How we socialize the puppies
One of the most important aspects of our program is that our puppies are raised inside our home. From birth, they are immersed in the sounds, smells, and rhythms of everyday life—vacuum cleaners, doorbells, kitchen noises, human conversation, and even music. This constant exposure helps our puppies become well-adjusted and confident when transitioning into their forever homes, where these experiences will feel familiar rather than frightening.
Phase 1: Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)
Days 3–16
Phase 2: Environmental & Human Socialization
Weeks 3–4: Intro to the World
Weeks 5–6: Visitor Engagement Begins
Weeks 7–8: Pre-Adoption Confidence Building
One of the most important aspects of our program is that our puppies are raised inside our home. From birth, they are immersed in the sounds, smells, and rhythms of everyday life—vacuum cleaners, doorbells, kitchen noises, human conversation, and even music. This constant exposure helps our puppies become well-adjusted and confident when transitioning into their forever homes, where these experiences will feel familiar rather than frightening.
Phase 1: Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)
Days 3–16
- Perform ENS once daily on each puppy:
- Tactile Stimulation
- Head Up / Head Down Positioning
- Supine Hold
- Cold Surface Touch
- We also include regular, gentle handling by us to help puppies associate human contact with comfort and safety.
- Purpose: Improves stress response, immune system, and neural development.
Phase 2: Environmental & Human Socialization
Weeks 3–4: Intro to the World
- At this stage, puppies begin to open their eyes and ears, becoming more aware of their environment and increasingly mobile. This is a key developmental window to gently introduce them to the wider world.
- Introduce new textures, toys, soft background noise, gentle grooming (especially nail trimming).
- Begin short visits with calm children, adults, and seniors.
- Toward the end of this phase, begin introducing the puppies to a secure and controlled outdoor space for short periods of exploration and sensory exposure.
Weeks 5–6: Visitor Engagement Begins
- Increase outdoor time in a secure space to allow puppies to explore natural elements and build confidence.
- Schedule 2–3 visitors/day
- Puppy exposure to:
- Floor textures (wood, carpet, grass)
- Household sounds (vacuum, doorbell)
- Toys of different shapes, sizes, and materials
Weeks 7–8: Pre-Adoption Confidence Building
- Continue increasing time outdoors with new experiences like toys in the yard, supervised romping, and exposure to safe wildlife or neighborhood sounds.
- Begin leash with collar familiarization.
- Introduce car rides, crate, and vet-simulation touches.
- Use novel objects (hats, sunglasses, bags, umbrellas).