HOW WE RAISE OUR LABRADOODLE PUPPIES

The puppies are kept warm & safe in their whelping box with mum present & constant human supervision. We use Vet Bedding which keeps the whelping box dry & this is changed atleast twice daily to ensure optimum hygiene. The bedding allows our puppies to have traction while crawling on their tummies. Proper traction in the whelping box is crucial for proper hip and knee development. Our puppies are weighed twice daily to ensure their nutritional demands are met. We also begin ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) with the puppies at 3 days old. Please learn about ENS in this video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ja6E4xa-6Hs

 Around 14 days of age, puppies eyes are opening and they begin “toddling” around. Around week three, we introduce food to them and provide a toileting area seperate to their eating/sleeping area. We complete the ENS program and continue petting and holding our puppies. 

At three weeks old, puppies have virtually no fear but a strong startle reflex. So we begin “Startle Recovery” by making noises that can cause a puppy to startle such as dropping metal dog-food-dishes, banging vacuuming and coughing and play canine therapy noises through Alexa. We also clip puppy nails to start their acceptance of feet handling. And lastly, we are sure to remove puppies, one at a time and spend individual time with each one. This helps begin a healthy bond with humans, as well as reduce separation anxiety later in life. 

Puppies are now carrying toys around and enjoying chasing one another and really stretching their legs. Studies have proven that physical activity in young puppies actually helps their brains grow the ability to learn and bond. So during this time, we make their living space larger.We continue exposing them to new obstacles and sounds as well as give them challenges to overcome. We set up problem solving scenarios such as an simple barrier between them and their food that they must learn to go around, to find food. Problem solving and learning are crucial at this young age, and we have a lot of fun creating ways to do it! 

Puppies now develop true fear responses, so we use more caution in exposure. At this age, during a “fear imprint stage”, a single event can actually effect them long-term. During this sensitive time, we are watching closely for individual reactions so we know if we need to help a particular puppy overcome a fear stage of a particular sound, item, smell or texture. We also continue overcoming obstacles, socializing with people and animals as well as potty training and doggie door introduction. 

Puppies are extremely curious at this age. They are coming into a peak time for socializing and continuing positive experiences. This is a great age to introduce them to as many appropriate people as possible. We also introduce more less-stable objects such as miniature agility equipment, which helps build their self confidence. 

By this age our puppies are generally eliminating outdoors, through their doggie door or using the grass pads overnight. They’re used to baths and nail trims as well as being brushed.

Our hard work comes to a close and the torch is passed onto our excited new families. Puppies have visited the vet, are vaccinated, microchipped and puppy bags are packed!