04/29/2026
PUPPY PARENT EDUCATION
DO YOU WANT A WELL-ADJUSTED, CALM PUPPY THAT ISN'T AFRAID OF ITS OWN SHADOW, DOESN'T BARK ITS HEAD OFF, AND DOES WELL RIDING IN THE CAR?
Many people, even some breeders, don't realize how much it takes to help make a well-rounded, less anxious, more relaxed, and less barky dog. When we have litters, we keep them until they are 10-12 weeks old, depending on whether they're individually ready to go to their forever home. We raise our puppies following a modified version of the Puppy Culture program. (Google that...it's very enlightening.)
The first 16 weeks of life are the critical window for working with puppies for maximum, long-lasting benefit. The key is Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS). Add to that optimal nutrition for brain and body development, and leaving them with their mother until natural weaning occurs, and the puppies are well on their way to a smooth transition into their new homes.
We do all kinds of things to give you a great puppy to love. They're exposed to many different sights and sounds: loud TV, soft music, my husband's loud snoring (lol), going out and about in a big netted stroller, meeting different people (loud kids, chill kids, adults with different energies), people wearing coats, hats, doorbells, car horns, other animals, and human food smells.
By the time they go home, we've started training them on desensitization to things that would normally startle or surprise a puppy and make them nervous enough to bark their heads off. They're even exposed to a variety of physical textures and temperatures (think cold tile floors, carpet, wood flooring, walking on towels, artificial grass, metal grating, plastic play tunnels, foam obstacle blocks).
Whether you get a puppy from us or not, keep in mind how important it is for your puppy to have had at least some level of this type of training before you bring them home. It will greatly reduce stress on you and your puppy during the critical first few weeks after going to their forever home.
