I thought about the messes a Shih Tzu puppy could make and easily decided that the best place for him to do most of his living would be the kitchen. The linoleum flooring would be easiest to clean up as opposed to having the carpets cleaned every time he made a mess.
I put his blanket inside his crate and gave him a corner all his own where he could be alone; also, I made sure to put a few treats and toys inside the crate to make it a pleasant place.
I set up his feeding station, scattered a few more toys around the kitchen floor and sealed off the entrance with a baby gate to prevent him from getting into other rooms before he was ready.
I knew that Shih Tzu puppies could seek out many things that I wouldn't have thought to puppyproof, so I crept on my hands and knees, inspecting his living space from his level.