Our Puppy Curriculum

We raise our puppies with Jane Killion's Puppy Culture program. It helps puppies become more confident with the world. We also do Early Neurological Stimulation aka ENS. We put them through five steps with mild stresses which has been proven to help stimulate the neurological system. This helps the puppy to develop a stronger immune system, cardiovascular system and lastly, stress tolerance.

Not only that, we introduce them to many different experiences. Potty training, crate training, toys, tactile equipment that introduces them to different sensations. Even baby slides to learn how to use steps. It's very important to expose them to different things that will sound different, smell different, feel different and challenge them physically such as balance equipment. This experience will make them more confident and less fearful of new things.

Week By Week

Week One

When they are born, they have no sight and sound. We allow the mother to pamper them as much as she can. We start Early Neurological Stimulation aka ENS which takes five simple steps once daily for a few weeks.

Week Two

Approximately around 2 1/2 weeks old to three weeks old, we introduce them to puppy mush. This is the messiest period for them. Imagine them diving into the food bowl? Mommy and I have our work cut out as we try to keep them clean.

Week Three

Their eyes and eyes are open and they start toddling around. They start making noises and learning how to walk, or climb over their siblings. We start litter training at this point. We place down a pan with litter next to their bed area.

Week Four

This is the week that they are a lot more mobile and start playing with their siblings. We introduce toys and stimulation both sound and touch. We use the Puppy Culture curriculum when we do this. The Puppy Culture puppy curriculum helps us how to encourage confidence in puppies when it comes to strange noises, sensations, situations and even strange people. This will set the foundation skills they will use for the rest of their lives.

We add the Puppy Play Box which has toys and various items hanging off for them to play with.

Week Five

We move them out of the baby room and into the center of the house. This way they will get used to the normal house noises both living room and kitchen. We also expand the size of their play pen and litter area.

We start throwing in different stuff for them to play such as bumpy tiles or squeaky toys, even dozens of balls at once. We continue to do this over the following weeks.

Week Six

We introduce crates. We want them to get used to the look and feel of the large crate. They sometimes will go in and sleep in a pile. This is also when they are starting to eat solid puppy food.

We continue to expose them to various play equipment.

Week Seven

We start taking them outside to get used to what's out and watching the bigger dogs go potty, so they can copy the behavior. We show them new playground toys and if it's summer, we also introduce them to the baby pool.

Week Eight

We evaluate their temperament and structure to ensure the best match with their new families. This is also when I start to cry as I tell each puppy good bye and good luck as their new owners take them home. My tears never fails to fall.