Shih Tzu Puppy Schedule
Create an age-appropriate daily rhythm for meals, sleep, toilet trips, play, training, grooming practice, and calm alone time.
Use a flexible schedule that prevents overtired behavior and accidents. The details should be adjusted for the dog’s age, health, coat, confidence, environment, and established routine.
Anchor the Day with Meals
Feeding decisions should begin with the dog’s current weight, body condition, age, activity, health history, and the calorie information on the actual food. Package charts are starting points, not guarantees, and treats, dental chews, toppers, and table extras all count toward the daily total.
Measure portions, keep meal times reasonably consistent, and review weight trends rather than reacting to one appetite change. Persistent refusal to eat, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth pain, or unexplained weight loss should be evaluated instead of managed only by offering richer foods.
Take the Puppy Out After Transitions
Approach this part of care as a specific routine with a clear purpose. Decide what success looks like, prepare the needed supplies, and begin at a level the individual dog can tolerate without struggling or shutting down.
Observe posture, breathing, appetite, willingness to participate, and recovery afterward. Change one variable at a time so it is possible to tell whether timing, equipment, environment, discomfort, or the difficulty of the task caused the problem.
Frequent Naps
Approach this part of care as a specific routine with a clear purpose. Decide what success looks like, prepare the needed supplies, and begin at a level the individual dog can tolerate without struggling or shutting down.
Observe posture, breathing, appetite, willingness to participate, and recovery afterward. Change one variable at a time so it is possible to tell whether timing, equipment, environment, discomfort, or the difficulty of the task caused the problem.
Brief Training Sessions
Approach this part of care as a specific routine with a clear purpose. Decide what success looks like, prepare the needed supplies, and begin at a level the individual dog can tolerate without struggling or shutting down.
Observe posture, breathing, appetite, willingness to participate, and recovery afterward. Change one variable at a time so it is possible to tell whether timing, equipment, environment, discomfort, or the difficulty of the task caused the problem.
Practice Calm Separation
Approach this part of care as a specific routine with a clear purpose. Decide what success looks like, prepare the needed supplies, and begin at a level the individual dog can tolerate without struggling or shutting down.
Observe posture, breathing, appetite, willingness to participate, and recovery afterward. Change one variable at a time so it is possible to tell whether timing, equipment, environment, discomfort, or the difficulty of the task caused the problem.
As Bladder Control Grows
Approach this part of care as a specific routine with a clear purpose. Decide what success looks like, prepare the needed supplies, and begin at a level the individual dog can tolerate without struggling or shutting down.
Observe posture, breathing, appetite, willingness to participate, and recovery afterward. Change one variable at a time so it is possible to tell whether timing, equipment, environment, discomfort, or the difficulty of the task caused the problem.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Keeping the puppy awake too long
- Waiting for an accident signal
- Changing the schedule daily
- Using a crate for excessive periods
- Skipping calm practice