Puppy Curriculum
At McDoodles of Texas, our breeding program centers on the "Empowered Breeder" philosophy, emphasizing responsible breeding that goes beyond genetics to include nurturing, education, and genuine love for our puppies. By embracing the Puppy Culture philosophy, we amplify our commitment to holistic puppy development, focusing on early socialization, enrichment, and training. This innovative program helps shape confident, well-adjusted dogs by exposing them to various age and developmentally appropriate experiences, sounds, and stimuli from the moment they open they are born.
Our curriculum seamlessly blends the expertise of the Empowered Breeder with the scientifically proven methods of Puppy Culture, creating an environment where puppies are set up for success in their new homes. Understanding the stages of puppy growth—from neonatal to adolescence—is crucial in providing the best care possible. During the neonatal stage, puppies rely on their sense of smell and touch as they are born blind and deaf. The transitional stage sees them opening their eyes and ears, learning to stand and walk. Socialization is a key period where puppies interact with other dogs and humans, developing their personality and behavior. The juvenile stage involves significant physical growth, while adolescence is marked by increased independence and boundary testing.
At McDoodles of Texas, we ensure our puppies receive age-appropriate socialization and enrichment at every stage, laying the foundation for well-rounded, joyful companions. Understanding physical and behavioral development, along with proper nutrition and health care, is essential to support each puppy's growth and ensure they become confident and well-adjusted adults.
Neonatal Period: Weeks 1-2
The neonatal period is the first two weeks of a puppy's life, a critical time when puppies are entirely dependent on their mother for nourishment, warmth, and care. Born with closed eyes and ears and unable to regulate their own body temperature, puppies during this stage spend most of their time sleeping and nursing.
For the first three days, we handle the puppies minimally, just enough to weigh them and monitor their growth before returning them to their mother. Starting on day 3, we implement Early Scent Introduction (ESI) and Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) as part of the Empowered Breeder Curriculum. These activities are designed to enhance the puppies' development and resilience.
During this period, we focus significantly on the mother’s diet and health to ensure optimal lactation. This precious time of nurturing and bonding is fleeting, soon giving way to the lively, playful phase of puppyhood.
Transitional Period: Weeks 2-4
The transitional period begins around two weeks of age and lasts until four weeks. During this time, puppies start to open their eyes and ears, becoming more aware of their surroundings. They also begin developing their senses and motor skills, becoming more active and playful while interacting with their littermates and mother.
We continue following the ENS and ESI plans to provide safe neurological stimulation. In addition, we gradually introduce age appropriate environmental stimulation such as music and other sounds to create a calm environment for both puppies and their mother. Every night, we play relaxing classical music, which helps signify bedtime and aids in their transition to new homes. During the day, we expose them to household sounds, animals, TV, fireworks, and other noises they might encounter. This gradual exposure helps desensitize the puppies to these sounds, building their confidence and startle recovery.
At three weeks, we introduce potty pads and little beds to teach them that there is a place to potty and a place to sleep, starting the potty training process that will continue in their new homes. We also begin transitioning them to solid food gradually. Initially, we offer formula in a tray to teach them to lap up food. Then, we introduce a mush made from PawTree Salmon & Sweet Potato kibble, Firm Up Pumpkin, probiotics, and formula or goat's milk. We add warm water to create a soupy mix that they enjoy lapping up. As they grow, we gradually increase the frequency of solid food meals to 2-3 times a day.
We also introduce small, safe, and soft items as part of our whelping box exposure. We start using the word "Yes" to reassure the puppies and build their confidence. This period is also when we begin our 10-step handling exercises, getting puppies used to being handled similarly to how they will be with their families, groomers, or vets. We start slowly and build up gradually as the puppies grow and tolerate it more.
Socialization Period
Week 4: Exploration and Independence The socialization period for our puppies begins around four weeks of age and lasts until twelve weeks. During this crucial time, puppies start to explore their environment, becoming more independent and developing unique personalities. Exposure to a variety of people, animals, and environments is essential to help them grow into well-adjusted adults.
By week 4, most of our puppies are climbing and moving around confidently. We transition them from the whelping box to a toddler pen, adding a litter box to encourage appropriate potty habits.
Weeks 5-7: New Experiences and Skills As we expand their space, we gradually introduce new experiences, sounds, and environments. Activities include exposure to different textures, uneven surfaces, and various toys such as stuffed animals, ropes, balls, small blocks, and rings. Free play and structured time with these items are provided, with the Little Tykes slide being a favorite napping spot.
We continue the 10 Step Handling Exercises, slowly increasing pressure as they grow. This period is also when we introduce them to our puppy handlers, children, crate time, and car rides.
Week 7-8: Vet Check and Final Preparations
Between 7-8 weeks, our puppies visit the vet for a check-up, vaccinations, and microchipping. To minimize stress, our vet meets us at the car. We strive to make this experience as calm and safe as possible for the puppies.
From the vet check until they leave for their new homes, we continue to lay the foundations for resilient, confident, and well-adjusted puppies. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition for them and their new families.
