Raising Puppies the Out Run Way
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Birth | Day 2Birth stars the journey for new life. Mom has the pups under our care. Any problems out of our knowledge base are handled by a team of wonderful vets that are available to us 24/7. After birth we make sure momma is healthy, healing from the birth, has plenty of food, always has lots of clean, clear water, warm/dry/clean, all of the attention she wants, has milk for her pups, but most importantly is HAPPY. Pups are marked with a collar for ID if needed. We weigh pups every 12 hours to be certain each is thriving. |
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Early Start | Day 3-16The timeframe may seem odd but this is a VERY important stage to start puppies to fulfil all of their future potential. Pups are born blind, deaf, and cannot regulate their body temperature. Eyes open approx. day 14, ears approx. day 21, and the need for warmth continues into the 5th week. BUT...a great breeder knows what to do to make this period count. Early Neurological Stimulation, Early Scent Introduction, daily weighing/handling, nail clipping, mom having an escape route, activating the glucocorticoid receptor gene (if mom doesn't), starting a sleep nest (first early stage in house training) and learning human scent is all introduced in the beginning of the pups' life. Avidog, Puppy Culture, Bio Sensor programs. |
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Hello World | Day 14-21This begins the transitional period in the puppies' lives. Eyes and ears are beginning to function. Pups start taking their first meaningful steps. Tactile stimulation begins, cuddling by humans continues, we start to expand their world by increasing area slightly everyday, pups visit different areas of the house for a few moments everyday, and once pups startles to a sudden sound we move on to the next stage. |
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Socialization is Key | 3-5 weeks
This age marks the socialization period. If done right, this starts the breeder's most hands on/busy period until pups leave for their new homes. Pups are starting weaning, litterbox training, noise exposure, toys, handling, grooming, quiet time, exposure, recalls, challenges, and learning about treat rewards in training. |
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The Adventure Begins | 5-6 weeks
Things start moving at a fast pace with this age. Pups are starting to meet outside visitors. First of the fear periods may start. Pups are exposed to new items daily. Healthy pups will run toward new items, willing to interact. Pups are introduced to cot beds, balance toys, crates, exercise pens, tippy boards, tunnels, and a wide range of challenges to help them expand their world. Pups make an effort to use the litter box. We start making the area of "mistakes" smaller to encourage use of the "box". Pups love to take treats from hand. Pups rush to see people and to be the first one out. We start recalling pups to command. Mom starts her weaning of the pups. We start to feed pups on a schedule and reduce mom's nursing. |
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Before the New Beginning | 7-8 weeks
Pups are learning at a high rate of speed at this age.
Pups can work for treats and learn how to bait. Puzzles and other toys that dispense treats are great at this age. Puppy tracking to find food/treats at this age are a fun game. Puppies meet new people everyday. Pups should run to the side of their pen when people arrive to greet them. Puppies should begin to be outside for short periods if not already introduced. After 15 minutes of a meal and upon awakening for house breaking. Puppy should start table work, grooming, and touches. Pups will be evaluated and matched with new owners during this time. Things a breeder works on during this age: down, puppy recall, exchanges, puppy being interrupted, crate training, car rides, handling, and resource guarding. |
