Bringing home a new Shitzu puppy is going to be an exciting time for the whole family. However, before you bring home your new addition to the family, you should already have everything that your little Shitzu will need. Doing it this way will assure that you’re Shitzu puppy is not left home alone, because it is not wise to leave a puppy home alone for the first two or three days.

The first and the most important items that you should buy for your new dog are food and water dishes. You can get these items in a variety of styles and sizes. Your choices are mainly metal, plastic, and glass. Do not forget to factor in the small stature of the Shitzu when you’re going to buy a bowl, remember, their heads are inches off the ground. For best results, choose a dish that is 7.5 cm or three inches deep. However, while your Shitzu is still a puppy, I recommend placing a flat plate on a rug or some form of slip free fabric to avoid the plate from sliding all over the place. In addition, you may also want to consider getting a dish that is dishwasher safe, but only if you are ok with washing your doggy dish in the dishwasher.

The next items you should have are the collar and lead. However, keep in mind that Shitzu puppies will not require a heavy chain collar. All you will need is a light leather or nylon collar. The best collar to choose is one that is adjustable because your little Shitzu puppy will not be a little cute cuddly puppy for long. However, you will still have to buy a few other collars over the lifetime of your dog because of wear and tear. This goes for leads also. Leather or nylon is perfect for a small dog like the Shitzu. Another great reason for buying leather or nylon is Shitzu puppies like all other puppies like to chew on things, and chewing on leather and/or nylon is a lot better for their teeth than chewing on chains. Varieties of leads are available to you, and you should choose according to your lifestyle and walking style. One that is only a few feet long would be great for regular walks. You might think that long leads are ideal because you want your Shitzu to feel free, however, you will need to be able to retrieve your Shitzu puppy in case of approaching danger. Therefore, a shorter lead is much better. If you want your Shitzu to have a lead in the yard, try getting one that is about thirty feet long on an automatic reel. In addition, pulley systems are available at pet stores. You can hook up your dog to a harness that allows him or her to slide across when caught between two objects such as trees or poles. However, never leave your Shitzu puppy attached to a long lead without supervision for long periods, just in case they become entangled, which can result in him or her getting hurt.

Other accessories that you might want to get for your Shitzu puppy are reflecting tags for his or her collar or jacket, which are great for nightly walks. Identity tags that you can attach to the collar are also important accessories to have for your dog; muzzles are also good to have just in case; tweezers should also be in your arsenal for the removal of ticks and fleas along with rubbing alcohol to clean the wounds. Having some tea tree oil and/or tea tree oil shampoo is also a good disinfectant and natural flea and tick killer.

Playtime and toys are important accessories to have also, because they play a crucial role in your puppy’s development. Shitzu puppies as all other puppies love to play and have fun; it gives them a time to get away from the normal everyday grind. It is also a great way to train them not to expect to cuddle and lounge the day away. Playtime is also a good way to disguise exercise. Shitzu’s are not athletic dogs; therefore, exercise is not a high priority on their list. Disguising exercise as playtime is a great way to get them involved in activities they otherwise would not bother to do. Toys are also a great way to allow your dog to just be a dog. Your Shitzu puppy will also benefit from playing with toys because it brings out their natural survival instincts when they chase and hunt the toy as if it were prey. Not only is playing with toys good for your Shitzu, it will also give you hours of entertainment and laughter.

Another benefit of supplying your dog with toys is that they will abstain from chewing things of yours that are very important. Your puppy should have chew toys if for this very reason alone. Most dogs will chew important things such as books, clothing, and furniture. Chew toys that taste good are the best way to go. Buy chew toys that are suitable for small dogs and do not buy chew toys that are made of wood, painted, or made from toxic materials.