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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