Arizona Sunrise Shih Tzus & Poos

Purebred Shih Tzu Puppies

puppy development

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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The Ideal Age to Bring Your Shih Tzu Puppy Home

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An 8 week old male Shih Tzu Puppy wearing a blue hoodie with ears.
A Responsibly Raised Shih Tzu Puppy

You may be wondering what is the ideal age for a Shih Tzu puppy to leave mom and littermates. A Shih Tzu puppy should ideally stay with mom and littermates until at least 10 weeks of age. A Shih Tzu puppy learns important skills from mom and siblings during this critical period of development. Mom and littermates teach important skills such as bite inhibition. Shih Tzu puppies that stay with mom and siblings during the critical socialization period have an intellectual and behavioral advantage according to studies. 

I consider myself an ethical and responsible Shih Tzu breeder. I like to keep all of the Shih Tzu puppies in my breeding program until they’re at least 10 weeks old. Shih Tzus are a toy breed. A toy breed puppy develops at a slower rate than a large breed puppy. A Shih Tzu puppy needs more time to develop compared to a Golden Retriever for instance. It would be unfair to send a Shih Tzu puppy home at the 8-week mark when he or she isn’t developmentally ready.

Toy-breed puppies can be quite tiny at birth. Most of the Shih Tzu puppies in my responsible breeding program weigh at least 3 pounds by the 10-week mark. Shih Tzu puppies under 3 pounds often have trouble maintaining their blood sugar and may need to stay with the breeder a little bit longer.

As a Shih Tzu breeder, I know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to prevent it in the first place. Once Shih Tzu puppies reach the 3-pound mark they’re less likely to suffer from hypoglycemia if they’re being fed on a proper schedule. All my Shih Tzu puppy owners receive a puppy manual that includes a feeding chart.

Furthermore, a Shih Tzu puppy may go through a fear period at around 8 weeks of age. A fear period is a time in a puppy’s development when suddenly things in the environment cause fear. An educated Shih Tzu breeder knows to look for signs that a litter of puppies is entering a fear period. In my Shih Tzu breeding program, all curriculum and training is mellowed down until the fear period passes. If a Shih Tzu puppy is sent home during a fear period, anxiety may be present throughout life. Anxiety can be avoided if a Shih Tzu breeder knows how to care for a litter going through a fear period.

As a responsible Shih Tzu Breeder, I strive to create confidence in the Shih Tzu puppies that I raise. It would be easier to send puppies home at 8 weeks but it isn’t in the best interest of the puppies. I raise all of the Shih Tzu puppies in my responsible breeding program on a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Keeping the Shih Tzu Puppies until they’re at least 10 weeks old allows me to work the puppies through the curriculum according to their developmental benchmarks. The result is brave puppies that have all the tools they need to succeed in their new homes.

To sum things up, Shih Tzu puppies that are separated from mom and littermates early may display developmental and behavioral problems throughout life. Puppies sent home early may also lack basic confidence. Furthermore, puppies sent home too soon may miss out on important learning opportunities and may be more fearful as adults. Puppies should be sent home when developmentally ready to create well-rounded puppies. Puppies can learn a great deal during the additional time spent with their breeder.

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How to Recognize Normal Behavior in Shih Tzu Puppies

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An available liver Shih Tzu puppy laying on a fuzzy baby blue blanket next to a stuffed toy.
A Liver Shih Tzu Puppy


So you have finally brought your new puppy home from a reputable Shih Tzu breeder. You’re super excited to do everything in your power to properly raise your Shih Tzu puppy. You have bought books on everything from potty training to teaching your new puppy simple commands like how to sit.

Life is going great! Then one day you’re playing with your sweet Shih Tzu puppy and he nips your finger hard! Unfortunately, mouthing, chewing, and biting are normal puppy behaviors. This behavior is similar to a baby teething. All puppies teethe and seek out something to chew on to relieve the discomfort. I am here to tell you that anything is a game including your fingers. I typically tell my Shih Tzu puppy owners to always have a chew toy in hand when playing with a teething puppy. Simply redirect by offering the toy instead of your hand. If the behavior continues discontinue the play session and try again with a chew toy in hand when the puppy calms down.

Jumping up to greet guests is another normal puppy behavior. Puppies are full of energy and get super excited when it comes to receiving human attention. I recommend staying very still, folding your arms, and ignoring your puppy until he or she has stopped jumping up. Then show your puppy attention. This method will reward appropriate behavior while ignoring the negative behavior. I also advise training simple commands like sit and stay which will help tremendously.

Curiosity is another common puppy behavior. Your new puppy is learning all about this great big world. Puppies are often eager to explore their new environment. This heightened curiosity is great but must also be managed appropriately. Your puppy could easily become injured if he or she becomes curious about your house plant and decides to take a nibble for instance. Many plants and other items in the average pet home are toxic to dogs. It is essential to safety-proof the home before your curious puppy arrives. An app like PupTox is a great idea as well. I also suggest keeping your puppy in a playpen when you’re unable to supervise until trained.

Below, I have put together a list of some of the most common puppy behaviors. Some of the more undesirable behaviors can be properly managed through training. Also, remember that your puppy will mature and outgrow many of these behaviors over time. In the meantime, I advise being patient and consistent with training. Before you know it, your puppy will become an amazing well-trained member of your family.

Common Puppy Behaviors:

  • Curious about everything
  • Energetic (Puppy Zoomies)
  • Affectionate
  • Barking and vocalizing
  • Mouthing and chewing
  • Chasing anything that moves
  • Whining
  • Jumping up
  • Short attention span
  • Pouncing
  • Putting everything and anything in their mouths
  • Vigorously shaking toys
  • Shredding potty pads, toys, beds
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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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Shih Tzu Puppy Progress Report

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Puppy Update

The Shih Tzu puppies are doing amazing! My daughter helped me complete Early Neurological Stimulation exercises with the puppies this evening. ENS exercises are relatively easy to perform. Early Neurological Stimulation consists of 5 exercises that are performed for 3-5 seconds. It is important to only perform ENS on puppies that are relaxed and experiencing no difficulties adjusting to newborn life.

Early Neurological Stimulation Steps:

  1. Tactile Stimulation (Rub a Q tip between toes.)
  2. Hold head erect.
  3. Hold head facing down.
  4. Supine position.
  5. Thermal Stimulation

Peaches, Sky, and Smokey didn’t protest or complain at all during the Early Neurological Stimulation exercises. Blaze protested a little bit. Sunny didn’t like the exercise at all! It’s interesting to see how differently Shih Tzu puppies from the same litter react! Every puppy has a unique personality that will slowly start to emerge over the next several weeks.

We also completed Early Scent Introduction. ESI exercises help puppies develop a keen sense of smell. Early Scent Introduction not only helps with nose awareness but confidence as well. The scent of the day was coconut.

Early Scent Introduction Scores:

•Sky-positive
•Sunny-neutral
•Smokey-neutral
•Blaze-negative
•Peaches-positive

The puppies all continue to gain weight and are thriving. As they mature more, I will continue to work to help them complete their developmental benchmarks. The end game is well-socialized bulletproof Shih Tzu puppies.

Peaches, Sky, and Smokey didn’t protest or complain at all during the exercise. Blaze protested a little bit. Sunny didn’t like the exercise at all! It’s interesting to see how differently they react!

The puppies all continue to gain weight and are thriving. As they mature more, I will continue to work to help them complete their developmental benchmarks. The end game is well-socialized puppies.

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