Raising Puppies!

Puppies are born and raised in our home. They first start off in the whelping bed, with pig rails to protect the wee ones from accidentally being lodged between momma and the pen wall.

Potty Area

When puppies turn 2 weeks old, we add a potty area. We use grates. As the puppies eyes and ears open, they instinctively wander away from their sleeping area to potty. We place the potty grates right next to the sleeping area! I still marvel at how these young puppies learn to potty in a certain area when they can barely see! As they mature, they become 90% accurate using the potty grates! This makes it a breeze to keep their pen very clean

Although, sometimes, they tried so hard to get it right....almost!! little one!

Early Stimulation

When puppies are 3 - 4 days to 16 days old, we begin Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI). These early and gentle stimulation techniques have been proven to enhance the vitality of the pup. These simple daily stimulations aid in the development of the pup, fortifying their resiliency and enhancing their coping mechanisms.

In addition, each puppy gets a thorough gentle puppy massage, where the tail, each paw, the tummy, the nose, the ears, the mouth, are all slowly and gently massaged. This video demonstrates.

Big Changes from 3-6 weeks!

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At week 3, we begin further exposures, such as introducing noise in a variety of ways; gentle handling exercises and introducing new novelties to their pen, such as bright balls and stuffies.

For each consecutive week, the noises will change and vary in intensity and the novelty items introduced will change in size, texture and movement. All this gradually builds up the the puppies confidence with all sorts of sounds, smells, touches, surfaces and experiences, all in the goal of developing confident and stable pups.

Puppies are introduced to their first solid meal around 3 weeks. Their first meal is yogurt, followed by goats milk and minced turkey. Also at this time, they will receive their first deworming. We use natural deworming sources rather than medication. Puppies are sensitive and it is not necessary to use medicated deworming when we have a natural supplement. We use Diatomaceous Earth! This is natures natural dewormer that is safe for both humans and animals. Puppies have their stools sampled at 6 weeks to provide evidence that they are worm free!

Around week 5 they are introduced to the out the outdoors! This becomes their favorite place to be!! There's visitors at the fence, lawnmowers, tractors, geese, dogs, kids playing, airplanes flying over, and so much more! A great place to become aware and confident of all the many sounds of their big new world!

Being in the city, they get alot of attention! When it's age appropriate, there are lots of visitors and lots of socialization!

The most fun game is chasing momma!! And as you can tell, momma enjoys it too!

Also at 5 weeks they begin learning their manners!

Sitting and waiting patiently is not that hard to learn.

Look how well they do!

And Just that quick, and they're all grown up!!

Taking momma for a walk!!