Info & FAQ

Prenatal and Birth:

We are preparing for mama to have puppies. Females are pregnant for approximately 63 days from the first tie. During this phase, we are feeding mom high-quality dog food to ensure she is getting the proper nutrition. She is getting daily exercise without overdoing it.  Mom is introduced to the whelping box before day 50 so she can get used to it and comfortable with the space. The whelping box is in our living space, so moms and puppies do not miss out on family time. 

Birth - Week 1:

Babies are born! This is such an exciting time. In the first week puppies can't see or hear. During this time mom and puppies are monitored very closely to make sure they are getting the proper nutrition and are safe. Mom is staying with them the majority of the time. 

Day 3 - The most important way to interact with your puppies before their eyes and ears are functioning is through touch. Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) begins. These exercises are believed to be beneficial by enhancing the puppy's physical and mental development, improving their immune system function, and increasing their ability to cope with stress. The result is an increased capacity that later will help make a difference in performance and overall improved health. ENS puppies tend to be more active and exploratory compared to non-stimulated littermates, according to Breeding Better Dogs. ESI introduces puppies to 13 different scents, one a day. ESI increases neuroplasticity in neonates and prepares dogs to be successful in work and everyday life. ENS and ESI pups go on to become diabetic support dogs, emotional support dogs, and serve in other capacities. Puppies that are exposed to ESI are better at scent recognition and tracking work. 

Week 2:

During this week puppies are getting bigger and wigglier. Mom still spends most of her time with puppies. Towards the end of the week, some puppy's eyes might start opening. ENS and ESI stimulation is still taking place. We are making sure every puppy is getting touch stimulation. Targeting their feet, tail, neck, noses, and belly.

Week 3:

Puppies' eyes and ears are opening. They are getting wobbly and moving around. Personalities are starting to show. Teeth are popping through and mom is not with them 100% of the time. They will begin to interact with each other and play. This week a litter box will be introduced. A variety of sounds will be introduced. Different music, movies, sounds like horn, music, blow dryer, baby crying, vacuum, etc. Puppy mush will be introduced and as soon as puppies are eating mush, mom will begin to wean them. 

Touch handling will continue. This includes rubbing their ears, covering their eyes, running fingers in mouth and gums, rubbing their belly, running hand down back and tail, touching all paws, tapping on nails, running fingers around neck and collar, and touching their nose. All touch is gentle and safe. Puppies will begin to get their nails clipped once a week. 

Week 4:

Puppies' personalities really start to show. We will start to see which puppies are more outgoing. They are learning so many new things and building their confidence. Mom will begin weaning the puppies. They will begin using the litter box more frequently and mom won't be cleaning up after them as much. Play will be a little rougher with their siblings and they will begin interacting with toys and enjoying their humans. 

Touch handling will continue daily with a little more added pressure.

Week 5:

During this week we work on problem-solving in different places in our home and yard. They will be exposed to different tactiles, objects, and sounds. We work on startle recovery to help manage stress. Each puppy will be separated from their siblings for a short period of time to gain their independence away from the pack. They will begin going outside to go potty and be introduced to the crate. Puppies will continue to be introduced to new sounds and people. 

Week 6:

Puppies are more aware of their surroundings. They are playing and establishing their role in the pack. We can begin to identify who is submissive and who is dominant. They will continue to spend 5-15 minutes inside a crate. They will play outside and work on potty time outside and get used to using a doggie door. They will be exposed to water, car rides, obstacle courses, and other expeditions. 

Week 7:

Puppies continue doing daily activities. They will be introduced to collars and leashes. This will help with their transition to their new homes. Puppies will sleep in crates at night with litter mates. This week puppy evaluations will take place to determine each puppy's individual temperaments. Preparation for going to new homes will happen this week. Puppy placements will become official.

Week 8:

Puppies go home! 

We strongly believe in crate training. Whether you plan for your dog to be crated at night or not, crate training has many benefits for your dog. The crate should always be a positive experience and never used as a punishment. The crate should be a temporary space and not a full-time space for your dog. Be sure the crate is not too big and not too small. The crate should be just big enough that your dog can stand up, turn around, and lay down stretched out. While the puppy is growing you will need to transition to different size crates or get one that has a divider that can be moved as they grow. 

Crate training creates boundaries. It shows your dog that it is okay to be alone and that you will return. It helps prevent anxiety and destructive behaviors. 

Crate training helps with potty training. While you are potty training it is hard to keep your eye on your puppy all the time. It is key to catch the puppy in the act of going potty. Puppies live in the moment. If you try and correct them, even a few seconds later they don't know what they did and what you are correcting them for. Using the crate when you are busy doing something gives you a break and the puppy a break. Just make sure you are interacting with them often and taking them out for potty breaks. Reward and praise them when they go. 

Crates are a safe place for your puppy or dog. Think of your teenager and how much time they spend in their room. It is their safe place and where they feel the most comfortable. Crating not only protects your dog but protects them from eating something they shouldn't while you are not watching or destroying things.

There will be times when your dog will need to be crated. For example, when you have company if you have to leave them at a boarder, groomer, vet, etc. You want your dog to be comfortable with the crate and not be traumatized or barking the whole time they are being crated. By crate training early on, you can avoid unnecessary stress when they need to be crated.

Crates are a safe place for the puppy to settle down when he/she gets overstimulated. Whether you have small children, other pets, or just a busy house, the crate is a safe place where they can relax and settle down. Puppies don't know how to settle down on their own when they get overstimulated. They will turn to bad behavior like biting, chewing, and getting into things they shouldn't.