Arizona Sunrise Shih Tzus & Poos

Purebred Shih Tzu Puppies

Puppy Curriculum

Why Shih Tzu Breeders Should Expose Puppies to Movement

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Are you considering purchasing a puppy from a reputable Shih Tzu breeder anytime soon? If the answer is yes, then this blog post is a must-read for you! I know it is easy to pick up your computer and start the search for available Shih Tzu puppies in your area. But, what if I were to tell you that not all Shih Tzu breeders raise their Shih Tzu puppies in the same fashion? Did you know that puppies that aren’t exposed to proper movement are more likely to be fearful of things that move when they get older?

Helping puppies feel comfortable around movement is an important part of proper puppy socialization. A lot of people looking for a Shih Tzu puppy for sale don’t realize that the most sensitive period in a puppy’s development happens during weeks 3 to 12. Most responsible Shih Tzu breeders have the puppies under their care during most of this time frame. As a result, it is imperative that the Shih Tzu breeder expose the puppies to proper movement protocols to instill confidence and resilience in the impressionable Shih Tzu puppies. In my responsible Shih Tzu Breeding Program all of the puppies are exposed to various forms of movement to help create bulletproof puppies. 

The list below goes over some of the forms of movement my puppies are exposed to before go-home day. 

  • Balls
  • Moving toy cars
  • Toys that move
  • Wobble board
  • Wobble disc
  • Running humans
  • Running dogs
  • Umbrella
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Car ride
  • Stroller ride

It is a common issue for toy breed dogs to be fearful of certain things such as sound, sights, and movement. Fear is a necessary defense mechanism that has a place but sometimes goes into overdrive in our furry companions. Fears and phobias can develop when a puppy or dog has a negative experience. It often only takes one bad experience for a dog to develop a phobia.

Fear can also develop in dogs if they don’t spend time around things that move when they’re going through the critical socialization period. Fear is at an all-time low during this developmental stage. Shih Tzu breeders have the opportunity to imprint a positive association with movement during this critical phase of puppy development. 

Having a dog that is afraid of movement can be very stressful for the dog and the owner. Treating fear in an adult dog is much more time-consuming. After the critical developmental period ends it often takes a lot longer to counter-condition any fear-based behaviors. Some trainers can help but it often takes much longer to see results. Early desensitization is key in preventing fearful behaviors in the first place. Something as simple as running a vacuum cleaner near the puppy playpen a couple of times a week during the critical socialization period may have a positive lifelong influence on a puppy’s future behavioral health. 

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The Secret to Raising Confident Shih Tzu Puppies

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Shih Tzu puppy curriculum set up including tactile surfaces, a cat bed and toys.
Puppy Curriculum Set Up

Do you want to know the secret to raising a confident Shih Tzu puppy?

Studies have shown that puppies that come from breeders who expose them to a variety of stimuli when young including tactile surfaces are more likely to be confident adults. Do any of you own a Shih Tzu that is fearful of random surfaces? For example, is your Shih Tzu afraid to walk on the hardwood floor? Does your Shih Tzu panic anytime you go on a walk and try to walk through a sandy area? What if I tell you that this phenomenon could be avoided in puppies through a developmentally appropriate puppy curriculum?

So if you’re thinking about purchasing a Shih Tzu puppy you may want to work with a Shih Tzu breeder that understands the significance of puppy socialization. Also, look into your breeder’s credentials. Anyone can say that they socialize the puppies. But this can mean different things to different Shih Tzu breeders.

Proper socialization is essential because a breeder may create fear in the puppies if he or she isn’t working the puppies during the proper developmental periods. Puppies go through fear periods. A responsible breeder will take things easy during fear periods.

When you’re interviewing Shih Tzu breeders ask them what breeder education classes they have taken to date as well. If you want to be more specific, find out if they have taken any specific classes on puppy socialization protocols. I list all of the breeder education courses that I have taken on my website for clients to view.

Introducing puppies to different surfaces helps create confident and resilient Shih Tzu puppies who learn that the world is a safe place. Puppies learn to not fear different tactile experiences through repetitive exposure during the appropriate developmental period. Not all surfaces feel the same to a puppy. A ceramic floor feels different than a carpet. Rocks don’t feel the same as grass. Shih Tzu breeders have the opportunity to instill confidence in these little ones by providing them with socialization opportunities that create confidence.

Some of the surfaces that I expose all of my Shih Tzu puppies to include:

  • Artificial Turf
  • Quartz
  • Rocks
  • Ceramic
  • Hardwood
  • Tactile squares with different bumpy surfaces
  • A ball pit
  • Plastic grates
  • Water

Puppy exposure activities should begin early in life to teach puppies to adapt to new surroundings with minimal anxiety. If your Shih Tzu breeder has begun the socialization process make sure to ask what you can do to continue socializing your puppy once you get home. Most responsible Shih Tzu breeders will be happy to give you suggestions.

A Shih Tzu puppy’s critical period of development starts in the third week of life and goes all the way through week 12. It would be ideal if all Shih Tzu puppies stay with their breeder, mom, and siblings during this crucial stage of development. Shih Tzu Puppies learn so many irreplaceable skills during this period. If you happen to bring your puppy home before this period is over be sure to talk to your breeder about what Socialization opportunities you should implement once home.

Remember to keep all at-home socialization experiences positive for your Shih Tzu puppy. Whenever your puppy works up the courage to try out something new use the marker word, “Yes!” Treat-based rewards help create a positive association as well. Never force your puppy to try something new. But, simply remember to always be your puppy’s biggest fan by encouraging engagement with new things. For example, if your puppy has never spent time on a wooden deck bring some fun toys onto the deck. Encourage your puppy to join in on the fun. Once he or she does praise and treat to make the occasion special. 

To sum things up, please do your homework before searching for Shih Tzu Puppies for sale. It is super easy to find available Shih Tzu puppies but more complex to find Shih Tzu puppies that have had an upbringing that will help maximize their full potential. Ask a lot of questions and get to know your Shih Tzu breeder on a personal level. After all, you’re about to purchase a Shih Tzu puppy that will be spending the next 10-plus years living beside you. If you choose a Shih Tzu Breeder that works hard to instill confidence in the puppies you’re much more likely to have a well-rounded companion animal by your side.

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Puppy Developmental Periods Defined

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All puppies go through developmental periods where they develop behavioral habits that stick with them throughout their lifespan. All breeders including Shih Tzu breeders need to instill appropriate behaviors that line up with the developmental periods. Responsible breeders should set program goals that align with the puppies’ developmental needs.

It is important to meet litter needs in a developmentally appropriate fashion. Working a litter too fast, too slow, or in an improper manner may have detrimental effects on the puppies in the litter. A good breeder will know when and how to properly socialize. The key is breeder education! Knowledge is power!

Below is a list of the developmental periods that puppies go through:

Birth to 2 weeks-(The Neonatal Period)-Puppies rely heavily on their mother. They rely on their sense of smell, taste, and touch to get around the whelping box.

2-3 weeks-(The Transitional Period)-The puppy’s eyes and ears begin to open. Puppies become more aware of littermates and begin to try to walk.

3-12 weeks-(The Socialization Period)-This is the prime time for a breeder to properly socialize puppies. Puppies should also remain with their mother and littermates for most of this period to learn important skills such as bite inhibition. Puppies absorb everything very quickly during this stage. Also, fear is at an all-time low, minus short fear periods. A good breeder will know how to recognize a fear period and will adjust the curriculum until the fear period comes to a halt.

Puppies should be exposed to a wide range of stimuli during this sensitive period as well to promote ideal brain and emotional development. Working puppies through a developmentally appropriate curriculum during this stage is of utmost importance. Puppies learn faster and quicker during this period than in any other period of development. The socialization period only takes place once in a dog’s lifetime!

13 weeks to puberty-(Juvenile Period)-A puppy’s early behavioral habits begin to take even more shape. This stage is often equivalent to the human teenage years! Puppies are growing rapidly, have a newfound independence, bounds of energy, and hormones are starting to surge. Puppy training will be of incredible benefit during this stage.

6 months to adulthood-(The Adolescent Period)-Much of your puppy’s behavior is now solidified. Training is still very beneficial to continue reinforcing behaviors that are desirable. This period ends when social maturity is reached. The timeline varies depending on the breed. Shih Tzus are typically fully grown by 10 months of age.

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Let the Puppy Curriculum Roll

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The puppies are developing so fast! The puppies’ eyes are starting to open. If you watch closely you can see Blaze’s eyes open for a moment. We are starting week 3 in our Shih Tzu breeding program with the introduction of a potty pad to the Whelping box. Puppies are now eliminating on their own. This usually means that Mom is done cleaning up after the puppies.

I also added a soft toy for novelty exposure. Nobody seems too interested in the toy this morning. They’re all about napping.💤💛🐶 I will also do a brief sound desensitization exercise later today. I’ll add it to my Instagram story/highlight for viewing. Have a wonderful day!

I hope you enjoy the short video clip of the puppies napping below!

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An Inside Look at the Puppy Curriculum Calendar

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The puppy socialization period officially starts at the end of week three and goes all the way through week 12. Breeders must provide puppies with a developmentally appropriate curriculum and appropriate socialization during this critical stage of development.

The puppies’ fear response is at an all-time low and curiosity is at an all-time high during weeks 3 to 12. Breeders must work with the puppies according to developmental benchmarks to provide puppies with the best outcome. Below is a timeline that summarizes some of the skills puppies learn through the puppy curriculum in my responsible breeding program. 

Please note that the timeline is just an estimate. I may need to adjust the calendar if a litter of puppies’ development isn’t aligned with the developmental benchmarks. For an inside look at the puppies working through curriculum check out some of my youtube videos: https://youtube.com/shorts/GuF2OCoxTEc?feature=share.

Puppy Curriculum Schedule

Week 1 & 2

  • Early Neurological Stimulation
  • Early Scent Introduction
  • Daily weight checks

Week 3

  • Early Neurological Stimulation
  • Early Scent Introduction
  • Sound desensitization 
  • Weekly weights
  • Handling desensitization/gentle Grooming
  • Introduction to Gentle Novelty Exposure Items

Week 4

  • Sound desensitization
  • Handling desensitization
  • Gentle sensory experiences 
  • Gentle grooming practice
  • Introduction to the Puppy Recall
  • Introduction to puppy mush
  • Focus on gut health

Week 5

  • Sound desensitization 
  • Handling desensitization
  • Sensory desensitization
  • Gentle movement desensitization
  • Grooming practice
  • Puppy Recall
  • “Yes” Verbal Marker Training
  • Focus on gut health

Week 6 to 8

  • Sound desensitization 
  • Sight desensitization
  • Handling desensitization 
  • Sensory experiences
  • Movement desensitization 
  • Problem-solving
  • Startle/recovery
  • Balance and coordination
  • Barrier challenges
  • Mental Stimulation/Foraging/Brain games 
  • Grooming practice
  • Weekly one-on-one curriculum sessions with the breeder
  • Puppy Recall
  • “Yes” Verbal Marker Training
  • Open crate exposure
  • Transition from whelping box to playpen in the family room.
  • Turf Introduction
  • Focus on gut health
  • Exposure to different environments inside and outside of my home
  • Stroller rides
  • A basic introduction to the sit command
  • Confidence building activities

Week 9 to 11

  • Sound desensitization 
  • Sight desensitization
  • Handling desensitization
  • Sensory experiences
  • Movement desensitization 
  • Problem-solving
  • Startle/recovery
  • Balance and coordination 
  • Barrier challenges
  • Mental Stimulation/Foraging/Brain games
  • Grooming practice
  • Weekly one-on-one sessions with the breeder
  • Short alone-time sessions with a positive reinforcer
  • Puppy Recall
  • Open Crate Exposure
  • Travel crate exposure
  • Confidence building activities
  • “Yes” Verbal Marker Training
  • Neutral dog exposure (Intro to some of my adult dogs)
  • Outdoor expedition
  • Exposure to different environments inside and outside of my home
  • Car ride
  • Turf training
  • “Yes” Verbal Marker Training
  • Focus on gut health
  • A basic introduction to the “sit” command
  • Outdoor/screened room potty practice
  • Temperament Testing

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The Benefits of Puppy Sound Desensitization

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A purebred chocolate-liver Shih Tzu puppy sitting on the couch.
A liver Shih Tzu puppy that has gone through sound desensitization

Sound Desensitization Benefits

Early Sound Desensitization is another technique that I like to use with my Shih Tzu puppies. Early Sound Desensitization protocols help expose puppies to various sounds such as a blow dryer, a vacuum, sirens, etc. The goal is to dull any negative responses the puppy may have to the sounds. Sound therapy is very beneficial in helping produce better coping skills in puppies. When sound desensitization protocols are put in place during a puppy’s early socialization period the benefits can be tremendous.

Some puppies are more sensitive than others when it comes to sound sensitivity. The good news is that sound sensitivity is an adjustable trait in puppies. If a puppy is born extremely sensitive to sounds desensitization protocols can hopefully tone down the puppy’s negative response through repeat sound exposure.

Knowing a puppy’s sound sensitivity threshold is very important when it comes to puppy placement. A puppy that startles easily even after sound desensitization protocols, may do better in a home where the owners will be well aware of the puppy’s unique needs. For instance, a sound-sensitive puppy may do better in a quiet household rather than in the home of a musician. Or vice versa, a puppy that has a high sound sensitivity threshold may do excellent in a home with young children that have a lot of noisy toys.

In the end, it all circles back to how the puppy’s rearing. A puppy that takes part in a responsible breeding program that puts in place appropriate sound desensitization protocols is ultimately setting each puppy and family up for success. Both the puppy and the new family will hopefully be a great match and live in harmony.

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