FAQs

Put your baby-goggles on… always have the same compassion and care for your pup as you would for an infant.

Fun Fact: Grown dogs have the same mental capabilities as a 2-year old human.

  •  Provide nutritious food, regular vet visits, socialization, safe spaces, and lots of love. Puppies need structure, training, and patience.

  •  Gently support their chest and hindquarters. Never lift by limbs or scruff. Puppies should not be put or left unattended on high surfaces such as beds or couches as they can damage joints and ligaments if they jump or fall off. Treat a puppy like you would treat a baby.

  • Offer 3–4 meals per day or free-feed until 6 months old, then 2 meals per day. Puppies need DRY PUPPY FOOD high in calcium for the first year of life. Puppies will generally eat first thing in the morning, minimally throughout the day and sometimes in the evening. Adult dogs will generally eat in the evening and not much if anything during the day. Keep water available at all times. Puppies are used to eating in a pack. You are now that pack. Sit with your puppy quietly and scatter a little food on the floor to encourage their attention to eating first thing in the morning after potty time. Remember if a puppy puts something in, something will come out shortly so increase potty time after. This requires diligence just like with a baby.

  • Puppies sleep 18–20 hours a day to support growth and development. After play, it is important to let your puppy rest. This is a good time to practice having your puppy go into the crate for a nap.

  • Use warm water (like you would for a baby) and a puppy-safe shampoo. Bathe once every 3–4 weeks or when dirty. Avoid water in ears and eyes. Find a tear-free shampoo. Be careful of essential oils as many are irritating to a dog’s skin. We like to use a Tangle Teaser brush to get through the undercoat and down to the skin. Towel off your puppy well and let them air dry if it is warm enough. If you use a blowdryer, use low or no heat and move it around to not stay in one place. Give lots of praise and treats. BRUSH THEIR HAIR IMMEDIATELY when dry then COMB through to release the undercoat and prevent matting. Shihpoos hair textures vary so each parent must learn their dogs hair needs. All dogs need brushed and combed REGULARLY.

  • We like Angel Eyes Wipes or use a warm washcloth in the evening. Shihppos will have watery eyes and changing dog food can help staining as well.

  • Use dog nail clippers or a grinder. Clip small amounts at a time to avoid the quick (blood vessel). Reward with treats. You can purchase Kwik Stop on amazon. Nicks happen so it takes time and practice. Watch a few YouTube videos first and have someone hold the puppy to assist.

  • Brush with dog-safe toothpaste 2–3 times a week with an enzyme toothpaste. Use dental chews and schedule regular vet dental exams. Small breed dogs are prone to massive tartar buildup so start now to prevent this from happening. There are dental wipes that slide onto your finger for easy use.

Veterinary Care

  • Within the first few days of adoption, then every 3–4 weeks for vaccinations until 16 weeks of age. Visits are needed annually for routine vaccines and a blood draw for a renewed prescription for Sentinel Spectrum which covers deworming and heartworm prevention (We recommend giving this on the first day of every month)

  •  Look for credentials, good reviews, clean facilities, and a vet experienced with puppies. Ask local pet owners or community groups for referrals. It is important to have a veterinarian that treats you with respect and honors your requests for your pet.

  • Adoption papers, prior medical records, vaccination history, and a list of current food and medications. Be sure to collect a stool sample if possible.

  •  Bring a secure carrier or leash, treats, and a comfort item. Keep visits calm and positive. It may be overstimulating so waiting in the car until you are called in is an option.

  • To ensure they’re heartworm-free before starting or continuing preventatives like Sentinel Spectrum. A dog must be cleared annually even if they have been on monthly preventative the year prior. It takes one bite from an infected mosquito to transmit heartworms so prevention is key!

  •  It protects against flea egg development, heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms in one monthly chew for around $10 a pill when purchased in a 12-month pack.

  • Please Note: Fleas CAN jump on your dog and you may see them as Sentinel only kills flea eggs and larvae. That being said, in spring and fall, your dog may need an added TOPICAL monthly medication to also kill adult fleas. We like NextStar which is over the counter at Walmart and begins killing adult fleas in 5 minutes. You must weigh your dog’s weight before buying.  Bath and dry your dog and then apply the medication as directed.

  • Core vaccines include DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza), rabies, and others like Bordetella and leptospirosis.  Bordetella is called Kennel Cough and it is necessary for dogs who will go to groomers. These vaccines are given annually, so be sure you put the next visit in your calendar.

  • Owners can legally order and administer vaccines to their own pet. Sites like https://www.revivalanimal.com have the medications dogs need for optimal health. Owners CANNOT give Rabies Vaccine as this is required by law to be reported to the state. It is important to keep the stickers off of the vile, note the date administered and send this information IMMEDIATELY to your veterinarian to be recorded. 

  • Check for local vet clinics that offer discounted services and vaccines like Rabies and annual blood draws. In the Lowcountry go to http://www.lowcountrypetvaccineclinic.com/locations.html to find a clinic near you. There is a pet pharmacy link as well. Go early, sign in, wait your turn and enjoy the savings. 

  • Each state has its own guidelines for the rabies vaccine requirements. In SC, owners cannot administer the Rabies Vaccine themselves and must go to a clinic or veterinarian as proof of vaccination must be recorded with the state. Rabies is given at 16 weeks (covers 1 year), then at 1 year (covers another year) then subsequent vaccinations can either be the 1-year or a 3-year vaccine can be given. Whatever you choose, we recommend adding the next needed vaccine date to your calendar so it is not missed. 

Training & Behavior

  •  Establish a consistent potty schedule, take them out frequently. They will have to go immediately every time they wake up. Be sure to use the words, “go potty”, ding the bell if bell-training, lead them outside, stand still and be boring and ignore them until they go (it is POTTY TIME not play time :)  When they do go, say “Yes!!” and reward immediately with cuddles and praise “Yes!!” Observe their behavior… it will help you know if they need to go when your back inside. 

     Supervise indoors:  Nose-down sniffing means a squat is about to happen. They are FAST and are babies so they will go where they are if playing. Spinning or circling means they will do a poo. Watch for sneaking under things or heading for a perimeter or corner. 

    Observe how they communicate the need out. Some will bark or whine (tricky when you may assume they’re protesting about being in the crate) but others will simply pace in front of you a few times or sit and stare at you (which can be mistaken for asking for cuddles).

     If an accident happens ask yourself, “Did pup do anything to communicate with me they needed to go?” It’s about learning their “tell” that they need to potty. Be patient, compassionate and persistent.  NEVER hit or punish a dog for an accident. They are still learning to “hold it”. Your puppy is used to hearing treats rattle as a sign to return to the house when called with kisses and whistles. Keep this up and when they come in have them “Sit” and give a reward. Shihpoos are EAGER to please their humans.

  • Shihpoos naturally like to have a den. Make the crate a safe, positive space with a bed and a snuggle toy. Make sure the puppy has been out to potty. Encourage the puppy to enter the crate when sleepy. If you are leaving the house,  provide the baby a doggy-pacifier in the form of a soothing chew toy such as a Nyla Bone, Busy Bone or a Kong (this will prevent anxiety, paw licking and hot spots). Cover 3 sides of the crate with a blanket or towel. 

    Never use the crate as punishment. 

    REMEMBER a tired puppy is a quiet puppy so in the evening when you are ready for bed, have a GOOD play session until they start to settle. Play tug, fetch, hide and seek…anything, but this will help them rest well. Pups are early risers and will need to go potty around 5-6 am. If you are providing a run in addition to the crate, they can have a fabric potty pad at the back to use if they can’t hold it. This phase will pass and the pup will be able to stay for longer periods in their crate.

  • It aids in house training since dogs will not poop where they sleep, prevents destructive behavior keeping them safe while you are away, and gives puppies a safe space to rest since they naturally love to be in a den.

  • Start indoors with a lightweight leash, reward loose-leash walking, and discourage pulling by stopping or redirecting. Check out our Products We Love section to find a wonderful velcro harness. Reward Puppy with treats for getting into the harness and for listening to commands. The CKC will send you Ages and Stages training videos each week to guide you in training your pup. Watch videos to get ideas and be consistent.

  • Redirect to toys, use yelping or a firm “no,” and withdraw attention. Consistency and patience are key. Dp not rapidly pull away as this means, “I want to play.” They have to learn you are NOT their sibling or momma dog. Biting people is NEVER acceptable so do not allow them to chew on fingers or toes. Like toddlers they put everything in their mouth to learn and explore and teethe. Redirect Puppy with a toy. We “Feed the bite” meaning if they bite fingers, we gently push their head forward so they instinctively let go. A few times and they are broken from biting. They will test boundaries and may start the behavior again when they are no longer around us or their littermates (who do allow them to bite to learn bite- pressure). Be consistent and patient.

  • Clean up immediately, feed a balanced diet, and consult your vet. Behavioral and dietary reasons can both play a role. Momma Dogs eat their pup’s excrement to keep the den clean. Since this breed is intelligent, it is puppy-see, puppy-do! “If momma does it, I’ll do it too!” This behavior can be easily broken with redirection.

  • Use small, healthy treats for positive reinforcement during training (we like tiny Temptations Cat Treats)  Gradually phase out treats as behaviors become consistent.

  • Use consistent commands, positive reinforcement, and short sessions. Socialize them to people, sounds, and other pets early. SHIHPOOS NEED TRAINING. It is beneficial for you and for them. It helps them bond with you, develops their brain, encourages positive social interactions and will help you help them in the future. Use SIMPLE words when training: Yes! Come! Sit! Go Potty! Get Down! NO! Ah! Go to bed. Wait! Place! Drop It! Release! These dogs are SMART and stubborn which is a great combination for learning. 

    We first train SIT as it is useful when grooming and teaching a puppy that there is a reward for coming when called.


  • Take your puppy out after waking, eating, playing, and every 1–2 hours. Keep it consistent to build routine.

  • Take a break, breathe, and ask for help from a trainer. Remember that frustration is normal and training takes time.

  • Spend quality time, train with positive methods, show affection, and meet their physical and emotional needs. NEVER hit your puppy. It will only create fear. Shihpoos love all people but will usually choose an obvious favorite in the house.

At-Home Puppy Management

  • Block off unsafe areas, hide cords, secure trash (put bathroom garbage up), remove choking hazards, and use baby gates if needed.

  • Provide appropriate chew toys, rotate them, and use bitter sprays on furniture if needed. Supervise and redirect often.

  • Haircuts need to occur every 6-8 weeks, depending on the hair texture. The curlier the coat the shorter it needs to be kept. Dogs with continuously growing hair (like Poodles) need regular trims and brushing. Shihpoos have an undercoat and need to be brushed and then combed to remove any detached hair (just like us) to prevent matting. They will preen themselves with their teeth and create lick swirls at times. Check for mats around their ears under their chin (where they scratch and tangle hair), their tails and abdomen. They lose hair similar to how humans do so regular brushing is important. Most mats need to be cut out. 

    We recommend every parent purchase a groomer for their home (see our Products We Love page for recommendations.)

    Teeth need to be brushed regularly and anal glands expressed when needed (see FAQ regarding this topic below). 

    Ears need special attention. Small dogs are prone to fungus and bacterial infections which thrive in warm, moist environments. Never put water inside the ears. Keep inner ear hair plucked or cut short. Regularly check for wax and dirt. A foul odor means fungus or infection could be present and will need veterinary attention. Ear wipes can be purchased online. Watch videos online regarding how to clean your dogs ears.

Health and Hygiene

  •  Rawhide poses choking and digestive blockage risks. Choose safer chew alternatives like rubber toys or digestible chews. We like Nyla Bones, Kongs, and Busy Bones (use these only occasionally).

  •  We remove them to prevent injury or snagging on carpet. It’s done when puppies are just days old.

  • Short, controlled exercises done early in life to boost stress tolerance, immune response, and brain development. We do this while the pups are deaf and blind so the form neural connections sooner. This means a more traininable, responsive and calmer dog. It also lowers resting heart rate and can help with stress-resilience.

  •  They’re scent glands the size of grapes near the opening of the rectum. Secretions can build up in small dogs and create blockages. Signs of clogging include scooting, licking, or swelling and redness near the anus. Groomers can express them upon request during routine visits. If glands are red and swollen, a veterinary visit is needed as there could be infection.

  • It’s important to prevent poop-clogs at the anus by keeping hair SHORT in the area with frequent between-grooming trims.

  • Use vet-recommended ear cleaner and cotton balls. Gently wipe, never insert deep into the ear canal. Clean all the ear folds of wax and dirt. Small dogs are prone to fungus and bacterial infections which thrive in warm, moist environments. Never put water inside the ears. Keep inner ear hair plucked or cut short. Regularly check for wax and dirt. A foul odor means fungus or infection could be present and will need veterinary attention. Ear wipes can be purchased online. Watch videos online regarding how to clean your dog's ears.

  • Keep ears dry, especially after baths or swimming, and clean them regularly.

Registration & Legal

  •  CKC registration provides training, another place for microchip registration, proof of lineage, access to dog events, training videos, and support for responsible breeding and ownership.

Diet & Human Foods

  • Cooked chicken or beef, carrots, plain rice, apples (no seeds), green beans, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and blueberries.

  • Any processed foods, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, xylitol (in sugar-free items), and cooked bones.

Adoption and Breeding Ethics

  • Ethical breeders offers healthy, well-socialized puppies and lifetime support to keep dogs OUT of shelters. Local shelters save lives too—both are valid in serving furry friends and the community.

  • Reputable breeders improve health and temperament in their specialized breed. They educate owners and ensure puppies go to stable homes, decreasing the risk they would end up in a shelter. Additionally, many responsible breeders, like PMP, require alteration within a year to ensure no unplanned breeding occurs which is called “Limited Registration” with the CKC.

  • Screened homes, contracts, and breeder support reduce returns and abandonment. Closed breeding programs mean no outside breeding occurs from a breeder’s health-approved stock.

About Shihpoos

  • ShihPoos are affectionate, smart, friendly, low-shedding, and adaptable to many lifestyles. They have the BEST personalities: Fun-loving, playful, loyal and oh, so huggable!

  • Their low-shedding coat made of continuously-growing hair, produces less dander, making them better for allergy sufferers (though no dog is completely hypoallergenic).

  • Very little. Regular grooming keeps their coat healthy and mat-free. Think of our hair; we “shed” as well within the normal hair-growth cycle. It is the same for shih-poos.

  • Black, white, blonde, apricot, red, and combinations. Patterns and colors may change slightly as they mature as most poodles have a fading gene. Coat textures can be wavy, curly, straight, silky, double and fleece (or a combination of any of these within the same coat).

  • Straight, wavy, fleeced (clumping) or curly—depends on genetics. Curly coats may need more frequent grooming to keep them shorter and mat-free. All have hair and need regular brushing.