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itmustbepuppylove
Member
Joined: 22 Mar 2004
Posts: 26
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 Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 11:57 pm Post subject: i've chosen a shih tzu |
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so i've chosen my shih tzu and he's coming home this sunday evening. what should i do to get ready? what do i need to now? i've talked to the breeder (she breeds for show but doesn't need a male right now so i'm taking him). i was looving at a shih poo but i feel this dog will fit me better. will i regret choosing the purebreed? there is a one year health gauarantee and he's got all his shots but the last parvo and a rabies. he's 11 weeks old. opinions? adivce?
thanks! |
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MyBabyShihPoo
Super Senior Member
Joined: 19 Mar 2004
Posts: 1230
Location: Mentally or Physically?
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| Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 2:20 am Post subject: |
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 Congrats on your future Shih-Tzu...exciting!!!
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| what should i do to get ready? |
Puppy-proof your home VERY well!!! Get all the essentials - i.e. food, bowls, leash, collar/harness, brush, etc. Read up on material concerning puppy ownership and care if you aren't already terribly familiar with it. Find a quality and reputable vet in your area that you are going to use, and set up an appt. for your pup on Monday since you're getting him on Sunday (the sooner the appt., the better, don't wait too long).  Hmmm, what else am I missing guys?!?! (Oh yeah, get lots of sleep these next couple of days, and treasure every moment of it...you won't get a whole lot after the arrival of your puppy! LOL  )
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| what do i need to now? |
Wow, I'm not quite sure where to even begin. I'd love to help you out, but give me some specific questions! There have been a ton of great posts about puppies here on AusPet, so you may want to review those as well.
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| will i regret choosing the purebreed? |
No, absolutely not! Purebreds are wonderful! Just as everyone should do before purchasing and/or adopting any breed of dog, be sure that the Shih-tzu breed is right for you.
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| there is a one year health gauarantee and he's got all his shots but the last parvo and a rabies |
There's no way he has ALL his shots, he can only have the "beginner"/initial shots. (I apologize if I misinterpreted your statement, maybe you mean he's had all his initial shots that a breeder normally has done before placing the pup.  ) Either way, he will need many more to come, so be sure he is kept UTD on all his shots.
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| he's 11 weeks old. opinions? |
The recommended age bracket for a pup to go to his/her new home is between 8-12 weeks, so, you're getting him at a good age.
Have fun, give him lots of love and attention, and be the best puppy mommy for him! 
Wishing the best for your new shih-tzu puppy!!! 
(As usual, pics would be much appreciated...we just love 'em!  ) |
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MyBabyShihPoo
Super Senior Member
Joined: 19 Mar 2004
Posts: 1230
Location: Mentally or Physically?
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| Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 2:35 am Post subject: |
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| what do i need to know? |
Alright, I thought I remembered answering a question similar to this one on another thread, so I went back and checked. I found it, and I thought I would just copy and paste my answer on this thread. So, in case you are interested in reading it, here it is (hope it helps ):
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Gosh, I don't even know where to start! One thing that I will remind you of, as I am sure you are already aware of, is that shih-poos are small dogs (obviously), therefore they have very small bladders as puppies. So you must realize that they simply can NOT hold it for long periods of time, meaning they will need frequent trips outdoors to eliminate when puppies. (BIG difference from large breed dogs!)
-Lot's of exposure to all types of people and situations (when it is safe to do so obviously...i.e. after all shots)
-Just b/c it is a small dog doesn't mean they won't or can't control you...believe me, small dogs can be quite bossy when not shown that they are NOT the boss! You don't have to be mean to teach a dog this, but gentle and firm training is necessary. (The only reason why I bring this up is b/c I often encounter people who have this idea that small dogs can't take over their owner, and that simply isn't the truth. The owners let the dog walk all over them without ever disciplining, which is not a direction one should go. Any dog- big or small - who is led to believe they are the boss will do so without hesitation, and you will end up with the dog from he double hockey sticks. I've worked with a couple, and let me just say this, if anyone ever tells you that small dogs can't be scary b/c of their size, they are WRONG! I mean, it takes a lot for a dog to really intimidate me, but these little 8 lb. dogs were an exception!)
-Obedience training is a FANTASTIC idea...I highly recommend it (big or small dog)!!! There are just so many great reasons to do so.
-Harnesses are great for small dogs! (And big dogs, but that's not what we're talking about)
-It's NOT necessary, or any more helpful, to litter/paper train a small dog. They are more than capable of going outdoors (even in the winter months)! (I realize some people do it for specific reasons, i.e. they live in an apt. and it's difficult to bring the dog outside every time the need arises, and other situations, so I'm not saying that paper training is bad. I'm just pointing out the fact b/c I often hear people say that small dogs will learn faster if they are paper trained, small dogs can't go outside during the rain or cold, small dogs aren't smart enough to be trained to eliminate outdoors, etc. All of which are simply not true. If you plan on having your dogs do their business outdoors in the future, only train them to go outdoors. Paper training often, NOT always, leads to problems.)
-Lots of positive reinforcement, persistence, patience, and a positive attitude is necessary with any puppy (as I'm sure you know)!
That's all I can think of at this moment, but I know that there's so much more. If you have any further questions or issues that you would like to discuss, please be sure to let us know. |
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MonsterBailey
Super Senior Member
Joined: 19 Mar 2004
Posts: 1280
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| Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 2:38 am Post subject: |
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Congratulations on finally making a choice and moving to the next step!! it's an incredibly exciting time! I'm sooo happy for you... Shihtzu puppies are one of the cutest puppies in the world... you're going to be in heaven.
BE FOREWARNED:You will fall madly in love with this little creature, so be prepared to have your heart turn into mush!!! 
Also... remember... pictures are required for all new auspet posters!! ha ha ha....
again, remember you were warned about your heart! |
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PooGirl13
Senior Member
Joined: 19 Mar 2004
Posts: 677
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| Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 12:44 pm Post subject: |
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Woohoo!!! Congrats on selecting a shih-tzu! You must be so excited.. only a few more days till he's home! Have you chosen a name yet for your new puppy?
I think MyBaby covered everything.. and I second the "get a lot of sleep" comment! My husband and I were home for 6 days with our new puppies (we have two shih-poos) and I ended up coming down with a terrible cold, which I think was because of all the excitement and lack of sleep I got! It was worth every minute though.. you're going to LOVE your new baby!!!
Pictures... pictures... pictures... as soon as you get him!  |
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