Puppy Curriculum & Socialisation Programme
Our puppies are raised on an advanced curriculum and socialisation programme—Puppy Culture—empowering them with confidence to face the world ahead and become well socialised, enrichment-seeking companions. From scent introductions and handling exercises to sound desensitisation and exposure activities, we offer a comprehensive early development programme for our puppies. Puppy Culture is a positive reinforcement-based programme that does not rely on corrections or outdated dominance theories. It is based on observing the puppy and providing the learning experiences they seek, allowing them to learn and thrive as adult dogs.
The programme is based on the latest science and studies on puppy and animal rearing, all age appropriate from birth.
ENS & ESI
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) begins at 3 days old. Our puppies are exposed to a series of tactile and thermal stimuli along with gentle exercises to activate neurological pathways. ENS improves cardiovascular performance, boosts stress tolerance, increases learning and focus, and strengthens the heart and adrenal glands, ultimately enhancing disease resistance and coping mechanisms. This process not only creates a calm, confident puppy but also helps build them better from the inside out.
Early Scent Introduction (ESI) enhances puppies' olfactory development, confidence, problem-solving skills and overall mental resilience.
Crate Training
Between 4 and 5 weeks of age, we introduce the concept of a crate to the puppies. We set up crates in the weaning pen and in the kitchen, allowing the puppies to come and go freely, with the doors removed for easy introduction.
Our goal is for safe crate exposure and a positive association. Crates provide a secure and comfortable space for the puppy and are a valuable tool in any dog's life - for travel, at home, during hospital stays, at shows, holidays, and more!
Over the coming weeks, we build the puppy's tolerance to the crate and introduce crate rides in the car.
Please note that your puppy will not be fully crate-trained; however, it will be crate-conditioned and will have a positive association with the crate.
Clicker Training
We introduce and "power up the clicker" when puppies are about 4-5 weeks old. We perform simple exercises and establish the concept of operant conditioning, ultimately making future clicker training much easier for new owners, setting the puppies up for success with progressive training.
Through clicker training, we introduce manding in our puppies, which teaches puppies to communicate their wants or needs politely by sitting. Manding offers many benefits and serves as an excellent polite communication bridge between dogs and their humans.
Socialisation
From 3 weeks of age, puppies enter a critical socialisation period. During this time, we use guided socialisation protocols to help them explore the world. We introduce various textures into the whelping box and later into the weaning pen, along with visual and auditory stimuli.
We work on startle recovery and shape emotional responses to different aspects of puppy life.
Puppies are exposed to the hustle and bustle of the outside world and introduced to different people - with hats, glasses, umbrellas, and more!
Providing an enriching environment during their first few weeks helps shape your puppy for life and sets them up for continued success as adult dogs.
Toilet Training
The toilet training process begins in the whelping box, and once the puppies move to the weaning pen, we introduce the litter tray to encourage positive toileting habits.
Please note that although we introduce toilet training early, your puppy will not be fully toilet trained when leaving us. This process can take time, requires consistency and patience. Accidents will happen, and further toilet training will need to be carried out in the new home.
With our focus on ethical, responsible breeding, we aim to do all we can to help our puppies reach their full potential. As breeders, it is our duty to prepare each puppy for success on whatever path they choose. All the work we put into our puppies—from ENS to indoor and outdoor socialisation and protocols—has shown to provide significant benefits for their long-term health and wellbeing, as well as making them outstanding everyday companions.