Puppy Curriculum

ENS begins when puppies are 3 days old and continues daily until 16 days old. Each session includes five specific exercises performed for 3–5 seconds each, which are:

1. Tactile Stimulation

   • Method: The puppy’s paw is gently stimulated using a Q-tip, specifically between the toes.

   • Purpose: Enhances neurological growth and stress responses.

2. Head Held Erect

   • Method: The puppy is held perpendicular to the ground with its head directly above its tail.

   • Purpose: Develops balance and vestibular strength, supporting stability.

3. Head Pointed Down

   • Method: The puppy is held securely with its head pointed downward toward the ground.

   • Purpose: Helps the neurological system adapt to unusual positions and supports balance development.

4. Supine Position

   • Method: The puppy is gently laid on its back, with its muzzle facing upward.

   • Purpose: Encourages trust, relaxation, and adaptability to new environments.

5. Thermal Stimulation

   • Method: The puppy is placed on a cool, damp towel that has been chilled in the refrigerator.

   • Purpose: Stimulates the ability to recover from temperature changes and strengthens their adaptability.

The Benefits of ENS Include:

• Improved cardiovascular performance.

• Stronger heartbeats.

• Enhanced immune system strength.

• Greater tolerance to stress.

• Faster recovery from challenging situations.

ESI is the process of exposing puppies to a new and unique scent once a day, starting at 3 days old and continuing until 16 days old. During this period, the olfactory (scent) part of their brain is highly sensitive, making it the perfect time to introduce various smells.

How We Conduct ESI:

1. Each day, a different item with a unique scent is gently introduced to the puppy's nose.

2. The puppy is allowed to sniff and interact with the scent for 3-5 seconds.

3. Scents vary and are carefully chosen to be safe and non-irritating.

The Benefits of ESI Include:

• Improved scent recognition and sensory development.

• Boosted problem-solving abilities.

• Greater adaptability to new environments.

• Enhanced confidence and curiosity.

• Foundation for future scent work or agility training.

Handling Exercises involve gently introducing puppies to different types of human touch and physical manipulation in a safe, positive environment. These exercises begin at 20 days old and continue weekly to ensure puppies grow calmly accustomed to touch and handling.

How We Conduct Handling Exercises:

1. Paws and Toes:

   • Puppies are gently handled by each paw, toes are softly touched and spread apart.

   • This prepares them for nail trimming and future paw handling.

2. Ears and Mouth:

   • Lightly massaging and touching the ears helps with inspections and future cleanings.

   • Gently lifting the lips and touching around the mouth area encourages familiarity for dental care.

3. Tail and Back:

   • The puppy's tail is gently stroked and lifted.

   • Light pressure is applied along the spine to simulate grooming and health checks.

4. Gentle Restraint:

   • Puppies are held calmly on their backs for a few seconds.

   • This builds trust and reduces resistance during vet checks.

5. Soft Brushing Introduction:

   • A soft puppy brush is introduced to their coat to get them accustomed to grooming.

   • Sessions are short and positive, associating brushing with comfort and calmness.

6. Nail Trimming Introduction:

   • Even before their nails truly need trimming, we introduce the clippers gently so they are familiar with the sound and sensation.

The Benefits of Handling Exercises Include:

• Reduced anxiety during vet visits.

• Easier grooming and brushing experiences.

• Increased trust in human touch.

• Better behavior during nail trims and health checks.

• Early foundation for cooperation and obedience.

Sound Exposure is the gradual introduction of various noises during a puppy's critical development stages. At 23 days old, puppies are gently exposed to various sounds at a low volume, increasing as they grow more comfortable. This helps them adapt to common household and outdoor noises, reducing the risk of sound-related anxiety.

How We Conduct Sound Exposure:

1. Household Noises:

   • Vacuum, dishwasher, washing machine, video games, and televisions.

   • Puppies are exposed during routine household activities.

2. Outdoor Sounds:

   • Lawn mower, car engines, leaf blower, and distant traffic.

   • Gradual introduction through open windows and controlled outdoor play.

3. Animal Sounds:

   • Recordings of barking dogs, chirping birds, and other animal noises.

   • Helps prepare them for life with other pets and outdoor exploration.

4. Social Sounds

   • Human voices, clapping, laughing, and playful shouting.

   • Puppies are exposed to friendly visitors, including children, to build social confidence.

5. Storm and Fireworks Preparation:

   • Soft recordings of thunderstorms, fireworks, and rain.

   • Gradually increased in volume to build tolerance and reduce anxiety.

The Benefits of Sound Exposure Include:

• Greater confidence in busy or noisy environments.

• Less anxiety during storms or fireworks.

• Smooth adjustment to household activities.

• Reduced fear responses to unexpected noises.

• Better socialization with people and other animals.

Car Exposure is the process of introducing puppies to the sights, sounds, and movements of car travel. We begin short car trips as early as 1 week old for required vet visits, but at 5 weeks old, we gradually increase the duration as they grow more comfortable. This helps them adapt to the car's motion, the engine's sound, and the experience of being safely secured during travel. 

How We Conduct Car Exposure:

1. Short, Gentle Rides:

   • We start with short 5-10 minute rides to the vet.

   • Puppies are placed securely in a travel crate or on a lap with gentle supervision.

2. Soft Background Noise:

   • Calming music or white noise is played softly to ease anxiety.

   • This familiarizes them with car sounds, like engine noises and turn signals.

3. Positive Reinforcement:

   • Gentle praise, treats, and cuddles follow each ride.

   • This helps them associate car travel with positive experiences.

4. Gradual Increase in Distance:

   • Over time, the length of car trips increases to build tolerance and comfort. 

   • Puppies are exposed to short errands, visits to friends, and smooth rides to local parks. 

5. Different Experiences

   • We include different scenarios, such as stop-and-go traffic, highway speeds, and quiet roads, so they adapt to various travel conditions.

The Benefits of Car Exposure Include:

• Reduced anxiety during car travel.

• Easier trips to the vet or groomer.

• Confidence during family road trips.

• Familiarity with crate travel or seatbelt harnesses.

• Smoother transitions when going to their forever homes.

Grooming Exposure is the gradual introduction to brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and bathing. Starting as early as 3 weeks old, our puppies experience regular, gentle handling to help them become accustomed to the tools and sensations of grooming.

How We Conduct Grooming Exposure:

1. Brushing and Combing:

   • Puppies are gently brushed with a soft-bristle brush to introduce the sensation.

   • Combing through their coat helps them get used to longer grooming sessions.

2. Nail Trimming:

   • We begin by lightly touching and holding their paws.

   • By 4 weeks old, we introduce nail clippers, trimming just the tips to familiarize them with the process.

3. Ear Handling and Cleaning:

   • Puppies are gently handled around the ears to reduce sensitivity.

   • We introduce soft wipes to mimic ear cleaning.

4. Bath Time Introduction:

   • Around 5 weeks old, puppies experience their first gentle bath.

   • We use warm water, puppy-safe shampoo, and lots of calm, positive reinforcement.

   • A soft towel dry and light blow-dry exposure is included for noise adjustment.

5. Blow Dryer Exposure:

   • Starting with low settings, we introduced the blow dryer to get them comfortable with the noise and sensation.

6. Paw Handling and Pad Checks:

   • We regularly touch and inspect their paw pads to reduce sensitivity.

   • This prepares them for walking on different surfaces and for future grooming sessions.

The Benefits of Grooming Exposure Include:

• Comfort with regular brushing and bathing.

• Calmness during nail trims and ear cleaning.

• Easier vet visits and professional grooming appointments.

• Reduced anxiety around grooming tools and equipment.

• Healthy coat and skin care habits established early.

Outdoor Exposure is the gradual introduction to the outside world, starting at 5 weeks old, when the puppies are ready to experience new environments safely. This includes exposure to various textures, weather conditions, and natural surroundings to help them grow into confident, well-rounded companions.

How We Conduct Outdoor Exposure:

1. Gentle Introduction:

   • Puppies are first introduced to the outdoors in a secure, fenced area.

   • Short sessions are held daily, allowing them to explore at their own pace.

2. Different Surfaces:

   • Puppies walk on grass, gravel, concrete, and mulch to get used to different textures.

   • This helps them become comfortable with walking confidently on all types of ground.

3. Environmental Sounds:

   • While outside, they are exposed to sounds like birds chirping, cars passing, and lawnmowers in the distance.

   • Gradual exposure reduces noise sensitivity and builds confidence.

4. Play and Exploration:

   • Safe play structures, tunnels, and toys are introduced for interactive play.

   • This encourages them to build coordination and explore new surroundings.

5. Weather Adaptation:

   • Puppies are exposed to different weather conditions: sunshine, light rain, and cool breezes.

   • This helps them adjust and be comfortable in varying outdoor environments. 

6. Leash Introduction:

   • Puppies are introduced to lightweight leashes at around 6-7 weeks old during supervised exploration.

   • This familiarizes them with leash walking in a positive, gentle way.

The Benefits of Outdoor Exposure Include:

• Confidence in new environments.

• Reduced fear of outdoor noises and textures.

• Stronger coordination and mobility.

• Early leash training and understanding of boundaries.

• Smooth transitions to family adventures like hikes and park visits.

Potty Training is the gradual introduction to outdoor bathroom habits and familiarization with specific potty areas. Starting as early as 3 weeks old, begin learning where and when it is appropriate to go, building habits that make housebreaking smoother for new owners.

How We Conduct Potty Training:

1. Potty Training Tray Introduction:

   • Around 3-4 weeks old, we introduce the potty training tray in their whelping area.

   • The tray is placed in a designated corner, encouraging them to leave their sleeping space to do their potty.

2. Consistent Routine:

   • Puppies are placed on the tray after eating, drinking, waking up, and playing.

   • This helps them learn the association between activities and bathroom time.

3. Transition to Outdoor Potty:

   • Starting at 6 weeks old, we begin short trips outside to a designated potty area.

   • Puppies are gently carried or walked to the spot to build familiarity.

4. Verbal Cues:

   • We use simple, consistent commands like "Go Potty" when they are placed in the potty area.

   • This helps them associate the words with the action, making it easier to continue the habit at their new homes.

5. Positive Reinforcement:

   • Every successful potty outside or on the potty training tray is rewarded with praise and gentle petting.

   • This positive association encourages them to repeat the behavior.

6. Observation and Supervision:

   • Puppies are closely supervised during potty breaks to help prevent accidents and reinforce learning.

   • If an accident occurs, it is cleaned thoroughly, and puppies are redirected to the proper area.

The Benefits of Potty Training Include:

• Faster housebreaking when they go to their new homes.

• Understanding of routine and structure.

• Familiarity with outdoor potty areas.

• Reduced accidents inside.

• Easy transition for new families.

Crate Training is the process of familiarizing puppies with a crate as their personal space. Starting at 6 weeks old, our puppies are gently introduced to crates in a positive, stress-free environment. The crate becomes a place for rest, safety, and comfort, helping them adjust to alone time and learn self-soothing behaviors.

How We Conduct Crate Training:

1. Early Introduction:

   • At 5 weeks old, puppies are introduced to open crates during nap times.

   • Soft bedding and familiar toys are placed inside to create a cozy space.

2. Positive Association:

   • The crate door is left open during initial exploration.

   • Puppies are encouraged to enter with gentle praise and treats.

   • We never use the crate as punishment - only as a safe, calming place.

3. Short Nap Sessions:

   • Puppies are gently placed in their crates for short nap sessions of 10-15 minutes.

   • This helps them get comfortable with the idea of resting in their own space.

4. Gradual Door Closure:

   • After they are comfortable entering and resting, we begin closing the door for short periods while they nap.

   • Each session gradually increases to build comfort and security. 

5. Quiet Time Routine:

   • Puppies are crated for quiet time after play sessions and meals to develop a routine.

   • This establishes a natural cycle of play, potty, crate, and rest.  

6. Nighttime Familiarity:

   • We introduce nighttime crating to build a routine for sleeping through the night.

   • Soft background noise is used to provide comfort.

The Benefits of Crate Training Include:

• Easier potty training and housebreaking.

• Reduced anxiety during travel and vet visits.

• A safe, comfortable space for napping and resting.

• Smoother adjustment to new homes.

• Better sleep habits and nighttime security.

Our cleanliness methods ensures that all puppies are raised in a sanitary, well-maintained environment that promotes health, comfort, and easy transitions into new homes. From the whelping area to outdoor play zones, we follow strict protocols to keep everything fresh, clean, and safe.

How We Maintain Cleanliness:

1. Whelping Box Setup:

   • Our whelping box is lined with reusable puppy pads that are soft, absorbent, and eco-friendly.

   • These pads are changed multiple times a day to ensure puppies always have a clean, dry surface.

   • A potty training tray is used to teach designated potty areas and minimize mess.

2. Daily Cleaning Routines:

   • All areas are cleaned and disinfected daily to prevent the buildup of germs.

   • Bedding is washed and replaced regularly, and the potty tray is sanitized after use.

3. Food and Water Dishes:

   • Food and water bowls are cleaned and sanitized daily to prevent contamination.

   • Fresh water is provided throughout the day to ensure hydration and cleanliness.

4. Toy and Enrichment Cleaning:

   • Toys and play items are washed frequently to remove dirt and bacteria.

   • Only non-toxic, pet-safe products are used for cleaning.

5. Hand Washing and Visitor Guidelines:

   • Anyone handling the puppies is required to wash their hands throughly.

   • Visitors are asked to sanitize their hands before interacting with the puppies.

6. Outdoor Space Maintenance:

   • Grass and outdoor play areas are checked and cleaned regularly.

   • We use pet-safe disifectants to minimize exposure to harful bacteria or parasites.

The Benefits of Our Cleanliness Methods Include: 

• Healthier puppies with reduced risk of infections.

• A clean, fresh-smelling environment for play and rest.

• Early learning of potty habits with the potty tray and puppy pads.

• Smooth transitions to their new homes with good cleanliness routines.

• Eco-friendly approach with reusable materials.