Renee's Hand-Picked Favorites

The Aleka Shop

Everything Renee personally uses and trusts for her puppies — curated essentials to welcome your new Aleka Shih Tzu home.

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Food & Nutrition

NutriSource Small Breed Puppy Food (12 lb)Renee's Pick

NutriSource Small Breed Puppy Food (12 lb)

The chicken-and-rice kibble Renee trusts for her puppies. High protein, probiotics for sensitive stomachs, grain-inclusive, and formulated specifically for small and medium breeds. Start your puppy on what they already know.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Dog Food (22 lb)Renee's Pick

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Dog Food (22 lb)

The adult version of Renee's limited ingredient line — Duck & Brown Rice formula for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Once your Shih Tzu graduates from puppy food, this is the seamless next step in the same trusted brand.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Puppy Food (12 lb)Renee's Pick

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Puppy Food (12 lb)

A lamb-and-brown-rice limited ingredient formula for puppies with sensitive stomachs or food sensitivities. Wholesome grains, complete nutrition, and a short ingredient list — great for Shih Tzu prone to allergies or digestive issues.

Health & Wellness

FRONTLINE Plus Flea & Tick Treatment for Small DogsRenee's Pick

FRONTLINE Plus Flea & Tick Treatment for Small Dogs

Renee uses FRONTLINE Plus on every puppy before they go home. Vet-trusted for small breeds 5–22 lbs — kills fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, and ticks fast. Comes in a 6-dose supply.

Doc Roy's GI Synbiotics Probiotic GelRenee's Pick

Doc Roy's GI Synbiotics Probiotic Gel

Renee sends a tube of this home with every puppy. The stress of a new home can upset tiny tummies — this chicken-flavored probiotic and prebiotic gel supports healthy digestion and immunity during the transition.

ThunderShirt Calming Anxiety Vest for DogsRenee's Pick

ThunderShirt Calming Anxiety Vest for Dogs

Gentle, constant pressure that calms anxious dogs during thunderstorms, fireworks, travel, and vet visits — no drugs, no side effects. Renee recommends having one ready before your puppy's first car ride home. Over 80% of dogs show improvement.

Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora Probiotic Powder for DogsRenee's Pick

Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora Probiotic Powder for Dogs

Vet-recommended probiotic powder that Renee uses to support digestive and immune health during the transition to a new home. Sprinkle it on food — puppies love the taste and it helps prevent the loose stools that often come with stress and a diet change.

Feeding & Hydration

NACOCO Pet Standing Water DispenserRenee's Pick

NACOCO Pet Standing Water Dispenser

Renee keeps this height-adjustable automatic water dispenser in her nursery. The no-tip standing bowl means puppies always have fresh water without the mess — perfect for small breeds like Shih Tzu.

Copco Hydra Reusable Water Bottle (Set of 2)Renee's Pick

Copco Hydra Reusable Water Bottle (Set of 2)

A favorite from Renee — keep yourself hydrated while keeping up with your new puppy. BPA-free, leak-resistant, and perfect for on-the-go. Great for trips to the vet or puppy classes.

Choco Nose No-Drip Dog Water BottleRenee's Pick

Choco Nose No-Drip Dog Water Bottle

A leak-proof water bottle that attaches to crates and playpens — perfect for keeping puppies hydrated without wet bedding. Renee uses these in her nursery so puppies always have clean water available.

HAPPY KIT Shallow Pet Bowls (2-Pack)Renee's Pick

HAPPY KIT Shallow Pet Bowls (2-Pack)

Shallow, wide bowls are ideal for Shih Tzu — their flat faces make deep bowls uncomfortable. This 2-pack is non-slip, dishwasher safe, and sized just right for small breeds. Renee recommends these for every new puppy home.

Potty Training

Mifoci Dog Pee Pad Holder Potty Tray (2-Pack)Renee's Pick

Mifoci Dog Pee Pad Holder Potty Tray (2-Pack)

These sturdy tray holders keep pee pads flat, in place, and mess-free — a must for early potty training. Renee uses them in her nursery to help puppies build good habits before they come home to you.

BANU Puppy Pee Pad HolderRenee's Pick

BANU Puppy Pee Pad Holder

A clean, compact pee pad tray (20" × 16") that keeps training pads secured and floors protected. Renee recommends having one ready before your puppy comes home — potty training starts on day one.

Glad for Pets Black Charcoal Puppy Pads (120-ct)Renee's Pick

Glad for Pets Black Charcoal Puppy Pads (120-ct)

Renee's go-to training pad — the activated charcoal neutralizes odors fast and the super-absorbent core handles even the messiest moments. 120 pads means you're stocked for weeks of training.

Washable Reusable Pee Pads (2-Pack, 48"×48")Renee's Pick

Washable Reusable Pee Pads (2-Pack, 48"×48")

Thick, ultra-absorbent, washable pads that cover the entire playpen floor — no more soaked bedding. Renee recommends these for whelping and for new puppy owners setting up a safe zone at home.

Containment

MyPet Petyard Passage Folding Dog PlaypenRenee's Pick

MyPet Petyard Passage Folding Dog Playpen

A 6-panel freestanding playpen with a built-in passage door — great for giving your new Shih Tzu a safe, contained space while you're nearby. Renee recommends starting here to give puppies a cozy zone of their own.

Lucky Muffin 2-Panel Playpen Add-On SetRenee's Pick

Lucky Muffin 2-Panel Playpen Add-On Set

Expand the MyPet Petyard or any compatible playpen with two extra lightweight HDPE panels. Perfect for growing puppies who need a little more room to roam — just clip these on and you're done.

BIRDROCK HOME 16-Panel Dog Playpen with DoorRenee's Pick

BIRDROCK HOME 16-Panel Dog Playpen with Door

A spacious 16-panel plastic playpen with a built-in door — great for setting up a larger safe zone indoors or out. Non-slip and configurable, so you can shape it to fit any room layout.

NEWBULIG 4-Panel Puppy Playpen with Locking DoorRenee's Pick

NEWBULIG 4-Panel Puppy Playpen with Locking Door

A compact 24-inch playpen with a secure locking door — great for apartments or smaller spaces. Easy to set up and fold down, and the latch keeps curious puppies safely inside.

Beds & Comfort

Pelsbarn Self-Cooling Dog Bed (28"×28")Renee's Pick

Pelsbarn Self-Cooling Dog Bed (28"×28")

Ice-silk cooling mat that stays cool without water or electricity — perfect for Shih Tzu in summer or warm climates. Non-slip base, washable, and sized right for small breeds. A Renee favorite for her nursery.

Pelsbarn Luxurious Orthopedic Dog Bed (Small)Renee's Pick

Pelsbarn Luxurious Orthopedic Dog Bed (Small)

Therapeutic joint-support bed with a velvety soft removable cover — designed for small dogs who deserve the best sleep. The orthopedic foam relieves pressure on tiny joints. Renee uses these in her puppy suites.

Nursery Monitoring

Blink Mini 2 Smart Security CameraRenee's Pick

Blink Mini 2 Smart Security Camera

Renee uses the Blink Mini 2 to keep an eye on her nursery around the clock. 1080p HD live view, color night vision, two-way audio, and motion alerts — so you can check on your new puppy anytime from your phone.

Toys & Chews

SPOT Bam-Bones Plus T-Bone Chew ToyRenee's Pick

SPOT Bam-Bones Plus T-Bone Chew Toy

A durable bamboo-fiber and nylon chew toy sized perfectly for dogs under 30 lbs. Beef-flavored and non-splintering — keeps little Shih Tzu teeth busy and satisfies the urge to chew safely.

HDSX Smile Face Squeaky Balls (6-Pack)Renee's Pick

HDSX Smile Face Squeaky Balls (6-Pack)

Six soft latex squeaky balls sized perfectly for small dogs — Shih Tzu go absolutely crazy for these. The satisfying squeak keeps them engaged and the smiley-face design is just too cute.

Grooming

Dematting Fur Rake Comb for DogsRenee's Pick

Dematting Fur Rake Comb for Dogs

Shih Tzu coats tangle easily — this dematting rake cuts through knots and mats gently without pulling. The long 2.5" safety blades make quick work of the Shih Tzu double coat. Renee uses this weekly.

Warren London Copper Crescent Grooming CombRenee's Pick

Warren London Copper Crescent Grooming Comb

A professional-grade 6.5" detail comb with curved copper teeth — designed for face, ears, paws, legs, and finishing work. The curved design gets into tight spots around a Shih Tzu's flat face and ears without tugging. Renee uses this alongside the dematting rake for a complete groom.

Clothing & Accessories

XPUDAC Dog Pajamas 4-PackRenee's Pick

XPUDAC Dog Pajamas 4-Pack

Four adorable soft-stretch outfits in one set — Shih Tzu look irresistible in these. Great for keeping tiny puppies warm and cozy, especially in air conditioning. Renee's puppies wear them in the nursery.

Travel & On-the-Go

Pelsbarn Luxurious Cozy Car Bed (X-Small)Renee's Pick

Pelsbarn Luxurious Cozy Car Bed (X-Small)

Ultra-soft faux fur car bed with a built-in safety belt attachment — keeps your Shih Tzu secure and comfortable on every ride. Renee recommends having one ready for the drive home on pickup day.

PAWZIDEA Portable Dog Crate for Car TravelRenee's Pick

PAWZIDEA Portable Dog Crate for Car Travel

Soft-sided, escape-proof, no-zip canopy car crate that keeps small dogs up to 33 lbs safe during travel. Folds flat, buckles into a seatbelt, and fits most back seats. Great for vet trips and road trips alike.

Health & Hygiene

HONEY CARE Male Dog Wraps (50-ct)Renee's Pick

HONEY CARE Male Dog Wraps (50-ct)

Disposable belly bands for small male dogs — helpful during training or for males who mark indoors. Absorbent, secure, and sized for small breeds like Shih Tzu.

Books & Education

SuperPuppy: How to Raise the Best Dog You'll Ever HaveRenee's Pick

SuperPuppy: How to Raise the Best Dog You'll Ever Have

Renee recommends this book to every new puppy family. Dr. Peter Vollmer's classic guide covers puppy development, socialization, behavior, and training in plain language — everything you need to raise a confident, well-adjusted Shih Tzu from day one.