Puppy Program

Week-by-Week Puppy Program

Week 1: Birth to 7 Days

• Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS): Begin daily ENS exercises to support brain development and stress resilience.

• Early Scent Introduction (ESI): Expose puppies to new scents gently, supporting sensory development.

• Handling & Bonding: Minimal but gentle handling to familiarize puppies with human touch without overstimulation.

Week 2: 8 to 14 Days

• Grooming Desensitization: Start gentle grooming exposure and familiarizing puppies to the clipper. Puppies recieve their first face clip and nail trim.

• Sound Exposure: Introduce low-level background noises, like gentle music, to start sound desensitization.

• Touch Desensitization: Gradually touch different parts of their body (paws, mouth, ears) to reduce touch sensitivity.

Week 3: 15 to 21 Days

• Increased Sensory Exposure: Introduce different mild sounds and scents to expand sensory tolerance.

• Litter Box Training: Begin introducing a low-sided litter box for early hygiene habits.

• Grooming Exposure: Introduce tools like brushes and force dryer gently so puppies become comfortable with grooming tools.

• Environmental Exploration: Allow puppies brief, monitored exploration of different textures (blankets, rugs) to stimulate curiosity.

Week 4: 22 to 28 Days

• Basic Socialization: Introduce puppies to different people, animals (like calm, well-behaved adult dogs or gentle livestock), and brief playtimes with littermates.

• Basic Obedience Foundations: Begin teaching small commands, like “come” with gentle cues.

• Exposure to Safe Sounds: Increase sound exposure to include common household noises (vacuum, clapping) at a low volume.

• Grooming Routine Establishment: Puppies recieve their first full groom including a full bath and blow dry, face and feet clip, coat brush, and nail trim.

Week 5: 29 to 35 Days

• Touch & Handling Exercises: Continue handling, adding mild restraint exercises to promote calm responses.

• Expanded Environmental Exposure: Introduce puppies to new, safe spaces and objects (such as tunnels or gentle inclines).

• Litter Box Reinforcement: Reinforce litter box use and maintain cleanliness to support house-training habits.

• Introduce Recall Training: Encourage puppies to come to familiar sounds, like a whistle or their name, fostering early recall.

Week 6: 36 to 42 Days

• Volhard Temperament Testing Preparation: Begin assessing puppies’ personalities and responses to new situations for an eventual temperament assessment.

• Socialization Expansion: Gradually expose puppies to children, cats, and friendly, calm adult dogs.

• Introduction to Simple Commands: Start teaching “sit” or “stay” using positive reinforcement (gentle praise or treats).

• Sound and Scent Desensitization Expansion: Expose puppies to novel sounds and scents, progressively louder or varied.

Week 7: 43 to 49 Days

• Formal Volhard Temperament Testing: Conduct a full temperament test to assess individual personality traits and strengths.

• Recall Training Reinforcement: Build consistency with recall and encourage puppies to come when called.

• Continue Socialization and Environmental Exposure: Increase the diversity of experiences, introducing short car rides, outdoor textures, and new environments under supervision.

• Consistent Litter Box and Hygiene Training: Reinforce consistent use of the litter box to build foundational cleanliness habits.

Week 8 and Beyond:

• Advanced Socialization: Gradually introduce more complex environments and people to expand adaptability.

• Basic Obedience Practice: Practice “sit,” “stay,” and recall commands daily with positive reinforcement.

• Exposure to Grooming and Vet Equipment: Consistently desensitize puppies to full grooms including: bath, force dryer, clippers, nail grinder, slicker brush, face, feet, and sanitary clips, scissor trims, and teeth brushing.

• Send-Off Preparation: Prepare each puppy for its future home by providing a report on its temperament, preferences, and any special needs identified.