Shih Tzu Puppies

Best thing to do is put them on a schedule as soon as you get them.  The puppy can only hold it for the same amount of hours as they are months old.  So this means if the puppy is eight weeks old (two months), then they can hold it up to two hours.  Every dog is different so expect less.  Start out with taking them out every fifteen minutes, then thirty, fourty five, etc.  Do this around the clock (at night with an eight week old you can probably get away with more time)
As soon as you get the puppy, enroll in puppy kindergarton with a positive reinforcement trainer.  Socialization is very important.  As soon as they get the last of their puppy vaccines (I believe that would be 12 weeks old) take them out in public on a weekly basis (more preferably).  Look into clicker training as well.  This sort of training is fast and fun.  It requires the dog to think, and it's all positive.  Clickertraining.com is a great site that has more information.

Wow, where to start?

I agree with a schedule, thats very important and makes it so much easier to house train. I prefer to crate train a puppy meaning that anytime the pup is not being supervied by you she/he should be in the crate untill you can predict it's behavor. The crate should never be used as a punishment but seen more as a den. In a way you would be like the mother dog and keep the puppy in the den to keep it safe and bring it out when it's safe for the pup to be out. Start the pup off on good food right away, you can find that info in the nutrition section of this forum to get an idea of what's good and more important what NOT to feed.

There are so many members on this forum with such good advice, I hope you stick around, Welcome!

I too, go by the hour/per month rule.  The biggest thing you need to do is crate train.  This makes house training a snap.  Potty before crating, directly upon leaving the crate, and restrict freedom.  Keep a tether on the pup for a few months.  Tie the tether to your belt whenever you can supervise him.  When you cannot supervise, or need some alone time, it's into the crate. 

If an accident occurs...never, never scold, spank or discipline the pup more than a "eh-eh" or "we go potty outside" but that's ONLY when you catch him in the act.  And at that point pick up the pup and take the pup to the designated potty place.

Also another aid in potty training is assigning a verbal cue to both #1 and #2.  When you see your dog urinating, give the verbal cue (I use hurry up) and reward.  When the pup goes #2 do the same thing...but use another word or cue.  Dogs don't associate #1 with #2. 

There's a great explanation of potty training on another thread [linkhttp://forum.dog.com/asp/tm.asp?m=256469&mpage=1&key=𿐯]here [/link]
It's by calliecritturs and it's a very detailed method, it refers to an older dog but the methods are appropriate for your new pup as well.

Have a browse in the "breeds" area as well to find other shih tzu owners who may be able to offer you more geeral advice on the breed.  And do a forum search on housetraining and crates.

Congratulations! You're gonna LOVE this pup!

The trickiest part of raising a Shih-Tzu is that they can take over the household with those adorable faces!  You have to be strong and you have to be very consistent with the rules or you may end up with a spoiled brat that will think he's entitled to the best seats, your dinner, etc.!  They will "work you", if you know what I mean!  One of my Tzus is very willful, and even if he knows what I'm asking of him, he will "try" to get what he wants without complying with what I've asked him to do.  Example, he knows he has to "say his prayers" (a down-stay) before I set their food down for meals.  Every once in a while, he will just stand or sit and look at me with those big eyes as if he doesn't know what is expected!

Potty training my 2 tzus took longer than it ever did with any previous breed I owned.  You have to be very consistent with when you take them out (always after a nap, eating, or playing), and persistent in making sure you SEE them "go" (and praise, praise, praise for it!) before allowing them access inside.  They are so small as puppies, that you may not "see" the pee accidents until you flip over a throw rug one day after you "thought" he/she was doing so good with the potty outside!  You should not give them access to more than one room at a time while training; it's too overwhelming for them and it's difficult to "watch" them if they're romping all over the house in kids' rooms, etc.  As with any dog, crate training is the best way to avoid accidents in the house.  My 2 are 16 months old now, are housebroken, and still LOVE their crate.

Lots of luck with the new addition to the family!! [sm=clapping%20hands%20smiley.gif]