How We raise Our Puppies
At Crown & Tress Shih Tzu, we prioritize the preparation of our puppies for their forever homes. This dedication starts with our careful breeding practices, aimed at producing the finest puppies. We complement this with thorough socialization during the crucial first eight weeks of their lives. In our in-home puppy nursery, our young Shih Tzu puppies receive constant supervision and care, ensuring they thrive as they grow. We monitor their development closely, including daily weigh-ins to track their progress.
During this vital period, our puppies form strong bonds with their littermates and mother, setting a solid foundation for their future. As early as day 2, we begin their training journey with neurological stimulation, laying the groundwork for their development.
Training Journey
From as young as two days old, we introduce Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) exercises, performed daily until two weeks of age. This crucial phase aids their neurological development and includes gentle exercises like:
Tactile Stimulation: Lightly tickling the puppy's paws with a feather.
Head Held Erect: Holding the puppy upright.
Head Pointed Down: Gently tilting the head downward.
Supine Position: Cradling the puppy in a back-facing-up position.
Thermal Stimulation: Briefly placing the puppy on a cool surface
These activities are designed to enhance their physical and cognitive development early on.
4 - 6 Weeks Old
This is a playful and formative time. Puppies engage more actively with toys and each other, and we introduce structured play and preliminary potty training using specific areas. Their diet begins to include soft food, easing the transition from nursing.
We also introduce more complex environments to aid their development, such as:
Dark Spaces: Using tunnels.
Uneven Surfaces: Incorporating wobble boards.
Elevated Surfaces: Introducing raised beds.
These setups help them gain confidence and agility, preparing them for a variety of real-world situations.
2 - 4 Weeks Old
As their eyes and ears open, we intensify socialization efforts. The puppies begin to explore their surroundings and interact more with people and other pets. We manage their environment meticulously, ensuring their nails are trimmed to prevent scratches and introducing them to various toys. We also start sound desensitization exercises, exposing them to a range of sounds to prepare them for diverse auditory experiences. This includes everyday household noises to more intense sounds, conditioning them to be calm and confident adults.
6 - 8 Weeks Old
By now, puppies are mastering their environment, including achieving milestones in potty training and navigating stairs. We continue to reinforce these skills daily and begin basic command training like coming when called, as well as grooming habits including nail clipping.
Enrichment & Socialization
We are committed to providing enriching experiences for our puppies to ensure they grow into well-rounded companions. Our approach includes:
Socialization with other dogs
Daily handling to familiarize them with human interaction.
Exposure to various surfaces and tactile stimulation
Introducing them to different sounds to promote confidence and adaptability.
2 Days - 2 Weeks Old
In the tender early days, our puppies relax in our in-home nursery, under constant care and supervision. We monitor their development closely, including daily weigh-ins to ensure healthy growth. During this period, the puppies start to form vital bonds with their littermates and mother.
Welcoming Royalty
Our regal puppies require ample time to nurse, grow, and thrive in the nurturing embrace of their mother and littermates before embarking on their journey to their forever homes. During these precious early weeks, it's crucial for a newborn puppy to remain with their breeder, alongside their loving mom and siblings, as they undergo essential physical development and acquire valuable social skills from their furry companions. While the exact timing for when a puppy can join their new family may vary depending on factors such as breed and individual development, it typically occurs around the age of two months. ( approximately 10 weeks)
Included with Puppy
When our puppies are ready to join their new families, we provide them with everything they need for a smooth transition. Each puppy goes home with:
Toys for play and enrichment
High-quality food and treats to maintain their health and nutrition
Vet records documenting their health status and vaccinations
Registration papers to officially recognize them as part of their new family
A blanket infused with the comforting scent of their mother and littermates
Welcome home bags containing essential information and resources to support their care
Their Health
Before leaving our care, all puppies receive thorough health care, including:
Worming and vaccinations to protect against common diseases
Veterinary checks to ensure they are in optimal health
Contracts and Health Guarantees
For added peace of mind, we may offer a written contract and limited warranty with your puppy purchase. These documents serve to protect both you and us, ensuring a shared understanding of the terms of the agreement. If you have any questions regarding our contracts or warranties, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.
By incorporating these practices into our breeding program, we strive to raise happy, healthy puppies ready to bring joy to their new families.
Best Practices for Continuing Training with New Families
Upon bringing your puppy home, we encourage you to continue their training journey. Shih Tzu respond well to positive reinforcement techniques. Consistent training of basic commands and obedience is essential for fostering good behavior. Utilize methods such as clicker training, verbal praise, and treats to facilitate their learning process.
Consider enrolling your puppy in puppy school to further their development. Regular socialization, including visits to the dog park and ample playtime with chew toys, is crucial for their well-being.
Establishing a structured routine, implementing crate training, and housebreaking are essential aspects of guiding your puppy toward becoming a well-mannered adult dog. Remember, successful dog training raequires patience, consistency, and, above all, love.
By incorporating these best practices into your puppy's upbringing, you can ensure they continue to thrive and bring joy to your family for years to come.
