Shih Tzu Puppy Toys and Accessories

Bringing your new Shih Tzu puppy home will be exciting and hectic at the same time. There are Shih Tzu puppy toys and accessories that you will have to get. Hopefully, you already had this part done before bringing home your new puppy.

If you can help it, do not leave your puppy home alone for the first few days while he gets acquainted with his new home and surroundings.

That’s why it is essential to have all Shih Tzu puppy toys and accessories before bringing your new family member home.

The most important items to buy are food and water containers.  These containers are available in many sizes and styles. You can find them in  plastic, glass, ceramic, and metal.

When considering what type of food and water container to purchase, remember that the Shih Tzu is a small breed. Therefore, your puppy’s head will barely be inches off the ground, so choose dishes that are no more than 7.5 cm or 3 inches (7.62 cm) deep.

For a puppy, I would choose a flat plate that sits on slip-proof webbing fabric as there is a tendency for the dishes to tip over.

Here is a handy tip. When deciding on what containers to buy, take into consideration if it is dishwasher friendly (if you intend to wash it in the dishwasher that is).

Toys and Accessories – Collars and Leads

Next on the list are the collar and the lead.  Shih Tzu puppies do not require a strong heavy collar made of chain. In fact, just a light nylon or leather one will do nicely.

Choose one that is adjustable to fit a puppy and then an adult, so you won’t have to buy another one. However, on occasions, you probably will still have to buy several over the dogs’ lifetime due to wear and tear, losing them, or fashion.

Dog leads are the same in the sense that you can try to buy one that can last throughout the dog’s lifetime.  You can choose either Nylon or leather.  Also, there are chain leads available. However, I am not a fan of them because if your puppy decides to chew on the lead, the chain can damage his teeth.

There are several styles of leads available to choose from, and the one you select should suit your lifestyle and walking style.

For regular walks, one that is only a few feet long will be perfect.  Long leads may seem like a great idea, so your puppy feels ‘free’; however, you want to be able to retrieve your canine companion quickly if need be. Therefore, a shorter lead is better. 

If you want a lead for your puppy when in the yard, one that is 30 feet (10 m) on an automatic reel could be a great investment.

There are pulley systems available from pet stores that allow you to hook your puppy up to a harness, which enables him to slide across when strung between two poles or trees.

Never leave Shih Tzu puppies attached to long leads unattended for extended periods because of the potential choke risk.

Other Shih Tzu puppy toys and accessories you might like are reflecting tags that you place on your dog’s collar or leash for night walking. Also, an identity tag that you can attach to your dog’s collar with owner details just in case your Shih Tzu goes missing.

More Shih Tzu Puppy Toys and Accessories

Muzzles are a good idea to have at the ready just in case you plan to travel with your puppy. Some countries require dogs to be muzzled at all times. When buying a muzzle, choose the appropriate size for your Shih Tzu puppy. 

Also, buy yourself a set of tweezers for ticks, and rubbing alcohol to disinfect the wound. I personally choose tea tree oil, and tea tree shampoo for a natural disinfectant and repellent for fleas and ticks.

TOYS:  Toys and playtime are extremely important to the growing development of your puppy.  Playtime is FUN, and it gives your dog a release from normality.

Toys and playtime let your puppy know that there is more to life than hanging out and being cuddled. Playtime also means exercise and that will allow her to burn energy and let off some steam.

Toys also give your puppy time just to be a dog. Your puppy’s natural survival instincts will develop as he takes ownership of his toys as prey and ‘hunts’ them, giving you hours of entertainment as well! 

Another essential accessory for your Shih Tzu puppy’s development is Chew toys, especially if you do not want your shoe collection chewed up and destroyed. Also, Squeaky toys add another dimension to chew toys and chew toys that taste good are always a winner.

Remember to buy Shih Tzu puppy toys and accessories that are suitable for a little dog. Never give your dog anything that is made from softwood, anything painted, varnished, or made from toxic materials.

Get creative with your Shih Tzu puppy toys and accessories: a tennis ball, a paper bag, a box.  Try not to go down the route of anything that resembles your shoes, slippers, clothes, or furniture. Therefore, your dog will not get confused with the ones they are not allowed to destroy.