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We raise our puppies in our homes using Puppy Culture, The Powerful First 12 Weeks puppy raising principles.
What is Puppy Culture? Puppy Culture is a well-researched science based socialisation and training program specifically developed for puppies from birth through the end of their critical socialisation period. Age and development level appropriate protocols and lessons laid out in an organised format. We observe each puppy as they grow and develop and give him/her the learning experience they are asking for. Puppy Culture is based on the premise that the puppy always leads the learning, and puppies learn best by appropriate experiences at the appropriate time. It’s a force free positive reinforcement-based program. We do not use corrections or out dated dominance theory. By raising and engaging the puppies in this training we are creating confident, resilient puppies who have the best start possible. |
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This will give you an idea of the experiences and exposure your puppy has while be raised with us. It’s a guideline detailing the time, effort and love that goes into each of our puppies. Hopefully, it will give you confidence in the fact that you are purchasing a well socialised pup that has been given the best start in life.
Prenatal Period: Before Puppies Are Born - Research has shown that a litter can be more docile when the mother dog receives frequent prenatal massage, this is providing she enjoys this type of handling. It can have a calming effect on the offspring that she is carrying. A low stress environment for the pregnant mother has shown to produce puppies that are more emotionally balanced. Our girls love their relaxing massages and have grown up having them even when they are not pregnant! We provide our mothers-to-be with this type of calm and loving environment.
Neonatal Period: Approximately 0-14 Days Old - Puppies of this age can’t hear or see. They enjoy being in their whelping box with their mother and siblings. If Mum is happy for us to give them daily individual cuddles then we do otherwise we pat them while still been close to Mum. On day three of the puppy’s life we begin Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) exercises practised daily between the ages of 3 – 16 days. This gives the puppy’s neurological system a head start. It consists of 5 different exercises designed to stimulate the neurological system. ENS is only recommended if the puppies are not stressed in any way.
The five exercises are:
Tactile stimulation – holding the pup in one hand, the handler gently stimulates the pup between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip.
Head held erect – using both hands, the pup is held perpendicular to the ground.
Head pointed down – holding the pup firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground.
Supine position – holding the pup so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling.
Thermal stimulation – using a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. The pup is placed on the towel, feet down. It is not restrained from moving.
Time of stimulation for each position is 3 – 5 seconds.
These exercises impact the neurological system by jump starting it into action earlier than would otherwise be expected.
The benefits include: improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate), stronger heart beats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress and a greater resistance to disease. Research shows that puppies who have experienced ENS are better able to handle stress, are more outgoing and learn more quickly.
Transitional Period: Approximately 2 – 3 Weeks Old - During this stage, puppies eyes open and they begin to hear. They also start to learn how to walk on wobbly legs. They are capable of responding to taste and smell. We start to introduce new tactile items of interest to the whelping box. Simple things such as big soft toys with crackle paper or squeaker, pieces of fleece, different flooring (rubber, fabric) etc. Since they can now respond to smell, we begin to introduce some new scents. We begin nail trimming while they are nursing or sleeping so it’s a no fuss event for them.
Socialisation Period: Approximately 3 - 4 Weeks Old - During these socialisation periods is when the most rapid learning occurs. Things that happen now will have the greatest impact on puppy’s future social behaviour. Puppies at this stage have an easier time accepting new situations, objects, noises, etc. As the puppies get older it will be harder for them to become comfortable with new things.
This is a time of very rapid sensory development. Their sense of hearing is developed and we start to introduce different sounds. Puppies startle when hearing a sudden sound.
We use classical music, habituation recordings, quiet room, household appliance noises. If any puppy shows any sign of true fear we discontinue startle recovery and shaping emotional responses exercises for all the puppies and continue later. It’s about them receiving a positive emotional response to sound.
We continue to handle them several times a day and introduce a litter box. We continue weekly nail trimming and running an electric tooth brush over their bodies to desensitise them to the feeling and sound. Every day a new item is introduced to explore i.e. small soft objects, sound mats, wet feet, carpet, grass etc. Their baby teeth are erupting and they are drinking and eating eagerly from their food bowl. If puppies are adverse to anything we do we stop and try again at a later time.
Socialisation Period: Approximately 4 – 5 Weeks Old - We continue to handle the puppies several times a day. They experience having their feet handled mouth and ears checked, soft brush over their body and weekly nail trim on the grooming table. We introduce them to their weaning pen. A larger space set up with a nest area, toilet litter tray and play area.
We give them a barrier challenge. This can be simple for some and a little more difficult for others. We work with one puppy at a time, placing some yummy food on one side of a puppy pen panel (barrier) and the puppy has to orientate itself, around the simple barrier to the food bowl. This sort of challenge is designed for the puppy to succeed and then be rewarded for its efforts. This will build the pup’s confidence. We introduce more interactive toys, low and stable obstacles and climbing objects and more outdoor time weather permitting. We introduce the use of a clicker and some fun games individually.
We introduce puppies to other close friends and family experienced with young puppies.
Socialisation Period: Approximately 5 – 6 Weeks Old - Puppies could be approaching their initial fear period so we are conservative with their challenges. Puppies should never be scared and always given a choice. It’s the choice to do something that empowers puppies. We encourage lots of play time. A puppy at play is such a wonderful thing! You wouldn’t think that a dog needs to learn to be a dog, but they do! This is a very important time for puppies, they learn basic dog behaviour like barking, biting, fighting, chasing and body language. They learn to play with their siblings, Mum and sometimes Aunties. We introduce different interactive toys and a sensory rich environment. We introduce them to a crate. To start with we use plastic crates with the door off. They can go in and out on their free will and often sleep in there. Dogs love a den. We will also begin working individually on swapping out an item they may have for an even better reward (high value treat). This is to reduce any resource guarding they may develop.
Socialisation Period: Approximately 6 – 7 Weeks Old - By this time, puppies should be completely weaned. We introduce puppy to a snap release collar and walking on a loose lead.
Each puppy is still given lots of one-on-one time with us whether that is just have a cuddle, a play or a mini groom. This is the period when we start to work on separation. We want separation to have positive associations, so we start gradually giving each pup a bit of time on their own. Individually we will close the crate door and give them something extra yummy to chew on like a venison tendon. Some maybe very happy sleeping for longer periods of times in their crate. Puppies have their first car ride crated in groups.
We host a “Puppy Party” at week 7. Despite its fun name, a puppy party is not a free for all social event. It’s a well organised, controlled interaction between our puppies and select, experienced dog people. Depending on the puppies confidence levels this may just be interaction with new people or interaction with this new person on an obstacle, challenge or piece of equipment. Late week 5 - 7 we invite the puppy’s new families to visit on a one on one basis. For their remaining time with us we will introduce them to as many people as we can. We want them to have seen a whole range of different people before leaving us. We continue to toilet train and have puppies taking regular sleeps in their crate. Short, positive training sessions are a regular event. Mental and physical challenges will continue.
Lots of love and caring, with attention given to one-on-one time with each pup.
Puppies Go Home: 8 Weeks Old - By now, puppies should be very familiar with their crates, many noises, flooring types, scents, people of different ages, and so much more! Once they get home to you, there is still so much for them to see and learn.
Enrolling in a well run Puppy Socialisation Pre-School and Obedience class is a must. We can help you find a great Force Free Trainer who runs these classes close to you! More information on finding a great Puppy School is included in our Puppy Manual.
We are only a phone call away for any support.
Prenatal Period: Before Puppies Are Born - Research has shown that a litter can be more docile when the mother dog receives frequent prenatal massage, this is providing she enjoys this type of handling. It can have a calming effect on the offspring that she is carrying. A low stress environment for the pregnant mother has shown to produce puppies that are more emotionally balanced. Our girls love their relaxing massages and have grown up having them even when they are not pregnant! We provide our mothers-to-be with this type of calm and loving environment.
Neonatal Period: Approximately 0-14 Days Old - Puppies of this age can’t hear or see. They enjoy being in their whelping box with their mother and siblings. If Mum is happy for us to give them daily individual cuddles then we do otherwise we pat them while still been close to Mum. On day three of the puppy’s life we begin Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) exercises practised daily between the ages of 3 – 16 days. This gives the puppy’s neurological system a head start. It consists of 5 different exercises designed to stimulate the neurological system. ENS is only recommended if the puppies are not stressed in any way.
The five exercises are:
Tactile stimulation – holding the pup in one hand, the handler gently stimulates the pup between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip.
Head held erect – using both hands, the pup is held perpendicular to the ground.
Head pointed down – holding the pup firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground.
Supine position – holding the pup so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling.
Thermal stimulation – using a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. The pup is placed on the towel, feet down. It is not restrained from moving.
Time of stimulation for each position is 3 – 5 seconds.
These exercises impact the neurological system by jump starting it into action earlier than would otherwise be expected.
The benefits include: improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate), stronger heart beats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress and a greater resistance to disease. Research shows that puppies who have experienced ENS are better able to handle stress, are more outgoing and learn more quickly.
Transitional Period: Approximately 2 – 3 Weeks Old - During this stage, puppies eyes open and they begin to hear. They also start to learn how to walk on wobbly legs. They are capable of responding to taste and smell. We start to introduce new tactile items of interest to the whelping box. Simple things such as big soft toys with crackle paper or squeaker, pieces of fleece, different flooring (rubber, fabric) etc. Since they can now respond to smell, we begin to introduce some new scents. We begin nail trimming while they are nursing or sleeping so it’s a no fuss event for them.
Socialisation Period: Approximately 3 - 4 Weeks Old - During these socialisation periods is when the most rapid learning occurs. Things that happen now will have the greatest impact on puppy’s future social behaviour. Puppies at this stage have an easier time accepting new situations, objects, noises, etc. As the puppies get older it will be harder for them to become comfortable with new things.
This is a time of very rapid sensory development. Their sense of hearing is developed and we start to introduce different sounds. Puppies startle when hearing a sudden sound.
We use classical music, habituation recordings, quiet room, household appliance noises. If any puppy shows any sign of true fear we discontinue startle recovery and shaping emotional responses exercises for all the puppies and continue later. It’s about them receiving a positive emotional response to sound.
We continue to handle them several times a day and introduce a litter box. We continue weekly nail trimming and running an electric tooth brush over their bodies to desensitise them to the feeling and sound. Every day a new item is introduced to explore i.e. small soft objects, sound mats, wet feet, carpet, grass etc. Their baby teeth are erupting and they are drinking and eating eagerly from their food bowl. If puppies are adverse to anything we do we stop and try again at a later time.
Socialisation Period: Approximately 4 – 5 Weeks Old - We continue to handle the puppies several times a day. They experience having their feet handled mouth and ears checked, soft brush over their body and weekly nail trim on the grooming table. We introduce them to their weaning pen. A larger space set up with a nest area, toilet litter tray and play area.
We give them a barrier challenge. This can be simple for some and a little more difficult for others. We work with one puppy at a time, placing some yummy food on one side of a puppy pen panel (barrier) and the puppy has to orientate itself, around the simple barrier to the food bowl. This sort of challenge is designed for the puppy to succeed and then be rewarded for its efforts. This will build the pup’s confidence. We introduce more interactive toys, low and stable obstacles and climbing objects and more outdoor time weather permitting. We introduce the use of a clicker and some fun games individually.
We introduce puppies to other close friends and family experienced with young puppies.
Socialisation Period: Approximately 5 – 6 Weeks Old - Puppies could be approaching their initial fear period so we are conservative with their challenges. Puppies should never be scared and always given a choice. It’s the choice to do something that empowers puppies. We encourage lots of play time. A puppy at play is such a wonderful thing! You wouldn’t think that a dog needs to learn to be a dog, but they do! This is a very important time for puppies, they learn basic dog behaviour like barking, biting, fighting, chasing and body language. They learn to play with their siblings, Mum and sometimes Aunties. We introduce different interactive toys and a sensory rich environment. We introduce them to a crate. To start with we use plastic crates with the door off. They can go in and out on their free will and often sleep in there. Dogs love a den. We will also begin working individually on swapping out an item they may have for an even better reward (high value treat). This is to reduce any resource guarding they may develop.
Socialisation Period: Approximately 6 – 7 Weeks Old - By this time, puppies should be completely weaned. We introduce puppy to a snap release collar and walking on a loose lead.
Each puppy is still given lots of one-on-one time with us whether that is just have a cuddle, a play or a mini groom. This is the period when we start to work on separation. We want separation to have positive associations, so we start gradually giving each pup a bit of time on their own. Individually we will close the crate door and give them something extra yummy to chew on like a venison tendon. Some maybe very happy sleeping for longer periods of times in their crate. Puppies have their first car ride crated in groups.
We host a “Puppy Party” at week 7. Despite its fun name, a puppy party is not a free for all social event. It’s a well organised, controlled interaction between our puppies and select, experienced dog people. Depending on the puppies confidence levels this may just be interaction with new people or interaction with this new person on an obstacle, challenge or piece of equipment. Late week 5 - 7 we invite the puppy’s new families to visit on a one on one basis. For their remaining time with us we will introduce them to as many people as we can. We want them to have seen a whole range of different people before leaving us. We continue to toilet train and have puppies taking regular sleeps in their crate. Short, positive training sessions are a regular event. Mental and physical challenges will continue.
Lots of love and caring, with attention given to one-on-one time with each pup.
Puppies Go Home: 8 Weeks Old - By now, puppies should be very familiar with their crates, many noises, flooring types, scents, people of different ages, and so much more! Once they get home to you, there is still so much for them to see and learn.
Enrolling in a well run Puppy Socialisation Pre-School and Obedience class is a must. We can help you find a great Force Free Trainer who runs these classes close to you! More information on finding a great Puppy School is included in our Puppy Manual.
We are only a phone call away for any support.