The First 8 Weeks
The Way We Raise Our Puppies:
Making the decision to breed and raise puppies is not an easy one. We take a great deal of time ensuring our dogs are raised to be the best dog possible. It's only fair to do all we can to ensure the puppies we breed/raise have the same chance in life. Because of this, from the second they are born we begin the process of shaping them into wonderful members of your family.
As soon as they are born, they have permanent contact with their mother other animals here. Currently that consists of a total of two bitches a dog and a cat. I strongly believe this helps them build character and establishes the importance of a pack life. To keep the possiblity of contracting a disease as low as possible, I will not allow dogs to come and go off my property. (That means I don't show, lurecourse, etc with ANY of my dogs while I have a litter on the ground.)
Within the first 24 hours they are seen by a vet to ensure they are healthy and happy. The first appointment is generally a house call, as I don't want to stress them too much at such a young age.
Day 3 means their visit to the vet for dew claw removal. This is really the only time the bitch is separated from her puppies until the weaning process begins. It's less stressful for everyone when the mom stays in the car with a friend. Day 3 is also when I begin "Early Neurological Stimulation."
Just after 3 days old they get the first of their weekly nail trims, which I know their mom thanks me for.
I allow future owners to visit the puppies within 24hrs after their birth, however I ask you wait until the puppies are 3 weeks before introducing your kids to them. Also, at 3 weeks the puppies receive their first de-worming, and get to experience our backyard (weather permitting), in the safety of a puppy pen. They will continue to receive a dewormer every two weeks until they leave. (Please note for the first couple weeks of a dog's life they don't do anything but eat and sleep, so don't expect to do much but admire for the first weeks.)
Between 4-8 weeks they are introduced to everything from the vacuum, car horns, lawn mowers, children, other animals, grass, etc.(Well the vacuum and other household tasks will happen before 4 weeks as I do have to keep the house semi-tidy) :D This is the most important part of their lives and I want to ensure they are beginning the socialization process properly.
At five weeks means another de-worming at which point I allow small children to come visit and interact with the puppies.
Once weaning begins, I begin accustoming them to the leash and collar. I also make it a point to touch all parts of the puppy. This will not only help those who wish to show, but I believe all dogs should be able to stand quietly while they are being examined by vets, groomers, etc. Soon after they are comfortable with the leash and collar I will take each puppy (one at a time) on neighborhood walks (down the driveway really) with their mother. (This helps them build confidence while still feeling secure.)
Between 6-7 weeks I make it a point to load the puppies up and just drive around. This help desensitizes them to the noises they will hear when they are out in public places.
At the 7 week mark I enlist some friends to aid me in giving the puppies an aptitude test, which helps determine each dog's personality and qualities he/she possesses. The current test I give is called the "Volhard's Aptitude Test." This will help me determine which puppy is best suited for each person. At some point between their 6th and 7th week they get another vet appointment, first set of shots and another de-worming. For those pups who will be flying, I try and do this appointment in the 7th week, so they won't have to make an extra trip to the vet for a health certificate.
At exactly the 8 week mark, I evaluate (with the help of my mentors) each potential show pup to determine which puppies will go on to the show life. We also at the minimum send TONS of pictures to Pat Hastings for her structure evalution. This is a way for me to evalute my breeding program to ensure I keep my line heading in the right direction. For those who wish to be present at the evaluation, please let me know. We would love to get everyone's opinion, but please note: your opinion may or may not be taken into consideration. We also realize different people are looking for something different in their puppy. An example would be Owner A wanting a dog with a strong hind-end while Owner B is looking for a puppy with a great chest. Although we strive to have all-around great dogs some might have just a tad more to them in certain areas.
After this evaluation, the puppies are allowed to head to their new homes. I prefer the owners come and get the puppies themselves as that first car ride/plane trip together is a great way to get acclimated with one another and build that important bond, however I also understand that isn't always possible. I will work with you to determine the best way to get your puppy to you!!!
Making the decision to breed and raise puppies is not an easy one. We take a great deal of time ensuring our dogs are raised to be the best dog possible. It's only fair to do all we can to ensure the puppies we breed/raise have the same chance in life. Because of this, from the second they are born we begin the process of shaping them into wonderful members of your family.
As soon as they are born, they have permanent contact with their mother other animals here. Currently that consists of a total of two bitches a dog and a cat. I strongly believe this helps them build character and establishes the importance of a pack life. To keep the possiblity of contracting a disease as low as possible, I will not allow dogs to come and go off my property. (That means I don't show, lurecourse, etc with ANY of my dogs while I have a litter on the ground.)
Within the first 24 hours they are seen by a vet to ensure they are healthy and happy. The first appointment is generally a house call, as I don't want to stress them too much at such a young age.
Day 3 means their visit to the vet for dew claw removal. This is really the only time the bitch is separated from her puppies until the weaning process begins. It's less stressful for everyone when the mom stays in the car with a friend. Day 3 is also when I begin "Early Neurological Stimulation."
Just after 3 days old they get the first of their weekly nail trims, which I know their mom thanks me for.
I allow future owners to visit the puppies within 24hrs after their birth, however I ask you wait until the puppies are 3 weeks before introducing your kids to them. Also, at 3 weeks the puppies receive their first de-worming, and get to experience our backyard (weather permitting), in the safety of a puppy pen. They will continue to receive a dewormer every two weeks until they leave. (Please note for the first couple weeks of a dog's life they don't do anything but eat and sleep, so don't expect to do much but admire for the first weeks.)
Between 4-8 weeks they are introduced to everything from the vacuum, car horns, lawn mowers, children, other animals, grass, etc.(Well the vacuum and other household tasks will happen before 4 weeks as I do have to keep the house semi-tidy) :D This is the most important part of their lives and I want to ensure they are beginning the socialization process properly.
At five weeks means another de-worming at which point I allow small children to come visit and interact with the puppies.
Once weaning begins, I begin accustoming them to the leash and collar. I also make it a point to touch all parts of the puppy. This will not only help those who wish to show, but I believe all dogs should be able to stand quietly while they are being examined by vets, groomers, etc. Soon after they are comfortable with the leash and collar I will take each puppy (one at a time) on neighborhood walks (down the driveway really) with their mother. (This helps them build confidence while still feeling secure.)
Between 6-7 weeks I make it a point to load the puppies up and just drive around. This help desensitizes them to the noises they will hear when they are out in public places.
At the 7 week mark I enlist some friends to aid me in giving the puppies an aptitude test, which helps determine each dog's personality and qualities he/she possesses. The current test I give is called the "Volhard's Aptitude Test." This will help me determine which puppy is best suited for each person. At some point between their 6th and 7th week they get another vet appointment, first set of shots and another de-worming. For those pups who will be flying, I try and do this appointment in the 7th week, so they won't have to make an extra trip to the vet for a health certificate.
At exactly the 8 week mark, I evaluate (with the help of my mentors) each potential show pup to determine which puppies will go on to the show life. We also at the minimum send TONS of pictures to Pat Hastings for her structure evalution. This is a way for me to evalute my breeding program to ensure I keep my line heading in the right direction. For those who wish to be present at the evaluation, please let me know. We would love to get everyone's opinion, but please note: your opinion may or may not be taken into consideration. We also realize different people are looking for something different in their puppy. An example would be Owner A wanting a dog with a strong hind-end while Owner B is looking for a puppy with a great chest. Although we strive to have all-around great dogs some might have just a tad more to them in certain areas.
After this evaluation, the puppies are allowed to head to their new homes. I prefer the owners come and get the puppies themselves as that first car ride/plane trip together is a great way to get acclimated with one another and build that important bond, however I also understand that isn't always possible. I will work with you to determine the best way to get your puppy to you!!!