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2 min readAn Inside Look at the Puppy Curriculum Calendar

July 23, 2022 By Deanna 1 Comment

Shih Tzu puppies working through curriculum.

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. 

Please note that the timeline is just an estimate. I may need to adjust the calendar if a litter of puppies development isn’t aligned with the developmental benchmarks.

Week 1

Early Neurological Stimulation

Early Scent Introduction

Daily Weight Checks

Week 2

Early Neurological Stimulation

Early Scent Introduction

Daily Weight Checks

Week 3

Early Neurological Stimulation

Early Scent Introduction

Sound Desensitization 

Weekly Weights

Handling Desensitization 

Introduction to Novelty Items

Week 4

Sound Desensitization

Handling Desensitization

Gentle Grooming

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

Puppy Recall

“Yes” Verbal Marker Training

Curriculum goals (focus is on gentle movement, sensory exposure, problem solving, startle/recovery and developing confidence.)

Week 6

Sound Desensitization 

Handling Desensitization 

Grooming

Puppy Recall

“Yes” Verbal Marker Training

Introduction to Artificial Turf

Crate Introduction 

Curriculum goals (focus is on movement, sensory exposure, balance and coordination, problem solving, startle/recovery and developing confidence.)

Week 7

Sound Desensitization 

Handling Desensitization 

Grooming

Puppy Recall

Crate Exposure

“Yes” Verbal Marker Training

Curriculum goals (focus is on movement, sensory exposure, collar introduction, problem solving, balance/coordination, startle/recovery, foraging skills and developing confidence.)

Week 8

Sound Desensitization

Handling Desensitization

Grooming

Puppy Recall

Crate Exposure

“Yes” Verbal Marker Training

Introduction to the command “sit.”

Curriculum goals (focus is on movement, sensory exposure, problem solving, balance/coordination, neutral dog exposure, outdoor expedition, startle/recovery, foraging skills and developing confidence.)

Week 9 to 11 is all about repetition and mastering all the skills above!

Start preparation for go home. 

Sound Desensitization 

Handling Desensitization 

Grooming

Introduction to a Harness

Puppy Recall

Crate Exposure

“Yes” Verbal Marker Training

Curriculum goals (focus is on movement, sensory exposure, problem solving, balance/coordination, neutral dog exposure, outdoor exposure, startle/recovery, foraging skills and developing confidence.)

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Filed Under: Education Tagged With: Puppy Curriculum

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