Deanna

I know, it’s a daunting task to choose the right puppy. The good news is that I’ve got you covered here at Arizona Sunrise Shih Tzus & Poos. I temperament test all my purebred Shih Tzu puppies before I send them home with families. This helps families to choose a puppy that will fit in nicely with their lifestyle, while still honoring the puppy and his or her needs. This means that families will have a general idea of what traits each puppy has before making a choice.

I don’t necessarily believe that temperament testing is a tell-all. There is so much more that goes into the overall equation. But, it does give future owners an inside glimpse into the puppy’s emerging temperament. Genetics, adequate socialization, proper training, and a nurturing home environment also play an important role in developing personality.

Furthermore, I try and post quite a few videos on Instagram and Facebook. This allows puppy owners to be to follow each litter’s life journey. This way clients can see the puppies in action.

It also allows me to take time to observe…who’s the bossy puppy? Who is more independent? Is there a puppy that seems to have a surplus of energy? Talk to your breeder and ask yourself which puppy seems too much for your lifestyle. Also, it’s good to note if any of the puppies seem not enough for your lifestyle.

A responsible Shih Tzu breeder will provide future puppy buyers with as much information as he or she can about the puppies’ temperaments, quirks, and other observable traits. After all, the breeder should know the puppies better than anyone else at this point!

Buyers In return should be given as much information as possible on the specific behaviors the puppies are displaying, even if the traits are undesirable. This helps puppy owners plan in regards to what exactly it will take for a specific puppy to be successful under their care. That way future puppy owners can responsibly choose the correct puppy for their needs. A well-matched puppy equals not only a happy puppy but a happy family which is the overall goal of most responsible breeding programs.

Cookie, once Noelle, from Ruby and Olly’s most recent litter is such an amazing, sweet, lovable little soul. I have high hopes that she will make a wonderful Mama here at Arizona Sunrise Shih Tzus & Poos when she has the chance to mature. I cannot wait to see the beautiful offspring that she produces. Click here to check out the Gallery page which is full of photos of past puppies born in my responsible breeding program.

Enjoy the rest of your day,

Dee

First and foremost, there is no such thing as the perfect Shih Tzu puppy or dog for that matter! We may love our puppy so much that we become blind to his or her faults. But, in reality, all puppies, even those born in a responsible breeding program are a work in progress! It is up to the new puppy owner to continue socialization where the breeder left off. Furthermore, all Shih Tzu puppies can benefit from a good trainer.

I like to compare new puppies to toddlers. Puppies get into everything, and I mean everything! If you leave a pair of your favorite $100 running shoes in mouth reach, I can almost guarantee they will become your puppy’s new favorite chew toy. Puppies don’t know how to discriminate. They are self-gratifying creatures that need to learn what behaviors their humans expect from them.

I cannot over-emphasize providing your puppy with a safe place like a puppy playpen when you’re not able to supervise. This is a safe place for your puppy to hang out while you’re busy. Also, make sure to provide your Shih Tzu puppy with plenty of exercise and interactive toys. Remember, a sleepy puppy is a well-behaved puppy!

More importantly, keep reminding yourself that this phase is only temporary. Your Shih Tzu puppy will mature and begin to understand what you expect of him or her if you continue to provide a nurturing, loving, and consistent upbringing. The outcome will be a dog that will be there to provide you with many years of unconditional love! For a list of Arizona dog trainers click here. Also, be sure to check out the following link from BringFido if you need a dog trainer and live out of state. (https://www.bringfido.com/)

Puppy Milestones

Did you know that a Shih Tzu puppy isn’t able to go to the bathroom on his or her own when born? The puppies rely on Mom and need stimulation to urinate and defecate for the first two to three weeks of life.

Once the puppies start eliminating on their own and mom no longer cleans up after them the breeder must step in and complete the task. In no time at all the puppies will figure out where to go potty. Until puppies figure out where to go things can get a bit messy. Cleaning up potty accidents is part of the breeder job description! This also means a lot of baths and a lot of laundry! 🛁🐶💕 At Arizona Sunrise Shih Tzus we do a great deal of laundry and puppy baths. After all, a clean Shih Tzu puppy is a happy Shih Tzu puppy. 🐶 💕