZU's are not fragile in any sense however, should small children allow a "wiggling" puppy to fall, the puppy could be hurt. I do not allow small children to handle puppies while the child is standing. Puppies will chew while teething. They will chew anything including hands, fingers and toes .... Don't let them as it does hurt and is a bad habit. Allow them to chew toys or chew sticks. Remember, if you play roughly with them you will have a rough puppy.

VI. Physical Characteristics

SHIH TZU's frequently have small protrusions at the umbilical cord. Should you notice one, they are harmless and present no problem to the dog or the owner. They can be repaired when the puppy is de-sexed.

VII. Leashes/Collars

Show leads are the best combination collar and leash. They do not need a collar while in the home. They are not attractive on their fur. Since your dog will not be allowed to run loose in the neighborhood lack of a collar should not present a problem.

VIII. Beds

Beds may be kept simple. A small box, towel or rug will be quite satisfactory. Your puppy will not be fussy. They may be closed in bathrooms if you leave the house. Make sure you have plenty of fresh water and newspapers for their use. My guys love the soft round donut-style beds or a baby bouncer with the mesh taken off & replaced with a pillow case.

IX. VCA Papers

Eljaes puppies are sold with a Certificate of registration & pedigree from the Victorian Canine Association. Pet puppies are sold on the Limited register (Orange Form), which means they are for companion purposes only and may not be shown, bred from or exported. Sometimes there is a delay in the VCA returning these papers and they will be forwarded to you as soon as I receive them. Processing of papers can take several weeks so please be patient. You may also like to join the Shih Tzu Club of Victoria. They produce an informative Newsletter.

I hope this guide will be of assistance to you and I know you will enjoy the SHIH TZU breed.

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