What should we feed our puppy?

I feed my puppies ROYAL CANIN SMALL PUPPY, DRY FOOD.This is what they are weaned onto, and what you should continue until they are 9-12 months. You can then transition to NUTRISOURCE Lamb and Rice formula. This brand is excellent and I have been using it for years with good results. You can google search where to find it close to you with this link:
http://www.nutrisourcepetfoods.com/nutrisource/where-to-buy/

How often should we feed our puppy?

The puppies are "free fed" when they are weaned and while they are here. This means the food and water is out at all times for them. Once the puppy has gotten to your home and has completely adjusted, ie: a few weeks, you can switch to schedule feeding 2-3 times per day. Since the shih tzu is a toy breed, it's better for them when they are babies to eat more often, to avoid getting a low blood sugar.

Will my puppy be potty trained?

Your puppy will be trained to wee wee pads starting at the age of 4 weeks. They do not go outside while they are here for potty, for their protection until they have full immunity. Once you get the puppy home, you may transition to the training of your choice. There are many ways to train a shih tzu puppy, do your research. This breed can be hard to potty train, so if you are wanting "easy and quick"....this may not be the breed for you. I will try to guide you in training but I am not a professional trainer...

Should I buy a crate?

This is up to you. The puppies will not be used to a crate while they are here, and some tolerate learning a crate better than others. While they are here, they will be in an IRIS playpen. This is a wonderful option for your home as well and provides for easy transition. It's also a safe place for them to be if you have to be gone for awhile, and for night time sleeping. Here is a link to AMAZON that shows the IRIS playpen:
https://www.amazon.com/IRIS-4-Panel-Pet-Playpen-Door/dp/B00D5P846Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492012225&sr=8-1&keywords=IRIS+playpen

What kind of Shampoo do you use?

I have several favorites. Right now I am using COAT HANDLER hypoallergenic. You can google search where to find it. Other good brands are Miracle Coat, #1 All Systems, Biogroom. Most can be found online, I get mine at http://www.showdogstore.com. The cologne that I use is called BALANCE, my favorite scents are Baby Powder Fresh, Mystique (for boys) Temptation (for girls). They can be found on Amazon or Ebay. Please don't use harsh flea and tick shampoos such as Hartz on your puppy. If you want to get your shampoo at Walmart, the OSTER brand puppy formula is ok and it smells like baby powder.

How often should I bathe my puppy?

The puppies get weekly baths starting at 5-6 weeks while they are here. You can continue bathing every 1-2 weeks until the puppy gets older. Then you can decrease to every couple of weeks.

How many shots will my puppy have?

Our puppies are vet checked between 6-7 weeks, and have their first shot which is a 5-way booster. They are also wormed every 2 weeks while here. I update the new puppy families after the vet check with the outcome, weight, etc. The puppies also have their first dose of Revolution which is a heartworm, flea,tick preventative.

Can I let my puppy play outside right away?

Until your puppy has had it's full 3 series of puppy vaccinations, it is not fully protected against all diseases. You should not let your puppy go to: PUBLIC DOG PARKS, REST STOPS/DOG WALK AREAS, PETSMART/PET STORES, GROOMERS, OR ANYWHERE THAT IS FREQUENTED BY A LARGE NUMBER OF DOGS OR WILDLIFE. If your yard is clean and safe from other un-vaccinated pets or wildlife, you can certainly let them play outside. Take caution they don't eat things like leaves, grass, and sticks, as curious puppies will do.