timber-creek-puppies

From Puppy Fluff to Grown-Up

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:20:29 GMT

Rhett — one of our most lovable little teddy bears! That golden brown fluff, and all that personality packed into one tiny body make him unforgettable. But what’s even more amazing? Watching how much his coat and color may change as he grows.

We’ve seen hundreds of Shichon (Shih Tzu–Bichon Frise) pups like Rhett transform from dark, cuddly little furballs into lighter, fluffy adult “teddy bears.” Here’s why - and what you can expect from your own pup’s glow-up journey.

Puppy Days: Full of Color and Fuzz

When they’re little, Shichon puppies often have darker coats — think deep caramel, chocolate, or sable. Rhett here was born a rich golden-brown with touches of white on his chest and paws. Just remember the ears will remain the same colors. Crazy huh!

That fluffy “baby coat” feels irresistibly soft. It’s a lightweight, downy layer that keeps a puppy warm and cuddly.

The Big Change (6–12 Months)

Somewhere between six and twelve months, you’ll notice lighter shades peeking through your Shichon’s coat. That’s because they’re shedding their baby fluff and growing an adult coat — softer, fuller, and curlier (thanks to their Bichon Frise parent).

Rhett’s warm caramel color may start softening into a honey or cream tone as he ages. You might even see darker highlights fade or white patches expand. It’s totally natural — every Shichon has its own unique pattern, and no two ever look the same!

The Adult Look: The True Teddy Bear

By 18 to 24 months, most Shichons settle into their adult coat. It’s this stage where they fully embrace their “teddy bear” charm — plush, curly, and completely cuddle-worthy.

Colors often lighten significantly, with brown or sable pups like Rhett turning creamy or golden, and darker pups softening into silver or white.

Some even keep that signature darker muzzle or ear fur, giving them a sweet, expressive face.

Grooming and Care Tips

To help your pup’s coat stay soft through all these changes:

Brush 3–4 times a week to prevent tangles.
Bathe 1-2x monthly with a mild, moisturizing shampoo.
Schedule regular grooming to shape that teddy bear cut.
Feed them Life Abundance with omega-rich nutrients for coat health.

A little consistency goes a long way — and honestly, so does puppy love and snuggle time.

Every Stage Is Adorable

Watching Rhett (and pups like him) grow is pure joy. From their darker baby fluff to their light and wavy adult coats, every stage has its charm. So enjoy the process — take photos, embrace the messy hair days, and celebrate how unique your teddy bear truly is.

Because whether they’re caramel, cream, or brindle a Shichon’s heart stays the same — happy, loyal, and full of love.

Welcome  Home. Your New Puppy Help Guide

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:15:35 GMT

This guide was created with love to help you and your new puppy start your journey together. May this be the beginning of many happy, tail‑wagging adventures! Monti��

�� Eating Guidelines

Establishing a consistent feeding schedule is crucial for your puppy’s health and effective potty training. Feed your puppy at the same times each day, and do not assume your puppy is eating. Actively monitor mealtimes for the first few days.

✨ Follow this Meal Plan:

Meal #1: ¼ cup wet food + 2 Tbsp warm water
Meal #2: ¼ cup wet food + handful dry + 4 Tbsp warm water
Meal #3: ¼ cup wet food mixed with a handful dry food
Transition to dry food gradually

�� Potty Training

There’s an overwhelming amount of information out there about potty training, but �� common sense and consistency go a long way.

✨ Be a helicopter parent! Watch your puppy 100 % of the time when they’re not in their crate or play area. If you’re not watching, you’re missing things—especially that quick potty signal.

When not being held or played with, your puppy needs to be in their crate/play area.
Before placing them in the crate area, take them potty.
Every time you take them out—or before putting them back in—take them potty!
Stay extra consistent that first week.

�� Introducing Your Puppy

Introduce your puppy to their new home one room at a time, then slowly let them explore more areas. Be extra careful with stairs.
Provide some quiet crate time so your puppy can settle and rest.

�� Overstimulation can make your puppy forget to eat or drink—keep new experiences short and calm!

�� New Puppy Meets Current Pet

Keep introductions supervised and positive. ��

Don’t introduce your new puppy on your current pet’s home turf—choose a neutral space like a park, neighbor’s yard, or even a grandparent’s house.

✨ Give your current pet time to adjust—the goal is calm curiosity, not competition.

�� Detailed Puppy Schedule

(Single‑spaced for clarity)

7:00 AM   Wake up & go potty, playtime
7:30 AM   Breakfast
8:30 AM   Potty & playtime
9:30 AM   Rest / nap
11:15 AM   Potty & water
11:30 AM   Lunch
12:00 PM   Potty & playtime
12:30 PM   Nap
3:00 PM   Potty & playtime
4:15 PM   Potty & water
4:30 PM   Dinner
5:00 PM   Potty & playtime
6:00 PM   Rest / quiet time
7:30 PM   Potty & playtime
8:30 PM   Water break
9:00 PM   Potty / bedtime wind‑down
11:00 PM   Quick potty break before overnight

�� Weeks 1–3: Take puppy potty every 2 hours during the day and always after meals, naps, or play.
�� Week 4+: Gradually stretch potty trips to every 3–4″ hours; puppies under 12 weeks shouldn’t be left crated longer than 3 hours.

�� Helpful Tips

✨ Lay your puppy outside on a leash or supervised area after meals.
✨ Use crates for safety, not punishment—introduce crate time gradually.
�� Enroll in a puppy class when your vet approves. Training together builds trust!

�� Spay / Neuter, Rabies & Parasite Prevention

Spay/Neuter: Recommended at 5 to 6 months
Rabies Vaccination: 4–6 months
Heartworm, Flea & Tick Prevention: Begin at 16–18 weeks (consult your vet)

�� Frequently Asked Questions

Type & Size of Crate: 18×26″ wire crate fits perfectly for most small breeds—just enough room to stand & turn comfortably.
Socializing: Wait until puppy is fully vaccinated before playdates with outsider dogs.
Support: Email or call anytime for help and questions.

�� What We’re Sending Home With Your Puppy

Acclimation blanket with familiar scent
AKC microchip register info
Puppy food & sample treats
Medical records / contract for your vet
Hyglycemia‑safety note (Nutrical)

�� Keep the Nutrical handy for travel; offer 1 dose every 3–4 hours if your puppy refuses food due to stress.

�� Bathing, Grooming & Oral Health

Your puppy arrives freshly bathed and groomed. ✨
If they get dirty during travel, it’s safe to re‑bathe with dog shampoo and a low heat blow‑dryer.

Bathe weekly (if needed) or monthly to keep coat clean.
Start brushing early (and praise them for it!).
Brush 1–2× per week to maintain a healthy coat.
Introduce the toothbrush with patience and positive reinforcement.

– Monti �� | montiwag1@gmail.com | (319) 752‑5331 | @monti‑wagenbach

Frankie's Journey to a Therapy Dog

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:15:35 GMT

How Shih Tzu–Bichon Puppies Change Color

Rhett — one of our most lovable little teddy bears! That bright smile, that golden fluff, and all that personality packed into one tiny body make him unforgettable. But what’s even more amazing? Watching how much his coat and color can change as he grows.

At Timbercreekpuppiesk, we’ve seen hundreds of Shichon (Shih Tzu–Bichon Frise) pups like Rhett transform from dark, cuddly little furballs into light, fluffy adult “teddy bears.” Here’s why — and what you can expect from your own pup’s glow-up journey.

Puppy Days: Full of Color and Fuzz

When they’re little, Shichon puppies often have darker coats — think deep caramel, chocolate, or sable. Rhett here was born a rich golden-brown with touches of white on his chest and paws.

That fluffy “baby coat” feels irresistibly soft but doesn’t stay forever. It’s a lightweight, downy layer that keeps a puppy warm and cuddly but will eventually give way to their grown-up fur.

The Big Change (6–12 Months)

The Adult Look: The True Teddy Bear

By 18 to 24 months, most Shichons settle into their adult coat. It’s this stage where they fully embrace their “teddy bear” charm — plush, curly, and completely cuddle-worthy.
Colors often lighten significantly, with brown or sable pups like Rhett turning creamy or golden, and darker pups softening into silver or white.

Some even keep that signature darker muzzle or ear fur, giving them a sweet, expressive face.

Grooming and Care Tips

To help your pup’s coat stay soft through all these changes:

Brush 3–4 times a week to prevent tangles.
Bathe 1-2x monthly with a mild, moisturizing shampoo.
Schedule regular grooming to shape that teddy bear cut.
Feed them Life Abundance with omega-rich nutrients for coat health.

A little consistency goes a long way — and honestly, so does love and snuggle time.

Every Stage Is Adorable

Watching Rhett (and pups like him) grow is pure joy. From their darker baby fluff to their light and curly adult coats, every stage has its charm. So enjoy the process — take photos, embrace the messy hair days, and celebrate how unique your teddy bear truly is.

Because whether they’re caramel, cream, or snow-white, a Shichon’s heart stays the same — happy, loyal, and full of love.

Bella and Baxter Positive Dog Training

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:15:35 GMT

Discover Bella and Baxter Dog Training — offering personalized, positive training programs that help your dog learn obedience, build confidence, and strengthen your bond.

Transform Your Dog’s Behavior With Bella and Baxter Puppy Training

Whether you’re raising a new puppy or struggling with a stubborn adult dog, professional training can make all the difference. Bella and Baxter Dog Training specializes in creating confident, well-mannered dogs through compassionate, results-driven methods that focus on trust, communication, and positive reinforcement.

About Bella and Baxter Dog Training

Bella and Baxter Dog Training was founded to help pet parents build stronger relationships with their dogs. Their certified trainers use science-based, fear-free training techniques that promote understanding—not fear or dominance.

Every training program is tailored to your dog’s personality, breed, and unique challenges, ensuring that every pup gets the individual attention they deserve.

Dog Training Programs That Fit Every Need

1. Puppy Training Program

Start your puppy off right! This course covers:

Potty training and crate comfort
Socialization basics
Foundational commands like sit , stay , come , and leave it

Early training helps prevent behavior problems before they start.

2. Obedience Training for Adult Dogs

For dogs who need a refresher or structure, this program focuses on:

Leash manners and recall
Impulse control
Obedience commands for real-life situations

3. Behavior Modification Program

If your dog struggles with anxiety, aggression, or reactivity, Bella and Baxter’s specialists can help. They use gentle, step-by-step techniques to rebuild confidence and manage triggers effectively.

4. Private and Online Training Options

Convenience matters! Choose between in-person lessons or virtual coaching sessions so training fits your schedule and lifestyle.

Why Pet Parents Love Bella and Baxter

�� Certified Trainers: Experienced and credentialed professionals who understand canine behavior.
�� Positive Reinforcement: Proven, gentle methods that motivate and engage your dog.
�� Customized Plans: Every dog receives a personalized training roadmap.
�� Continuous Support: Post-training follow-ups keep you and your dog on track long-term.

Real Results, Real Reviews

Dog owners who have worked with Bella and Baxter consistently report:

✨ Reduced stress during walks
✨ Better recall and obedience
✨ Fewer problem behaviors
✨ Stronger, happier relationships with their dogs

Training isn’t just about commands—it’s about creating harmony between you and your pet.

Start Your Dog’s Training Journey Today

If you’re ready to transform your dog’s behavior and confidence, Bella and Baxter Dog Training is here to help. The right training can turn frustration into joy and confusion into understanding.

�� Get started today: Visit [YourWebsite.com] to schedule a free consultation or learn more about their training programs.

timber-creek-puppies

From Puppy Fluff to Grown-Up

Puppy Days: Full of Color and Fuzz

The Big Change (6–12 Months)

The Adult Look: The True Teddy Bear

Grooming and Care Tips

Every Stage Is Adorable

Welcome Home. Your New Puppy Help Guide

�� Eating Guidelines

✨ Follow this Meal Plan:

�� Potty Training

�� Introducing Your Puppy

�� New Puppy Meets Current Pet

�� Detailed Puppy Schedule

�� Helpful Tips

�� Spay / Neuter, Rabies & Parasite Prevention

�� Frequently Asked Questions

�� What We’re Sending Home With Your Puppy

�� Bathing, Grooming & Oral Health

Frankie's Journey to a Therapy Dog

How Shih Tzu–Bichon Puppies Change Color

Puppy Days: Full of Color and Fuzz

The Big Change (6–12 Months)

The Adult Look: The True Teddy Bear

Grooming and Care Tips

Every Stage Is Adorable

Bella and Baxter Positive Dog Training

Transform Your Dog’s Behavior With Bella and Baxter Puppy Training

About Bella and Baxter Dog Training

Dog Training Programs That Fit Every Need

1. Puppy Training Program

2. Obedience Training for Adult Dogs

3. Behavior Modification Program

4. Private and Online Training Options

Why Pet Parents Love Bella and Baxter

Real Results, Real Reviews

Start Your Dog’s Training Journey Today

Welcome  Home. Your New Puppy Help Guide

�� Spay / Neuter, Rabies & Parasite Prevention

�� What We’re Sending Home With Your Puppy

�� Bathing, Grooming & Oral Health