GROWING UP AT KERALES FARM
HOW WE RAISE OUR PUPPIES TO EXCEL!
HOW PUPPIES GROW UP WEEK TO WEEK AT KERALES FARM
We believe that the way puppies are raised has a huge impact on their development and future performance. The first eight weeks of life are critical for socializing and exposing the pups to lots of novel stimuli. You can never make up for lack of socialization at this age, so we are very serious about how our pups are raised! We strive to give our puppies a huge head start, with a rich and stimulating environment, so that they have every early advantage that will allow them to excel in their chosen endeavor.
Our dogs live in the house so puppies are also raised in the house and monitored 24/7.
WEEK ONE: We start at day 4 with the Bio Sensor/Early Nuerogical Development program. Early handling assures that each pup will develop into their full potential.
WEEK TWO: We start using a Dremel grinder to keep pups nails short and smooth. Puppies are handled many times a day, and the Bio Sensor program is continued throughout this week.
WEEK THREE: The puppy’s nervous system undergoes rapid development. The eyes and ears open, and baby teeth appear. He begins to stand up and by three weeks will try to explore his environment. He begins to interact with littermates and learns play behavior. Teeth begin to erupt, puppies stand up and start walking, defecate/urinate without stimulation, and start becoming aware of environment. Play with littermates begins.
During the day, a sound effects CD is played for stimulation as well as getting the puppies accustomed and comfortable with sounds such as babies crying, guns blasting, thunder, kids screaming, traffic and urban sounds, etc. Puppies are wormed for the first time. Socioalization is enhanced by the many visitors we have.WEEK FOUR: The pups begin to bark, wag tails, bite, paw, bare teeth, growl and chase. Depth perception starts.Sometime during this week, we begin the weaning process by introducing solid foods. Pups are fed a mix of milk and raw ground meat. We have been feeding a raw diet to our dogs for 12 years, and have been extremely pleased with the results of vigorously healthy dogs who stay vibrant right through their geriatric years. Pups now live in our family room, in a large pen, and the sound effects CD is played several hours a day. Crates are introduced, as well as a seperate potty area. Weather permitting, pups are taken outside.
WEEK FIVE: Rapid growth and group play characterize this week. Pups start working out dominance order, and experimenting with social behaviors. Their pen is expanded in size, and tunnels, ramps, wobbly board and other stimulating objects are added. Potty training in full swing now--they use a potty box about 80% of the time. This keeps their pen clean and teaches them the rudiments of house training early on. Weather permitting, pups are taken outside for walks, and to introduce them to new things outside--the barn, sheep and lambs, the chickens, new places, etc.
WEEK SIX: During the Toddler period, puppies emerge on their own from the litter.This emergence from the litter is a gradual and continual learning experience. During this stage of development puppies learn basic behavioral patterns specific to dogs. While playing, they practice different body postures, learning what the postures mean and how they affect their mother and litter mates. They learn what it is like to bite and be bitten, what barking and other vocalizations mean and how to make and use them to establish social relationships with other dogs. Such learning and activity tempers their own biting and vocalizing. From the age of five weeks, the mother teaches her puppies basic manners. They learn to be submissive to her leadership and what behaviors are acceptable. Puppies that are removed from the nest too early tend to be nervous, more prone to barking and biting, and less responsive to discipline. Often they are aggressive with other dogs. Generally speaking, a puppy taken away from it's mother and litter mates before seven weeks of age, may not realize its full potential as a dog and companion. To maximize the mental and psychological development of puppies, they must remain in the nest with their mother and litter mates until seven weeks of age.
Motion is introduced as preparation for car rides. Crate training starts. Sometime during the 6th week, we have a "puppy party" and have a large group of people over for dinner and puppy socializing. It's great fun for everyone, and exposes the pups to lots of new people, loud noises, and a group environment. Potty training continues, and the pups are usually using thier potty box 90% of the time. WEEK SEVEN: Pack order is developing. This is another "novelty" week for the pups. They get to meet lots of new people, go to lots of new places, have their BAER tests and first ride in the car, continue crate training, and begin clicker training. They start learning to come when called. Lots of stimulation and a diversified environment is good for growing puppies! Pups are taken out first thing in the morning to start the habit of going outside to do their business. Pups have walks with our other dogs, and they have alone time with us. First parvo shot is given.
WEEK EIGHT: The puppies are now 7 weeks old, going into their eighth week of life. At this stage, each puppy gets lots of individual time away from the litter. Each day brings lots of playtime, walks outside, some clicker training learning how to perform simple behaviors, and continued exposure to new and different things. DHP2 given, and they're ready to go to their new homes now!
Puppies are wormed at 3, 5, 6, 7 weeks of age. They recieve the high titer Parvo vaccine at 6 weeks of age and their DHP vaccine at 7 weeks of age.
I do not remove the front dewclaws on my puppies. My reasons why are best explained in this article With a Flick of the Wrist by Chris Zink, DVM, PhD sports veterinarian.
Puppies have their hearing tested between 6 & 7 weeks of age.
Puppies are sold on spay/neuter contracts. They will be registered with ABCA and AKC. For more info, please read our contract.
