If you are on the search for a puppy, you FIRST need to find a breeder you can trust. THEN you need to ask how that breeder raises the puppies. The first 8 weeks of a puppy’s life is especially crucial to their development and must be taken advantage of in order for that puppy to reach its full potential. My first priority at Double U Doodles is producing healthy and well socialized puppies….socialization is everything and in our nursery it starts at 3 DAYS OLD!
Here is the weekly protocol we follow for Double U Doodles puppies:
Birth: Weight gain is our priority. The puppies are weighed twice a day until they have surpassed their birth weight and then some.
Weeks 1-3: Early neurological stimulation (ENS) is the focus during these weeks. Puppies are held daily. During the ENS exercises, puppies are held upright, upside-down and on their backs. We rub their belly, paws, tail, ears, etc. getting them used to this sensation of touch. You can read more on the benefits of ENS here.
Weeks 3-5: Desensitizing is the focus. During this time period, we focus on exposing the puppies to different sounds and textures. They are introduced to concrete, carpet, grass and mulch surfaces. They are also exposed to sounds like vacuum cleaners, blenders, doors opening/closing, music, etc.
Weeks 5-8: This is when the hard work starts! Weaning, crate training and doggy door training is the focus! This is when your puppy learns to be a big puppy! We begin WEANING the puppies from mom and letting them eat puppy mash/kibble. We also teach the puppies to use the doggy door so they can POTTY OUTSIDE. It is their natural instinct to do this. We do not teach them to use a litter box or pee pads. This simply teaches them to potty on something square inside….that would be your rugs! We can’t have that! Puppies also begin spending 1-2 hours per day CRATE TRAINING in their individual crates so they will be more comfortable in the crate when they go home!
Weeks 8-10: Time to enroll in our extended crate training! We teach your puppy to love their crate. Puppies go home knowing that their crate is their safe place, they have figured out how to self soothe, and realize chilling in the crate isn’t so bad after all!
Weeks 10-12: Time to enroll in extended training! From leash and basic obedience training to in-home PUPPY BOOT CAMP! We can teach your puppy manners and help get you started on the right track!
