Focus: Neonatal care

• Puppies stay with the mother, focusing on warmth, feeding, and bonding. Ensuring they have no issues latching.

• Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS): Gentle handling exercises introduced for short daily sessions (3-5 seconds).

• Monitoring weight and health closely.

• Minimal human interaction outside ENS to ensure rest.

• Mama gets lots of cuddles!

Focus: Continued ENS and health checks

• Continue daily ENS exercises to promote early neurological development.

• Gentle exposure to human scent and soft touch for brief moments.

• Start very light exposure to handling and environmental sounds.

Focus: Sensory introduction

• Introduction of Puppy Culture principles: sound exposure (low, moderate noises like clapping or gentle music).

• Begin gentle grooming desensitization: softly touch paws, ears, and mouth.

• Increase human handling for short, supervised periods.

• Eyes and ears begin to open

• Start litter box introduction by placing puppies near the box after eating.

Focus: Increased socialization and sensory input

• Continue Puppy Culture exercises, focusing on problem-solving and exploring.

• Increase grooming desensitization: soft brushing, light nail trimming.

• Begin litter box training in a designated area to instill early cleanliness.

• Kid socialization: Gentle, monitored interaction with children (under supervision).

• Increase exposure to household noises like vacuuming or the TV at a low volume.

Focus: Crate introduction and socialization expansion

• Start crate training: Place open crates in their area, allowing them to explore freely. Short, positive experiences in the crate.

• Extend Puppy Culture socialization to include new environments (within your home).

• Continue litter box training: Puppies should begin to use it consistently.

• Grooming desensitization: Introduce low-noise grooming tools (trimmers/clippers) 

Focus: Crate training and early obedience

• Puppies spend a few minutes in the crate, with the door closed, offering positive reinforcement (treats, praise).

• Litter box training should be well-established by this point.

• Continue exposure to kids and friendly adult visitors to encourage confidence.

• Further grooming desensitization: gentle baths, ear cleaning and nail trims

• First set of vaccinations (per vet’s recommendation)

Focus: Confidence building and exposure to new environments

• Increase crate time, adding a few minutes each day, always keeping it positive.

• Puppy Culture training expands to include more complex tasks (e.g., small obstacle courses).

• Continue grooming desensitization, focusing on bathing, brushing, and exposure to the grooming table.

• More kid interaction and playtime with gentle adult supervision.

• Positive exposure to car rides or gentle new outdoor spaces (in the wagon)

Focus:  Transition to new homes

• Crate training increases to short naps in the crate during the day.

• Continue Puppy Culture enrichment with toys, puzzles, and exposure to different surfaces.

• Litter box usage should now be a consistent habit.

• Schedule the first vet visit for health checks and continued vaccinations with a licensed Veterinarian before they leave to furever homes!

• • Review all vaccinations, deworming, and health records for new owners.

  • Provide new families with a transition guide including crate training tips, feeding schedules, and continued socialization recommendations.