Hi there everyone!
Am new to posting here but must admit i have read many of these threads and have learnt sooo much! What a knowledgeable bunch you guys are!
Anyways have a few questions, i have decided after a lot of research to get a shih tzu puppy... have looked and found one which will be ready in a few weeks. Haven't had a dog for a few good years now... when i was younger i had a german shepherd who i absolutely adored.... and was distraught when my step father took him away to rescue!!!
Anyways got my own place now, so me and husband decided it's right time to get one as i don't work. My baby will be thouroughly spoilt and so i want to make sure i get things right and ready from the start.
First question.... what size crate and where do i get it from? Saw an earlier post here saying the argos crate is perfect fro a cocker spaniel.... would it be ok for a shih tzu?
Secondly.. what the best training method...i remember with my GSD we had to be very firm with him at times, should the same attitude be used with the shih tzu bitch?
Lastly how do you do those smiley thingys??? Think they may help on here!
Anyways sorry for long post.... just anxious!
Many thanks
Jasmine

Hi Jasmine and welcome to the Forum :) You can find the smilies here CD Help Pages

The crate available from Argos should be about right , from what I remember , for a Shih-Tzu puppy :) ..you could also probably benefit from buying The Perfect Puppy by Gwen Bailey .

HTH

Melody :)

Great that you are able to have a dog of your own now.

The Argos crate should be fine.

As for training reward based methods are mostly used now. Yo7u should always be firm and consistent. These little dogs are still dogs and can be quite stubborn. Do not get in the trap of being over indulgent because she is small, and turning her into the equivalent of a spoilt brat.

Also socialise her well with other dogs of all sizes, so that she doesn't become fearful/aggressive with them. The beter her canine social skills the less likely she is to get inot trouble with other dogs. Try not to get into habit of of picking her up (therby elevating her status) when dhe meets other bigger dogs (though obviously ascertain they are eqasy going).

I would advise a good training class for pet owners 9unless you want more formal competitive training) where the emphasis is on good manners socialisation, and basic control for the ownner. Start going as soon as allowed out after Jabs! :D

Thanks guys, will be getting that book Melody :)
Another question also.... have read that 8-12 weeks is most important socialisation phase, but am bit confused on how to successfully socialise her? If i can't take her out till 12 weeks how will i get to socialise her with other dogs and situations? She'll be 8 weeks when i get her and feel a month may be quite some time without other dogs? only saying this as i remember having that problem with my GSD... he only accepted other GSD's, and it took alot of very hard work to get that right!
I don't know anyone with a dog either :(
Help please?
:)

While she can't go on the ground you can still carry her around town etc so she gets used to traffic, and crowds etc, and seeing other dogs, even if not meeting them - if you have children carry her to meet them from school. Take her to watch the trains go by - to look at the cows/sheep in the fields - as many things and places as you can. Take her on short drives to get herused to the car, as well.

As for socialising with dogs, many vets do "puppy parties" at the surgery specially for this situation, where they get to play with other pups in the same boat. It also helps the pup to learn that nice things happen at the vets, not just having needles stuck in you and thermometers stuck up your bum! They may also know some nice gentle healthy dogs (the vet nurse's at our surgery is an ideal candidate) that your dog can meet.

Hope this helps. :)

Thanks everyone you really have been alot of help :)
One more question (for now), i also have a 15 week old persian kitten, wondering what the best way to introduce them? Have some daunting images of rolling balls of fluff and claws flying around!
And should i put crate in my bedroom or kitchen?
Also bit confused as to whether to put paper in the crate? Definately can't let pup out in garden, as i know this is a regular haunt for nearby foxes. i know that at 8 weeks pup won't be able to hold it all night, but i've heard that putting paper in is a bad habit to get into

Its up to you where to put the crate but remember if he goes upstairs now and later you decide its a no go area he wont understand and if you decide for him to be downstairs at night he may whine kitchens best i feel :)

You should take your puppy out and about with you, but not put them down anywehere dogs have access.

Many vet clinics now run puppy socialisation classes at the surgery for the 8 to 14 week age pups.

Any vaccinated dogs that you meet will be fine for her to be around. Hopefully you can strike up a converstaion when carrying your pup around with other people walking their dog, and if it is freindly and vacinated allow them to sniff each other.