Your Shih Tzu puppy is finally home. Those first months go by fast, and they're full of tiny meals, big naps, and a lot of trips outside.
This guide walks you through a simple daily rhythm for feeding, sleep, potty training, teething and play. Your veterinarian can help you fine-tune it for your puppy.
Feeding Your Shih Tzu Puppy
How Often to Feed
Most puppies need puppy food three times a day, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). An easy trick is to line up your puppy's meals with your own breakfast, lunch and dinner.
AKC suggests leaving the bowl down for no more than 15 minutes, then picking it up until the next meal. Keep fresh, clean water available, and wash the water bowl daily.
Measured Meals, Not an All-Day Buffet
VCA Animal Hospitals recommends measured portions at regular times rather than free-choice feeding. Leaving food out all day can make it easier for a puppy to gain too much body fat.
Slow, steady growth is the goal. VCA notes that small breeds reach adulthood around 10 to 12 months of age, so your Shih Tzu will be on puppy food for a good part of that first year. Regular weigh-ins and body condition checks with your vet help keep growth on track.
Reading the Label
Look for a nutritional adequacy (AAFCO) statement on the bag saying the food is formulated for growth, or for all life stages. VCA advises against adding vitamin or mineral supplements without asking your vet first. A complete puppy food should already cover your puppy's needs.
Treats Count Too
Training treats add up fast with a little dog. Both VCA and PDSA say treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories. Break treats into tiny pieces, and trim meal portions on heavy training days.
Keep That Little Face Clean
A Shih Tzu's face is part of mealtime care. PDSA notes that food can collect in the fur around the mouth and nose and make the skin sore. A gentle wipe after meals helps.
Naps, Bedtime and Nighttime Potty Breaks
Make Naptime Easy
Puppies need lots of rest, so plan several quiet naps into the day. AKC suggests putting the crate or pen in a calm part of the house so household bustle doesn't keep your puppy awake.
AKC also recommends some crate or pen time even when you're home. It helps a puppy learn to be alone for short stretches, and it gives you a safe spot for them when you can't watch closely.
A Set Bedtime
The exact hour matters less than doing it the same way every night. AKC says it doesn't matter whether bedtime is 8 p.m. or midnight, as long as it becomes routine. Take your puppy out right before bed, then settle them in.
Middle-of-the-Night Trips
If your puppy can't make it through the night yet, AKC suggests setting an alarm and getting up a little before you think they'll need to go. Keep the trip quick and boring: out, potty, back to bed. No playtime.
Potty Training a Shih Tzu Puppy
Plan for Patience
VCA notes that Shih Tzu can be harder to housetrain than many other breeds. AKC adds that accidents around the house are a common complaint with toy breeds. Consistency is everything.
When to Go Out
AKC says most puppies come home around 8 weeks old, when bladder control is at its weakest. A common guideline is that a puppy can hold it for about as many hours as their age in months, though every puppy is different.
Very young puppies should go out:
- First thing in the morning and last thing at night
- After naps and after time in the crate
- After eating or drinking
- After chewing and after indoor play
AKC notes this can add up to a dozen or more trips a day for a young puppy.
Watch for the Signs
AKC lists sniffing the ground, circling, suddenly stopping play, whining or scratching at the door, and restlessness as common "I need to go" signals.
Use a Potty Cue and Celebrate
Pick a simple phrase like "Go potty" and say it calmly as your puppy goes in the right spot. AKC recommends rewarding right away with praise and a small treat.
Handling Accidents
Accidents happen. AKC advises not making a fuss: just clean up. Use an enzymatic cleaner, because lingering odors can draw a puppy back to the same spot. If you catch your puppy mid-accident, calmly carry them to the right place and reward them if they finish there.
Play, Teething and Growing Up Confident
Short, Sweet Play Sessions
AKC recommends several short play sessions a day instead of one long one, and cautions against strenuous exercise like long runs or jumping for young puppies. PDSA notes that Shih Tzu love puzzle toys and short training sessions that keep their minds busy.
Shih Tzu also overheat easily in warm weather, according to VCA, so keep play indoors or in the shade on hot days.
Surviving Teething
According to AKC, puppy teeth start falling out at around 3 to 4 months to make room for adult teeth, and the baby teeth should be gone by about 6 months. Sore gums mean lots of chewing.
Freezable rubber teething toys and puppy teething rings can help. AKC recommends supervising chewing and tossing toys that are falling apart. If any baby teeth don't fall out, mention it to your vet.
Gentle Mouths
Nipping is normal puppy behavior. AKC suggests a high-pitched "Ow!" when teeth meet skin, then praise when your puppy backs off. If that gets them more excited, quietly walk away or pause play. Always offer a toy as the "yes" alternative.
Socialization Starts Now
AKC explains that a puppy's first three months include a socialization period that shapes how they react to the world as adults. Introduce new floors, sounds, people in hats or sunglasses, and gentle handling, all paired with treats and praise.
Take it slow. AKC advises starting with a few family members before strangers, and waiting for your veterinarian's go-ahead before heading to busy public places.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times a day should I feed my Shih Tzu puppy?
AKC says most puppies need puppy food three times a day. Ask your vet whether your puppy needs a different schedule, especially if they're very small.
How long can my Shih Tzu puppy hold their bladder?
A rough AKC guideline is about one hour per month of age, but young puppies often need to go after waking, eating, drinking and playing.
Is it normal for my puppy to bite everything?
Yes. AKC notes that teething usually starts around 3 to 4 months and is done by about 6 months. Offer safe chew toys and redirect nipping.
Should I use puppy pads?
They can be handy for very small dogs or in harsh weather, according to AKC, but they may slow outdoor potty training. Consistency matters most.
How much exercise does a Shih Tzu puppy need?
Short, frequent play sessions work best. AKC advises avoiding long runs and jumping while puppies are growing, and VCA warns that Shih Tzu overheat easily.
Visit Sherman's Shih Tzu Puppies
Have questions about life with a Shih Tzu puppy? Shannon Sherman would love to hear from you. Sherman's Shih Tzu Puppies is based in Niota, Tennessee.
- Call or text: 423-920-3750
- Pickup only: Our puppies are never shipped.
- Video visits: Available by FaceTime call or text.
Book a visit to meet our Shih Tzu puppies.