Puppy Raising
Whelping
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Before puppies are here we make sure they have a nice safe space area for them to get comfortable in. We set up their whelping box area in our bedroom so we can keep a close eye on them. We also keep a baby camera on them for when we aren't home. All of our puppies are whelped and raised in our home the entire time they are with us. ​
ESI/ENS
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Once puppies are 3 days old we start their ENS (early neurological stimulation) and ESI (early scent introduction). This period is when puppies experience rapid neurological growth and development, making them most receptive to these exercises. During this age their moms are still spending a lot of time with them and taking care of them.
The Fun Begins!
When puppies start approaching 3 weeks old they start becoming more mobile. We like to add a few sensory mats to their whelping box to give them a variety of textures to walk over. As well as adding in a designated potty area. Once they get more around 4 weeks we starting the weaning process by starting them on some puppy mush! This is also when we start introducing going outside for potty breaks (weather permitting).
Expansion
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Once puppies are approaching that 5 week age we expand their area and add in more activities for them! We have a variety of items such as a wobble board, toddler slide, and foam blocks for them to explore, climb, and play on. We have noticed giving our puppies these novelty items helps build their confidence! At this age we also start introducing a crate in their pen for them to go in and out freely on their own for them to get used to it.
​Kennel Training
By the time puppies are 6 weeks old they will start getting crated at night individually. We like to introduce crates at this age so they can get used to it for a couple of weeks before going home!
Temperament Testing
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At 7 weeks old we have temperament test conducted. This test will help us see how our puppies may act in their new homes, give us an idea of the type of training style they have, and what types of activities they may excel in. We use this test to help pair our puppies with their homes.
During the duration of your puppies time with us we also greatly focus on starting their potty training, so they have access to our backyard for pottying. We do frequent outings with them to get them adjusted to the idea of pottying outside. By the time puppies have hit that 8 weeks old mark they have typically caught onto that idea well. But this also the age they start going home! It’s always good to keep in mind that they may be doing good at our home but they may go through an adjustment period in their new homes when trying to figure out their new daily routines!
