Tag: Goldendoodle puppies at play

Posted on

Five weeks old and learning so much

Five Weeks and Counting

It’s hard to believe Willow and Brinkley’s puppies are five weeks old. They have progressed to eating softened kibble, and they are doing well and getting a little chubbier now. They have had a busy week experiencing new things. The puppies moved to the main floor, where they had more space, lots to explore, and new toys.

Resting after first taste of the outdoors
Red boy found a good headrest

Introducing Crates

We said goodbye to the Whelping Box on Sunday and set up a new puppy area. At first, we must keep the space small. We want the puppies to use the potty boxes, and if the area is too large, potty training will not progress. The puppies’ enclosure has crates, potty boxes, and an elevated bed, which they love. We keep the crate doors open, and the puppies can enter when they like. We don’t want the crates to be intimidating; instead, we want them to look at crates as a comfy, safe space to sleep.

Puppies get comfortable going in and out of the crates. Many of the puppies seep in the crate with a buddy.
The new puppy area is in my front entrance for Willow’s puppies: two potty boxes, two crates, and an elevated bed.

We continue to work on teaching puppies to void in one spot—in the potty box, not just anywhere. Potty training is going well. Some puppies are better than others, but we are progressing.

A Look Back at Week Five

When our litters turn five weeks old, we begin outdoor play, weather permitting. This should have happened on Sunday; however, we had such a rainy day that we could not go outside. So, on Monday, the puppies had their first outdoor adventure. I was surprised this litter was so outgoing when we took them out. Puppies usually explore their new environment cautiously, taking their time to move around. But not this litter. They smelled around for a few minutes and then took off running, exploring and playing. Could it be because Willow is a strict mama and doesn’t baby her puppies?

After a long play session, the puppies had a long nap to recharge.

Milk Anyone?

Willow started weaning her puppies when they turned three weeks old. She still lets them have a short nurse but quickly regurgitates food for them to eat. Yesterday, when they were in the outside puppy enclosure, Maui joined in to give Willow a hand teaching. The puppies soon realized that if Mama Willow wouldn’t provide the milk, maybe Auntie Maui would.

Looking Ahead to Week Six

  • Awake time will continue to increase
  • Puppies will continue learning to use potty box both indoor and outdoors
  • Socialize with each other through play
  • As they walk on uneven ground, their balance will continue to improve
  • Daily Outdoor play time as weather permits
  • Puppies will continue learning from their mama and our other adult dogs as they teach them dog manners
  • Puppies will meet their forever families ❤️
  • As always, puppies will get lots of cuddle time.
Posted on

Eight Weeks Old and Time to Say Good-Bye

Echo’s Puppies

Eight Weeks Old

Eight weeks have passed since Echo’s tiny babies came into the world. Remember how small they were…..We could hold them in the palm of my hand. They have learned so much over these past eight weeks. I have enjoyed raising them to the point where they are ready to join their forever families. The puppies have spent their time outdoors, running and exploring in our yard. Echo has done a fantastic job raising and teaching her puppies. This past week, we have worked on acceptable behaviour, mainly the difference between nipping and kissing. Puppies are not always consistent but have made significant progress in this area. I love puppy kisses!!!

LOOKING AHEAD

Puppies are leaving this week for their forever homes. You have a lot of work ahead of you: correcting, training, caring for your new puppy, and learning. The time and work you put into training your puppy pays off when you have a loving, well-behaved dog that will love you as only a dog can— but be patient; they are still unconditionally. You will be the most important person in the world to them. 

It is always bittersweet to say goodbye to our puppies. I have enjoyed every minute of their care, and they have a piece of my heart. I say goodbye to my puppies with sadness, but seeing the excitement of their forever families brings me joy. Wishing you a long and happy life! ❤️

Maui’s Puppies

Maui’s puppies are growing bigger and more adorable with each passing day! This week, they started potty training; although they still sleep much of the day, when awake, they love socializing with their littermates through play and climbing on my lap for cuddles.

Puppies Start Solids

Maui has done a great job feeding her puppies; they are healthy, chubby babies. Now that the puppies have turned four weeks old, it’s time to start solids.

A look at those adorable faces

The Girls

ORANGE GIRL
PINK GIRL

The Boys

YELLOW BOY
BLUE BOY
GREEN BOY
BROWN BOY
GREY BOY

A LOOK BACK AT WEEK FOUR

Looking Ahead to Week Five

  • Move to the main floor
  • Puppies will continue learning to use the potty area
  • Awake time will increase
  • The puppies will continue to socialize with each other through play 
  • Toys will be added to our whelping box for puppies to explore
  • Enlarging the puppy area, giving puppies room to play and explore
  • Mama will now add the invaluable teaching phase to her caring & protecting responsibilities over the next weeks.

Posted on

Willow’s four-week-olds – Growing up quickly!

We made it through another busy week! Willow’s babies have grown, milk teeth have erupted, and they have been introduced to new things this week: potty training and solids started.

Potty Training

When the puppies are learning, we don’t clean the potty area because the smell helps them know where to” go.”

Because Willow wanted to start weaning her puppies, we introduced potty training. The mama won’t clean up after they start eating solids, so this was number one on the list of things to teach.

On Monday, we added a potty area to the whelping box. The new addition contains potty boxes filled with pine pellets. The puppies were curious and checked things out. Over the next few days, the puppies got the idea that their whelping box was for play and sleep, and the potty boxes were there to go potty in. Accidents always happen, so keeping the whelping box clean is essential. The vet bedding was changed multiple times daily, which meant lots of laundry.

After a few days, seeing the progress being made was encouraging. Such smart puppies!

Starting Solids

As our three-week blog mentioned, Willow wanted to wean her puppies early, but I wanted them to wait a few more days before introducing solids. So, I would sit with Willow in the whelping box during feeding time. This encouragement helped, and she continued to feed her babies.

Towards the end of the week, Willow would no longer lie down to nurse; Willow wanted to feed her puppies in the standing position. This is another sign that she is weening them. The puppies stand to feed but don’t get as much milk in this position because they fall and have to start again.

Willow would still regurgitate food for her puppies, but at least they were still getting Mama’s milk. Willow’s puppies are lean compared to Maui’s chunky babies and need a little help fattening up. So, on Saturday, it was time to start feeding the puppies their puppy mush.

Puppy mush is made from ground kibble, puppy formula and boiled water.

Looking Back at Week Three

Here’s a look back at Week Three of Willow and Brinkley’s puppies’ lives. Notice how much stronger their hind legs have become.

The puppies have become more aware of their littermates and like to play and wrestle. Notice the puppies’ mouthing—this is essential to learning to have a soft mouth. Playing too rough will prevent you from having puppy friends to play with.

Looking Ahead to Week Five

  • Move to the main floor
  • Puppies will continue learning to use the potty area
  • Awake time will increase
  • The puppies will continue to socialize with each other through play 
  • Toys will be added to our whelping box for puppies to explore
  • Enlarging the puppy area, giving puppies room to play and explore
  • Mama will now add the invaluable teaching phase to her caring & protecting responsibilities over the next weeks.
Posted on

Seven Weeks of Growing and Learning

Echo’s puppies are now seven weeks old. They have grown so much and continue to learn new things daily. This past week, there have been many firsts for the puppies: exiting the house and reentering, learning to go up and down the steps, a car ride, a vet visit, and running in the Big Yard, to name a few. They have also graduated to eating hard kibble. Feeding time is easy now; measure and pour into their dish.

Becoming More Independent

The puppies are learning daily. They have learned to go outside and back inside independently (without my help).

This video shows their first attempt at going outside on their own. You can hear Maui barking to encourage them😂

The puppies have since become very proficient at going outside on their own.

Working on Recall

Another thing that the puppies have been working on is recall. We start this by calling “puppy, puppy” when feeding them and when it is time to gather at the puppy entrance to bring them back inside. Now that they have access to the Big Yard, we call them to gather them together to ensure all are accounted for. This video shows the puppies coming when called. I was impressed that all the puppies came to me when called!👏👏.

A Visit to the Vet

Wednesday was a big day for the puppies. It was their first car ride and a visit to the vet. It is always exciting when the puppies go to the vet, and they always have so many admirers at our vet clinic.

All the puppies had a complete wellness check, their first vaccinations, and the dreaded microchip. I am happy to report that we only had one Yelp, and all our puppies are healthy!

As usual, I was again complimented on how calm and well-behaved our puppies are. It is fulfilling to hear compliments like this, proving that all the hard work we put into the puppies really does make a difference!

Socialization

Puppy Culture states in #3 & #7 that puppies need lots of human interaction in the critical socialization stage.

#3 Habituation – familiarity with the maximum number of things (Puppy Parties, sound protocols, household noises, meeting different people, dogs, etc.)

#7 Love – teach puppies to seek out the company of dogs and humans as emotionally positive experiences, i.e., Daily cuddles with humans and the puppy’s mom.

We have had many human interactions with the puppies. Many grandchildren make an instant Puppy Party and are always willing to help interact with them

Our puppies also benefit from interaction with other dogs in our household. Maui and Willow are helping Echo teach the puppies dog manners. Brinkley is a big dog and shows up occasionally as well.

Willow works with Black Collar Girl

Looking Back at Week Seven

It has been another busy week for the puppies—so many new things to experience.

Things to watch for:

  • Puppies wrestle – important to teach soft mouth and to play nice
  • Interactions with other dogs
  • Interactions with children
  • Running in the big yard
  • Willow teaching the puppy to submit-(laying on its back)
  • Green Girl is perfecting the perfect doodle sleep position😂
  • Car rides
  • Vet visit
  • Dry Kibble
  • Fresh filtered ice water always available 🙂

Looking Ahead to Week Eight

  • Puppies will continue exploring and playing together inside and outdoors as weather permits
  • The puppies will continue to run in the BIG yard where we will work on recall
  • Echo along with our other dogs will continue teaching the puppies dog manners
  • Crate training begins with the door closed for short naps
  • We will continue to encourage puppies to use the potty area 
  • Puppies will continue to get lots of cuddle time
Posted on

Echo’s Six Week Old Sweeties

Looking back

The puppies are six weeks old today. We have had another busy week caring for them and introducing them to many new things. They have grown bigger, and you can see each unique personality developing. Echo continues to wean her puppies, and they eat softened kibble. We continue to work on Potty training. Some puppies are more consistent than others, but we are making progress.

Crate Introduction

This week, we said goodbye to the whelping box and started crate training in a new puppy area. I start the puppies with a few crates, leaving the door open. This is the beginning of crate training. The puppies go in on their own to explore, and the door is always open.

Selection Day

This past Saturday was Selection Day. The weather was beautiful, and excitement was in the air as we met each forever family and introduced them to their new puppy! It always brings me joy to know that all our puppies are joining such amazing families and will be loved!

Outdoor Play

We’ve been having wonderful weather, and the puppies really enjoy their outdoor play time. They love running, chasing each other, playing with the activity center, and climbing the “rock wall.”

Echo, Willow, and Maui teach the puppies proper doggy manners during the outdoor play sessions.

Looking Ahead to Week 7

  • Awake will continue to increase
  • Puppies will begin dry kibble by the end of week seven
  • We will continue to encourage puppies to use potty box
  • Puppies will continue to socialize and learn from each other through play
  • Exploring and playing together outdoors as weather permits
  • Puppies will continue learning from their mama as she disciplines and teaches them to behave
  • As always, puppies will continue to get lots of cuddle time
Posted on

Echo’s sweet babies are now five weeks old

Echo’s sweet babies are now five weeks old and have developed from helpless newborn puppies to the “mini dogs” they are today. The puppies are now awake for longer periods and enjoy playing with each other, and their toys, and cuddle time. We can now see their personalities starting to develop.

It is important when raising puppies to socialize them which means introducing them to as many new experiences as possible when they are young. For instance, the puppies have been introduced to this week are different floor surfaces, new toys, the outside, and our other adult dogs.

Potty Training

We have been working hard on training puppies to use the potty box. Some of the puppies are more consistent than others but, all the puppies are making great progress. It’s amazing to watch puppies wake up or stop playing and go over to use their potty box.

Meal Time

The puppies are always excited when they smell the food being prepared.

Now the puppies are eating three meals a day of soggy kibble.

The puppies are still nursing from their mama any chance they get but Echo limits this and is beginning to tell them “NO” with a stern growl! They also get plenty of fresh filtered water

Puppy Parties

Family gatherings are one of the many things I love about our large family . This past Mother’s Day weekend was a busy one; to help me out with puppy cuddles, we built a Puppy Party to socialize the puppies with different people. The puppies were held, cuddled and played with by both young and old. They especially love playing with my grandchildren and interacting with them. As you can imagine, after all the handling, the puppies were tired out and slept well

Outside Adventure

The puppies had their first taste of the outdoors yesterday. During this time, it is always and exciting time to watch how they explore. Our mama dogs love to have their puppies outside because it give them a larger area to teach them.

Echo spent time with her puppies making sure they felt save.

Looking Ahead to Week Six

  • Awake time will continue to increase
  • Puppies will continue learning to use potty box both indoor and outdoors
  • Socialize with each other through play
  • As they walk on uneven ground, their balance will continue to improve
  • Daily Outdoor play time as weather permits
  • Puppies will continue learning from their mama and our other adult dogs as they teach them dog manners
  • Puppies will meet their forever families ❤️
  • As always, puppies will get lots of cuddle time.

Posted on

Four Weeks Has Passed So Quickly! 🐾

Four weeks has passed so quickly! It always amazes me how quickly the puppies go from the helpless newborns that crawl, can’t see or hear to the active four-week-old puppies they are today. Echo’s puppies have grown so much and are experiencing and learning each day. It has been another busy week for sure!

Potty Training Started

The puppies are now able to void without the help of their mother, so it is important to begin potty training. Because puppies have a natural instinct to move away from their sleeping area when they need to go, I want the puppies to begin learning “where to go” before they start on solids.

 It is important that puppies start learning that they cannot “go” just anywhere. So, we teach them “there is an acceptable place to go potty”. Teaching them this at a young age will prevent them from developing bad habits that later need to be broken. This effort on our part will benefit forever families by making housebreaking easier for them when they go to their forever homes.

New Whelping Box

Recently we purchased a New Whelping box from PetTech Solutions . This was another big investment but well worth the money. The Whelping box is made in Canada with extremely durable and safe HDPE 2 food-grade plastic. HDPE 2 is a durable, non-toxic material that is commonly used for food preparation items, such as cutting boards and food storage containers.

What I loved about this whelping box was the ability to enlarge it with an extension box.

On Thursday we set up the extension box. Then we added the potty boxes with pine pellets to the extension which now becomes the puppies potty training area.

Next it was time to remove the door that separates the two areas. Soon after, Echo’s puppies were curious and one by one checked things out.

.

The puppies are doing well with their potty training. When they are kept in a small area (their whelping box) their success rate is higher because they don’t want to soil the area they play and sleep. This will be the same when they go to their forever homes. Too much room to roam equals more accidents.

Moving to the Main Floor

Saturday was a big day for our puppies because they left their warm quiet room where they have been since birth and moved to the main floor.

When we moved the puppies, we put the puppies into a Laundry Basket and made three trips to the main floor where their whelping box was set up waiting.

This move was a less stressful for Echo’s litter than my other litters. This is because the puppies had already been using the potty box extension for a few days. But unfortunately not for Echo as she was the one that was a little stressed. Soon Echo’s puppies settled into their new area and started experiencing living in a home with all the noises that go on in a busy household.

Puppies Start Solids

The puppies started solids on Monday. We usually start our litters on solids. when they are four weeks old but, with such a large litter it can take its toll on Echo. I gave her a hand by supplementing formula the last of couple days, Saturday and Sunday. The puppies did a great job and lapped it up eagerly.

On Monday I added ground kibble to their puppy formula. They ate it up but not before putting their paws in it. When they were done, we had very dirty puppies with full tummy’s.

Oops….not Willow

Oops, Credit goes to Echo, not Willow as I mistakenly said in the video. Sorry Echo, you have done an amazing job and deserve all the credit!!! I was tired and I had Willow on my mind after whelping her litter – 😂

Exploring Outside the Whelping Box

The puppies experience new things daily which helps build their confidence. I always find it interesting to watch how the puppies approach new things. When you observe you see some puppies are more outgoing and dive in while others stay back and need extra encouragement.

When it was time for the puppies to go to the play area I removed the door and let the puppies come out on their own. Notice in the video two of the puppies took longer to come out and explore. Without a doubt, Dark Blue Boy and Dark Green Boy were less adventurous. It took them awhile before they joined their littermates outside the whelping box.

The puppies had a great first adventure and Echo loved interacting with her babies! When play time was over, we had some tire puppies so, back to the whelping box for a nap.

Nothing puts a smile on your face easier than a lap full of puppies 😃
Puppies first adventure outside the whelping box.

Puppy Monitor

Now that the puppies have left the upstairs where we have cameras on the Whelping Box, we have a monitor set up to keep an eye on the puppies when we go outside.

We enjoy our morning coffee on the front porch with our puppy monitor

Looking Ahead to Week Five

  • Puppies will continue learning to use potty area
  • Awake time will increase
  • The puppies will continue to socialize with each other through play 
  • Toys will be added to our whelping box for puppies to explore
  • Enlarging the puppy area, giving puppies room to play and explore
  • Mama will now add the invaluable teaching phase to her caring & protecting responsibilities over the next weeks.
Posted on

Six Week Old, Can They Get Anymore Adorable

Six Weeks Old

Willow’s puppies are now six weeks old and getting so adorable. . They have grown bigger, and you can see each unique personality starting to develop. We have had another busy week caring for the puppies and introducing them to so many new things. Such as new toys, water bath, crates and the new puppy area. Puppies have now progressed to eating softened kibble. They enjoy running and chasing each other during outdoor play time . Also, potty training is continuing both inside and outside. At this time, they are doing very well using their potty box. We still have an accident here and there but for the most part they are becoming more consistent. 

Six Week ‘s Old

Observation Week

Willow’s puppies are now six weeks old and getting so adorable. and they have grown bigger with each passing day. We can see each unique personality starting to develop. It has been another busy week caring for the puppies and introducing them to so many new things. Such as new toys, water bath, crates, the new puppy area, and softened kibble to name a few.

The puppies enjoy running and chasing each other during outdoor play time. Also, potty training is continuing, both inside and outside. which I am pleased to report they are progressing well. They still have an accident here and there but for the most part they are becoming more consistent. 

It is amazing to see their unique personality’s develop as they mature. Although each puppy receive the same care from us, they still have their unique personality and approach things differently. So, this week we have been observing the puppies. Firstly we observe how each puppy interacts with their littermates. Another thing we watch is how they approach something new.

New Puppy Area

With potty training well on its way, it was time to say good-bye to the puppies’ home since birth and introduce the puppies to their new home. On Sunday, while the puppies were outside, I started with removing the Whelping Box. Then it was time to set up the new puppy area. Firstly, we set up fencing to keep our puppies safe inside. Secondly, we added the Potty Box, a couple crates, the evaluated dog bed, carpets, water dishes and, lots of new toys for the puppies to play with. Finally, we brought in the puppies and introduced them to their new area.

Introduction to New Things

When raising puppies it is important to build strong bodies but, also strong minds. Because Goldendoodles are very smart, challenging their minds if vital in developing a well-adjusted dog. This is something that forever families will continue to do when they take their puppy home.

From birth we try to teach puppies to be independent and figure things out of themselves such as finding their way to nurse from their mama. . In like manner, we continued this week and challenged the to exit the puppy area and walk to the door to go outside on their own. Some puppies were quick to figure things out but, in due time with daily practice, all our puppies can independently walk to the door and go outside on their own.

Daily Outdoor Play

Indeed, the highlight of the puppies’ day is outdoor play. During this time, they love to run, chase, wrestle and explore. It is important to note that this is also the time when Willow teaches her puppies to listen and submit.

Outdoor Play, the highlight of the day😊
Watch as the puppies follow their mama Willow. Then she barks to tell them to back-off

Then, eventually the puppies tire and fall asleep as you can see in the pictures. They were so tired that when I carried them inside, they transferred to their bed without waking up. Equally important to note, as the puppies take a long nap they process into their brains what they learned.

Puppies fall asleep outside and cuddle to keep warm
Puppy huddle back inside where it ‘s nice & warm

Looking Ahead to Week 7

  • Puppies will meet their forever families
  • Awake will continue to increase
  • Puppies will begin dry kibble by the end of week seven
  • We will continue to encourage puppies to use potty box
  • Puppies will continue to socialize and learn from each other through play
  • Exploring and playing together outdoors as weather permits
  • Puppies will continue learning from their mama as she disciplines them and teaches them to behave 
  • As always, puppies will continue to get lots of cuddle time

.

Posted on

Our Adorable Five Week Old Puppies

Our adorable puppies are now five weeks old and continue to learn. Without a doubt, the most important thing that they have been working on this week is potty training. extension to our whelping box has been helpful in our effort to teach the puppies to void in one place. All the hard work is paying off because the puppies have made great progress in this area. That being said, they still have some work to do because they are not always consistent when they are given a larger area during their play time. All in all, I am very pleased at their progress!

HAPPY 65TH BIRTHDAY TOM

Our weekly post is a day late because yesterday when the puppies turned five weeks of age, we had a birthday party for my husband Tom. We had the family over for a party to celebrate with lots of food and fellowship.

As you can see from the photo it was a BIG number for him and he is now officially a senior. Although he is getting older, you would never guess it because Tom never stops. He takes after his dad who turns 90 in a couple weeks. . At almost 90, Tom’s dad never stops either. For example, if you need help with a project you can always count on Tom’s dad’s expertise as a master carpenter. On Thursday, Tom and his dad put in a full day building a workbench and shelving in our garage. I’m hoping Tom is as bless as he father with good health at 90.

Puppy Party

As I have previously mentioned, we raise our puppies using The Puppy Culture Protocols. During the Critical Socialization Stage that the puppies are currently in, here are 7 key things that will nurture the emotional intelligence of a puppy. #3 on our list is Habituation – to familiarity the puppies with the maximum number of things. For example , Puppy Parties, sound protocols, household noises , meeting other dogs, and different people different.

When raising a litter of puppies, it is important to introduce them to as many things as possibly. One way to accomplish this is raising our puppies in a home setting because the puppies become accustomed to the noises of a busy household.

Another way is to exposure the puppies to people of all ages. So, during the Birthday party, we had a built in “Puppy Party”. Throughout the evening,, the puppies interacted with people of all ages. Indeed, it was easy for lots of socialization with the 10 children all wanting to take their turn. Without doubt, every one enjoyed playing with and cuddling our puppies.

Puppy Party
*Our puppies are exposed to children of different ages. Look how gentle they are interacting with my two year old grandson.
*Listen to my other grandchildren in the background. They were so excited that one of the puppies went to the potty box.
*Did you hear the “GOOD GIRL” and then 👏👏👏clapping for the puppy’s success? What a smart puppy!

One on One Time

One on one time is a daily occurrence for our puppies. I love to sit on the couch with a coffee and cuddle with a puppy. This morning after a few minutes of cuddling, our Black Parti boy decided he didn’t want to sit on my lap anymore. He got off, walked around the couch, and decided that the pillows were a great spot for a snooze 🥰

Outdoor Adventure

One of the highlights raising our puppies is introducing them to the outdoors. This happened today when the puppies are introduced to the outdoors. So, now that they are 5 weeks old, as weather permits, they have daily outdoor exercise playing with their litter mates, exploring and learning about the world around them.

It is important to note that the next few weeks are a vital part of their learning experience. During this time they are taught social skills by their mother along with our other adult dogs and their littermates.

When I took the puppies outside I put each puppy out in the Potty Box. Even though we are outside, I still want to teach them to go in one spot. Often when the puppies have a large area, they don’t alway go to the potty box. I was impressed as I saw many of the puppies head over and go into the box 🙂

Looking Ahead to Week Six

  • Puppies awake time will continue to increase
  • Puppies will continue learning to use potty potty
  • Puppies will continue to socialize with each other through play
  • Puppies will have daily outdoor playtime as weather permits
  • Puppies will continue learning from their mama and our other dogs as she disciplines them and teaches them proper dog manners 
  • As always, puppies will continue to get lots of cuddle time.
Posted on

Willow’s Beautiful Three Weeks Old Puppies

Three Week Old Puppies

Looking Back

Willow’s beautiful three weeks old puppies have been progressing rapidly this week. Not only do they continue to gain weight and grow bigger with each passing day, but their eyes opened fully and their vision is improving. Also, the puppies’ ears have started to opened and they are beginning to hear.

The puppies are more aware of their surroundings and have begun to play with each other during their short “awake” time. During this awake time, they have become quite noisy as they practice their vocalizing. The puppies still sleep much of their day/night.

Puppy Culture

This week the puppies were in the Transitional Period. We continued our ENS exercises which cause tiny stresses in order to benefit our puppies with greater tolerance to stress, greater resistance to disease, faster adrenal system, stronger heart rate and stronger heartbeat. Sunday was Day 16 of the puppies life and the final day for our ENS exercises.

Critical Socialization Period (weeks 3 – 12)

The next period for Willow’s three week old puppies is the Critical Socialization Period. We know that puppies have entered into this period when the react to sounds. We raise our puppies following many of the Puppy Culture protocols. Following these protocols helps us reach our goal “To Raise Healthy, Calm, Confident, Well-Adjusted Puppies“.

Over the remaining weeks we will be working on new experiences for the puppies by exposing them to as many new experiences as possible in order to raise the best possible companion for their forever families.

Emotional Intelligence

Because Goldendoodles are companion dogs, it is important to teach emotional intelligence from young puppies and start them on a great beginning. With this intention we follow the following 7 key things that will nurture the emotional intelligence of a puppy.

  1. Communication – giving a puppy his own voice i.e. Communication Trinity: power up clicker, box game, manding and attention/distraction protocols
  2. Emotional stability – the ability to recover easily from fear as well as stress i.e., startle recovery, barrier challenges etc
  3. Habituation – familiarize the puppies with the maximum number of things during their Critical Development Period. In particular, Puppy Parties, sound protocols, household noises as well as meeting different people and dogs.
  4. Enrichment – teach the puppies that novelty and challenges are opportunities for enrichment not things to be feared or avoided. For example, ongoing introduction of new novelty items, activity centre, car ride, outdoors, etc.
  5. Health – physical wellness and motor skills that will allow the puppy to develop in a neurologically and physically sound way . For instance, daily weight checks, grooming, proper nutrition, fecal checks, and deworming, if necessary, vet health checks and vaccinations)
  6. Skills – learned behaviors which teach the puppy to function in human society i.e. recall, manding, simple commands, potty box training, crate introduction, resource guarding, bite inhibition etc.
  7. Love – teach puppies to seek out the company of both dogs and humans as emotionally positive experiences: i.e., Daily cuddles with humans and puppy’s mom.
  8. Shaping emotional responses: happy and calm CER (Conditioned Emotional Responses). For instance, treats and encouragement during puppy training.

Look at Willow’s Three Week Old Puppies

In this video we show each puppy and their markings.

  • Listen for the puppies starting to vocalize with little barks and growls.
  • Notice the puppies are starting to seek out human attention by crawling on my lap.

Aware of Their Surroundings

This week the puppies have become more aware of their surroundings. The video shows them interacting with their littermates. Because of this interaction, the puppies begin learning dog manners.

Looking Ahead to Week Four

  • Puppies will still sleep much of the day/night as they continue to grow rapidly
  • Interact with littermates through play which will help develop important social skills
  • Practicing walking on all fours and consequently strengthening their hind legs
  • Becoming steadier on their feet
  • Hearing will improve 
  • Puppy milk teeth will erupt
  • Puppies will be moving to the main floor towards the end of the week