FAQs
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My Shih Tzu puppies are brought up in oversized playpens as you can see in a lot of my videos. This is the method I chose when raising my own dogs as well, when they were puppies. It all comes down to personal preference and family dynamics/needs. There is no right or wrong way. It just depends on what is going to work best for you and your lifestyle.
I understand that most families may need to use a crate at some point. A crate is often necessary for vet visits, road travel, boarding, etc. As a result, all of the puppies in my program are exposed to a crate.
When the puppies turn 6 weeks old I add an open crate to the puppies living area. I place comfy bedding, toys, high-value food, and treats inside the crate to help create a positive association. Puppies are also exposed to a travel crate and a stroller before go-home day. I hope the crate exposure the puppies received under my care helps crate training go smoothly if you decide to use a crate!
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All the Shih Tzu puppies in my responsible breeding program are given an introduction to potty training. This means that I lay the foundation so that potty training will hopefully come quickly to your new puppy once home. All puppies are learn to potty on an artificial turf potty pad.
Puppies are brought up in an oversized playpen where they have a place to eat, drink, sleep and play. The turf potty tray is at the opposite end of their living quarters. Puppies that are raised in tight living quarters such as a cage have no choice but to eliminate where-ever they can which can make future potty training difficult. Puppies also spend time outdoors one week after the first set of vaccinations. If I catch the puppies going potty on the turf outdoors, I praise them by using the marker word, “yes” and often reward with a treat.
Below are some things to remember during the potty training process.
- Be patient and consistent.
- It can take a few months for puppies to completely potty train even if you’re doing everything right! This is especially true with smaller breeds because they have smaller bladders.
- Expect accidents in the beginning. Your puppy needs time to adjust to his/her new environment.
- Take your puppy outside to potty often.
- Praise your puppy and/or offer a treat when he/she potty’s in the correct place.
- Remember, your puppy will eventually get the hang of it over time.
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Did you know that a Shih Tzu’s double coat of fur actually provides protection from the elements? You don’t need to shave your Shih Tzu down every summer. It all comes down to personal preference. I personally love the look of a longer well-groomed coat. But, I’m not going to lie, it’s a lot of work. A shorter cut is easier to maintain. Just remember no matter what hairstyle you decide to embrace to brush your Shih Tzu’s coat often! Check out my blog post on hair care basics for more details on coat care.
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Not always. there are two paths that clients can choose from. Under path A, clients pick their puppy at 3 weeks. Under path B, clients pick their puppy after temperament testing.
I complete temperament testing at 8 to 9 weeks of age. The puppy evaluations often tell me important things about each individual puppy. As a result, some families that are looking for a puppy with a specific type of temperament wait until after testing is complete before picking a puppy. The temperament test isn’t a tell all but it does tell me where each puppy currently stands in regards to temperament traits such as assertiveness, nerve strength, confidence, etc.
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Here are some of the costs that go into running my responsible breeding program in a manner that I feel honors my adult dogs and their offspring. This breakdown may help clients better understand why I charge the prices I do for a puppy.
- Breeder continuing education
- Health testing
- Progesterone testing/Reproductive services
- Ultrasounds
- Dog registration
- Vet bills for adult dogs
- Spay/Neuter for my adult dogs when they retire
- Vaccinations, deworming and microchips for adult dogs and puppies.
- Whelping/birthing supplies
- Puppy raising equipment
- Curriculum/Temperament testing supplies
- Adult dog care
- High quality food for adult dogs and puppies
- Treats, chews, and supplements
- SpaySecure contracts- $59 per puppy
- Puppy go home bags
- Website marketing
- Taxes
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I don’t currently offer breeding rights. All my Shih Tzu puppies for sale are sold on a legally binding spay/neuter contract. I have had no problems with clients breaking the agreement to date, but I will 100% take legal action if the agreement is broken. I owe that to my dogs and my kids who are always asking me about puppy updates.
I obviously have nothing against breeders. I am a Shih Tzu breeder after all! But, I would have to know someone on a personal level and know how they operate their program in order to offer breeding rights. I would want to know that their breeding practices and beliefs align with my own personal practices and beliefs.
We all know that there are ethical breeders and non ethical breeders. I couldn’t in good conscience offer breeding rights to someone I don’t know. It would not be honoring my dogs or the offspring they produce.
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According to the American Kennel Club breed standard, Shih Tzus should weigh 9-16 pounds. Some Shih Tzu breeders produce puppies on the higher end of the weight chart in order to avoid issues such as low blood sugar and body temperature regulation issues.
On the other end of the spectrum, some Shih Tzu breeders prefer to produce dogs at the lower end of the AKC weight standard. Shih Tzu puppies that weigh less than 9 pounds when fully grown are known as Teacup Shih Tzus or Imperial Shih Tzus.
Currently, my puppies usually range in size from 9-14 pounds on average. But, Daisy our black and white female has produced some smaller yet healthy females that only weigh 6 to 8 pounds as adults. According to studies, puppies can resemble ancestors from five generations back which explains this phenomenon.
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According to the AKC your pet is at-risk if a safety restraint isn’t worn during car trips. Furthermore, your dogs fight or flight response is likely to kick in after a crash and your pet is much more likely to run away.
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My adult dogs and puppies are fed on a rotation diet. Some of the foods I am currently rotating through include: Smack, Shepards Boy Farms, California Dog Kitchen, Carna 4. Puppy clients receive a list of the specific dog foods the puppies were exposed to in the puppy manual.
All the Shih Tzu puppies in my responsible breeding program try most of the food options I discuss above. Furthermore, all the Shih Tzu puppies are exposed to foods rich in prebiotics and probiotics to create good gut colonization. I send new owners home with some dry food when they pick up their puppy. The puppy manual also has feeding instructions and other important information.
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- Durability
- Different textures, shapes, and sizes
- Enticing
- Keeps puppy busy
- Treat dispensing toys
- Teething toys
- Companion toys (ex. Snuggle Puppy)
- Interactive toys (ex. puppy puzzle)
- Toys that promote bonding (ex. ball)
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Playpens give puppies a safe place to go to when owners aren’t able to give their undivided attention. Puppies will get into everything if left alone for too long. Remember, they’re teething and anything is game! You can create a comfy place by adding a comfy bed or crate, soft chews, and some fun toys!
Did You Know?
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to work with a Shih Tzu breeder that promises to always put the welfare of the puppies first, contact Arizona Sunrise Shih Tzus today! I am excited for you to see first hand how wonderful it is to own a purebred Shih Tzu puppy raised under my loving care! Feel free to Follow me on Instagram, Facebook or my blog for puppy updates. I post the most on Instagram!
