Getting Ready to Bring Home Your Shih Tzu Puppy — Your Complete Preparation Guide

Go-home day is almost here and the excitement is real. After weeks of watching weekly updates, falling in love with your puppy from afar and dreaming about the moment they finally come home — it is almost time.

But before that big day arrives there is some preparation to do. Setting your home up correctly before your Shih Tzu puppy arrives makes the transition smoother, less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone — including your new puppy.

Here is your complete preparation guide from The Luckie Puppy.

Create a Safe Space First

Before anything else decide where your puppy will spend their first days and weeks at home. We strongly recommend starting small rather than giving your puppy access to your entire home right away.

A puppy playpen or exercise pen set up in a central area of your home works beautifully. It gives your puppy a safe contained space to eat, sleep and play while they adjust to their new environment. Too much space too soon can feel overwhelming and makes potty training significantly harder.

Inside the playpen include:

A soft comfortable bed or crate with cozy bedding

Food and water bowls

A few safe puppy toys

Potty pads if you are using them indoors initially

Once your puppy is comfortable and potty training is progressing you can gradually expand their access to more of your home.

Set Up a Crate

Even if you don't plan to crate train long term we highly recommend having a crate available for your Shih Tzu puppy. A crate gives your puppy a safe den-like space that is entirely their own — a place to retreat when they need rest or quiet time.

Shih Tzus are naturally den animals and most take to crate training beautifully when introduced properly. The key is making the crate a positive and comfortable space from day one — never use it as punishment.

For a Shih Tzu puppy a small to medium sized crate works best. You want them to feel cozy and secure, not lost in too much space.

Stock Up on Supplies

Having everything ready before your puppy arrives means you can focus entirely on bonding and settling in rather than scrambling to the pet store. Here is your shopping list:

Feeding:

High quality puppy food — we will let you know exactly what your puppy has been eating so you can continue the same food or transition gradually

Small shallow food and water bowls — Shih Tzu faces are flat so shallow bowls work best

Slow feeder bowl optional but helpful for enthusiastic eaters

Grooming:

Soft slicker brush

Fine tooth metal comb

Detangling spray

Puppy safe shampoo and conditioner

Nail clippers or a grinder

Ear cleaning solution

Shih Tzus require regular grooming to keep their beautiful coat healthy and tangle free. Starting a grooming routine early — even just gentle daily brushing — makes a huge difference as your puppy grows and helps them associate grooming with positive calm experiences.

Comfort:

Soft cozy blanket — a familiar scent from their litter can help with the transition

Heartbeat toy — mimics the warmth of littermates and helps with first night anxiety

Safe chew toys appropriate for puppy teeth

Safety:

Collar and ID tag with your contact information

Leash — even before full vaccination your puppy needs to get used to wearing a leash. We recommend using a harness as their necks are too small to use a collar for walks.

Baby gates if needed to block off certain areas of your home

Find a Veterinarian Before Go-Home Day

This is one of the most important things you can do before your puppy comes home. Research veterinarians in your area, read reviews and choose one you feel comfortable with before your puppy ever arrives.

We recommend scheduling your first wellness appointment within the first few days of bringing your puppy home. Your puppy will come home with full health records and vaccination history so your vet has everything they need from day one.

Building a relationship with a trusted veterinarian early sets your puppy up for a lifetime of good health care.

Puppy Proof Your Home

Shih Tzu puppies are curious, fearless and surprisingly fast for their size. Before go-home day do a thorough walkthrough of your home from a puppy's perspective and address any potential hazards.

Things to check:

Electrical cords — tuck them away or use cord covers

Small objects on the floor that could be swallowed

Toxic plants — many common houseplants are dangerous to dogs

Cleaning products and medications stored out of reach

Gaps under furniture or appliances where a small puppy could get stuck

Secure any areas you don't want your puppy accessing with baby gates

Prepare Your Family

If you have children or other pets in the home preparing them for the new arrival is just as important as preparing your space.

For children:

Talk to them ahead of time about how to interact gently with a puppy. Teach them to sit on the floor when holding the puppy rather than carrying them around, to move slowly and speak quietly, and to let the puppy come to them rather than chasing or overwhelming them.

For other pets:

Plan for a slow and supervised introduction. Keep your existing pets and the new puppy separated at first and allow them to get used to each other's scent before face to face meetings. Take introductions slowly and always supervise early interactions.

Plan for the First Night

The first night is often the hardest — for your puppy and for you. Your puppy is leaving behind everything familiar including their mama and littermates. Some crying and whimpering is completely normal and expected.

A few things that help:

Place the crate near your bed for the first few nights so your puppy can hear and smell you

A warm water bottle wrapped in a blanket can mimic the warmth of littermates

A heartbeat toy is worth every penny on night one

Keep the first night calm and low key — resist the urge to have everyone over to meet the puppy right away

If your puppy cries in the crate at night avoid rushing in immediately — wait a moment to see if they settle. Going in every time they cry can inadvertently teach them that crying gets them what they want.

Set Your Expectations

Bringing home a puppy is one of the most joyful experiences in life — and it also requires patience, consistency and grace during the adjustment period. There will be accidents, there will be sleepless nights and there will be moments where you wonder if you are doing everything right.

You are. Every puppy adjusts at their own pace and every family figures it out. The early weeks go faster than you think and before you know it your Luckie Puppy will feel like they have been part of your family forever.

We Are Here Every Step of the Way

At The Luckie Puppy our relationship with our families does not end on go-home day. We are always here to answer questions, offer guidance and cheer you on as your puppy grows. Bringing home a Luckie Puppy means you have a breeder in your corner for life.

Have questions before go-home day? Reach out anytime at Kayla@theluckiepuppy.com — we love hearing from our families.

We cannot wait to see your Luckie Puppy thrive in their forever home. 🐾