Curriculum
"Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen."
~Orhan Pamuk~
For our curriculum we use a combination of BAB, "Badass Breeder" to provide a structured curriculum to ensure that puppies learn the world is safe, people are kind, and dogs are friendly and "Puppy Culture", to breed and raise socially well-adjusted puppies and give them the best possible start in life, both highly reputable programs.
Week 1
During the first week, handling is kept very brief to minimize stress on both the puppies and their mother. Interaction is limited to daily weigh-ins and just a few minutes of gentle holding, and only to the extent that the new mom is comfortable. Most of this early handling consists of softly stroking the puppies while they remain in the whelping box, allowing them to adjust naturally while keeping everyone calm and secure.
Week 2
During this stage, the puppies are gently handled on a daily basis through stroking, snuggling, and calm interaction to ensure they become comfortable with human touch. Daily weigh-ins continue throughout week two to closely monitor growth and confirm that each puppy is developing properly.
This week also marks the introduction of ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) and ESI (Early Scent Introduction). ENS involves brief, gentle exercises that introduce mild stress to the puppies’ bodies and has been shown to support stronger immune systems, improved cardiovascular development, and increased tolerance to handling. ESI is designed to enhance a puppy’s ability to identify and respond to specific scents. Each day, puppies are briefly introduced to a distinct scent, and their reactions are carefully observed and recorded.
By the end of this week, the puppies’ eyes begin to open, marking an exciting milestone in their early development.
Week 3
At this stage, the puppies’ eyes are open, and they are beginning to walk and explore their surroundings. We transition them from their whelping area into a slightly larger space that allows for more movement and gentle exploration as they build confidence and coordination.
This week, we introduce the early foundations of potty training by placing potty trays in their area so they can begin learning where to go. We also start exposing the puppies to a variety of sounds, including louder household noises and different types of music played throughout the day, to support early sound desensitization.
To prepare them for solid food, puppies are given liquids this week to help them learn to lap effectively before food is introduced. As they grow, they also begin mouthing during this period, so we provide soft plush toys to encourage appropriate play and redirect chewing behaviors.
Week 4
This week, the puppies continue to be exposed to a variety of new sounds, including different types of music played throughout the day. These experiences help support early desensitization and confidence as they grow.
The puppies are also being gently introduced to crate time for short periods while their pen area is being cleaned. This early exposure helps create positive associations with the crate in a calm and low-pressure way.
This is an exciting milestone week, as food is introduced for the first time. We begin with a liquid or mush consistency and gradually work toward a thicker, more solid blend. By this stage, the puppies have lapping down very well and are comfortably drinking water from a bowl. They are still nursing, but that naturally begins to taper as solid food is introduced.
Puppies continue to be handled daily, and at this point, they are becoming much more aware of and interested in people. They are starting to seek out interaction, engage in gentle play, and show early signs of their social and playful personalities.
Week 5
At this stage, the puppies are usually making great progress with potty training and are using their potty trays consistently, which allows us to expand their living space even more. As their environment grows, we introduce new toys and age-appropriate obstacles for them to climb over and move around, helping to build confidence, coordination, and curiosity.
Mom is typically well into the weaning process at this point and prefers to visit the puppies for shorter periods. The puppies are adjusting beautifully and are doing very well with eating their puppy food, showing healthy appetites and steady growth.
Week 6
This is a big and exciting week for our puppies! They have been moved into our toddler pen, which offers a much larger space to explore along with a variety of new enrichment items designed to build confidence and coordination. The puppies are enjoying climbing and playing on slides, balance discs, swings, and small steps, all of which help support physical development and problem-solving skills.
Weather permitting, the puppies are also being introduced to outdoor time this week, which they absolutely love. This exposure brings a whole new set of sights and sounds, including birds, chickens, goats, and horses. These early experiences help the puppies become more adaptable and confident in new environments. Through their puppy fencing, they are also able to safely interact with and observe other adult dogs.
At this stage, most of the moms are finished nursing, but they still enjoy checking in on their puppies and engaging in play. We always let the mamas guide this process and never force interactions, allowing them to set their own boundaries naturally.
Additionally, the puppies are being crated for slightly longer periods during the day while we thoroughly clean and sanitize all of their areas. This helps reinforce positive crate experiences while maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
Week 7
The puppies are continuing to make great progress as they settle into a consistent daily routine. They are now on regular feeding schedules and have become much more confident, happily following us outside on their own rather than needing to be carried. This has been a big step in building both confidence and independence.
Potty training is well underway. The puppies are going outside frequently for scheduled potty breaks, and while accidents still happen at this age, they do have a designated potty area in their pen for emergencies. Overall, they are doing very well with the routine and understanding where they are expected to go.
Outdoor time has been especially fun and enriching for them. During the warmer months, we introduce a kiddie pool and allow the puppies to explore the water naturally and at their own pace. Some are already enjoying stepping in and out on their own, while others prefer to observe first, which is completely normal. This early exposure helps build confidence around new environments and textures.
At night, each puppy is crated individually for approximately six hours. They are settling well into this routine and learning to self-soothe and sleep independently. During the day, we provide a variety of high-value chew toys to help with teething, mental stimulation, and appropriate chewing behaviors.
This week, we are also placing a strong emphasis on manners and basic boundaries. We are actively working on discouraging jumping on people and teaching them that biting and nipping are not acceptable, redirecting them toward appropriate toys instead. These early lessons are an important foundation for well-mannered, confident puppies as they continue to grow.
Week 8
Puppies get to go to new homes!
Temperament Testing
There is a compelling article by Ji Khalsa with Midwoofery that is incredibly informative. It discusses the often-overlooked topic of temperament testing in puppies and raises important questions about the accuracy of these assessments.
The article delves into the various methods frequently employed to evaluate a puppy's temperament. Importantly, it highlights numerous factors that can influence testing outcomes, questioning whether these tests should be the definitive criteria when selecting a puppy for training or as a lifelong companion.
As someone who values responsible pet ownership and informed decision-making, I found the insights shared in this piece quite eye-opening. It's a reminder that understanding a puppy's temperament is more nuanced than we might have assumed, and it encourages us to consider a broader set of factors in our choices.
https://www.midwoofery.com/post/is-temperament-testing-really-worth-the-effort
It articulates our perspective perfectly regarding the reasoning behind our decision not to implement temperament testing for our puppies.
As you know, we firmly believe that every puppy possesses a unique personality and potential that deserve to be nurtured. Early temperament testing can sometimes fail to represent the puppy’s true nature, capturing only a snapshot of a moment in time rather than the full scope of their character as they continue to grow and develop.
Instead, we choose to emphasize the importance of focusing on individual development and nurturing the special bonds that these puppies form with their new families. By allowing their personalities to unfold organically, we can better understand their needs and foster a loving environment that celebrates their distinct qualities.