It's hard to explain the amount of time, effort and love that is put into our pups in the first 8 weeks of their life. This time along with the period from 8 - 14 weeks is the most important time in their lives. We try to give them the best possible start so they endear themselves to their new family.
We are a small boutique breeder. We have time to raise the pups making the most of critical behavioural and developmental markers for instance:
- During the Neonatal period, the pups are stroked daily with gentle soothing motions. Pups that are licked by the mother and stroked grow up to be more relaxed in response to stress. Puppies that are stressed do not thrive.
- Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) begins at 3 days of age. This provides TINY age appropriate stresses that condition them to accept and move on from stressful situations.
- Early Scent Introduction (ESI) also begins at 3 days of age. Introduction to new scents stimulates their brains, builds confidence, enhances future social skills and reduces stress-related behaviours.
- Transitional Period - is where sound, sight and tactile conditioning begins. Tactile toys and objects are added along with the very start of toilet training with the introduction of pee mats. Many different conditioning sounds are played daily e.g thunder, rain, sirens, loud banging, babies crying, shouting, animal sounds… Soft calming classical music is also played - this helps when they go home.
- Critical Socialisation Period - Conditional Emotional Response (CER) - teach them to enjoy being disturbed, startle response, in home socialisaton begins, tiny barrier challenges, puppy call - recall response begins, taking treats from hand, interactive toys, intro to the lead, clicker training begins, teaching them to ‘mand’ (sit for attention without any commands), outdoor time, free range house time, intro to water, crate training begins, intro to adult house dogs, balance toys, ball pit. Outings to Bunnings, pet shop, shopping centre parking lots. Toilet training continues, socialisation to people.
All this and more are how our pups are raised to go to their new homes - confident and ready for new adventures.