Puppy's First Three Months

Neonatal Period: Puppies will be weighed twice a day and recorded. We will touch and stroke puppies as much as the dam will permit. Puppies are born with eyes and ears closed. On days 3-16 Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and ESI often begins. These exercises are meant to introduce tiny amounts of stress on the puppies to better prepare the puppies’ coping mechanisms for future stresses in life. Puppies will have their nails clipped for the first time. Towards the end of this period the puppies’ eyes may begin to open.

 We continue to touch and stroke puppies. We will begin cuddling with individual puppies. Puppies will begin to open their eyes. Puppies are growing stronger and toddling about. We begin to introduce tactile items to the puppies. We introduce a new thing or experience each day. Some puppies may begin to startle upon hearing a sudden sound towards the end of this period. 

 The puppies are beginning to hear sounds. We will continue to introduce a new item or experience each day, to cuddle individually with each puppy daily. During this period, we will introduce a variety of sounds and begin In-Home Socialization.  We will move puppies to a new pen in the center of the house where new sights, sounds, and smells will be introduced. Puppies will be introduced to new sleep and potty areas. We begin weening puppies and introduce Mush. Puppies begin chewing to help their new teeth erupt through the gums. 

 We continue to offer individual daily attention, in-home socialization, introduce something new each day. We will introduce the clicker, begin shaping emotional responses, begin Communication Trinity, introduce Puppy Call, more interactive toys, climbing objects, and outdoor time as weather allows. 

 We continue daily individual attention, in-home socialization, introduce something new each day, the communication trinity. Introduce more emotional and behavioral response games.  We will introduce crates to the puppies. We introduce manding behavior. Begin work on puppy recall work to puppy call. 

 We continue daily individual attention, in home socialization, introduce something new daily, more emotional and behavioral response games, manding behavior, puppy recall. We begin crate time with doors closed for short periods. Introduce puppies to car rides.  Puppy Evaluations begin this week.

We continue daily individual attention, in home socialization, introduce something new daily, more emotional and behavioral response games, advanced manding behavior, puppy recall.  We introduce tracking/scent games, potty trips outside, longer periods of time in crates. We will be doing puppy behavioral evaluations.

We continue daily individual attention, in home socialization, introduce something new daily, more emotional and behavioral response games, advanced manding behavior, puppy recall, tracking/scent games, potty trips outside, longer periods of time in crates. We will be doing structural assessments. This is the week you will be choosing your puppy with our guidance, so you and your puppy are a good fit for life.

 We continue daily individual attention, in home socialization, introduce something new daily, more emotional and behavioral response games, advanced manding behavior, puppy recall, tracking/scent games, potty trips outside, crate training. Off-premises socialization, field trips. 

 We continue daily individual attention, in home socialization, introduce something new daily, more emotional and behavioral response games, advanced manding behavior, puppy recall, tracking/scent games, potty trips outside, crate training. Puppies will be getting ready to go home with you this week, more off-premises socialization, field trips. They will have a final Veterinary visit for health checks. Puppies go to their forever homes.