The puppy socialization period officially starts at the end of week three and goes all the way through week 12. It is essential that breeders provide puppies with a developmentally appropriate curriculum and appropriate socialization during this critical stage of development. The puppies fear response is at an all time low and curiosity is at an all time high during week 3 to 12. It is important that breeders work the puppies according to developmental bench marks in order to provide puppies with the best outcome. Below is a timeline that summarizes some of the skills puppies learn through puppy curriculum in my responsible breeding program.
Week 1
Early Neurological Stimulation
Early Scent Introduction
Week 2
Early Neurological Stimulation
Early Scent Introduction
Week 3
Sound Desensitization
Handling Desensitization
Introduction to Novelty Items
Week 4
Sound Desensitization
Handling Desensitization
Gentle Grooming Desensitization
Potty pad Introduction
Puppy Mush Introduction
Introduction to the Puppy Recall
Curriculum goals (focus is on gentle sensory experiences.)
Week 5
Sound Desensitization
Handling Desensitization
Grooming Desensitization
Introduction to Artificial Turf
Curriculum goals (focus is on gentle movement, sensory exposure, problem solving, startle/recovery.)
Week 6
Sound Desensitization
Handling Desensitization
Grooming Desensitization
Puppy Recall
“Yes” Verbal Marker Training
Crate Introduction
Curriculum goals (focus is on movement, sensory exposure, brain stimulation exercises, balance and coordination, problem solving, startle/recovery.)
Week 7
Sound Desensitization
Handling Desensitization
Grooming Desensitization
Puppy Recall
Crate Exposure
“Yes” Verbal Marker Training
Curriculum goals (focus is on movement, sensory exposure, brain stimulation exercises, collar introduction, problem solving, balance/coordination, startle/recovery, foraging skills.)
Week 8
Sound Desensitization
Handling Desensitization
Grooming Desensitization
Puppy Recall
Crate Exposure
“Yes” Verbal Marker Training
Curriculum goals (focus is on movement, sensory exposure, brain stimulation exercises, problem solving, balance/coordination, neutral dog exposure, outdoor expedition, startle/recovery, foraging skills.)
Week 9
Sound Desensitization
Handling Desensitization
Grooming Desensitization
Puppy Recall
Outdoor Potty Training Exposure
Crate Exposure
“Yes” Verbal Marker Training
Curriculum goals (focus is on movement, sensory exposure, brain stimulation exercises, problem solving, balance/coordination, water exposure, neutral dog exposure, outdoor expeditions, startle/recovery, foraging skills.)
Week 10 to 12
Week 10 to 12 are about repetition and mastering all the skills above.
Start preparation for go home.
Sound Desensitization
Handling Desensitization
Grooming Desensitization
Introduction to a Harness
Outdoor Potty Training Exposure
Puppy Recall
Crate Exposure
“Yes” Verbal Marker Training
Curriculum goals (focus is on movement, sensory exposure, brain stimulation exercises, problem solving, balance/coordination, water exposure, neutral dog exposure, outdoor expeditions, startle/recovery, foraging skills.)
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