The puppy socialization period officially starts at the end of week three and goes all the way through week 12. Breeders must provide puppies with a developmentally appropriate curriculum and appropriate socialization during this critical stage of development.
The puppies’ fear response is at an all-time low and curiosity is at an all-time high during weeks 3 to 12. Breeders must work with the puppies according to developmental benchmarks to provide puppies with the best outcome. Below is a timeline that summarizes some of the skills puppies learn through the puppy curriculum in my responsible breeding program.
Please note that the timeline is just an estimate. I may need to adjust the calendar if a litter of puppies’ development isn’t aligned with the developmental benchmarks. For an inside look at the puppies working through curriculum check out some of my youtube videos: https://youtube.com/shorts/GuF2OCoxTEc?feature=share.
Puppy Curriculum Schedule
Week 1 & 2
- Early Neurological Stimulation
- Early Scent Introduction
- Daily weight checks
Week 3
- Early Neurological Stimulation
- Early Scent Introduction
- Sound desensitization
- Weekly weights
- Handling desensitization/gentle Grooming
- Introduction to Gentle Novelty Exposure Items
Week 4
- Sound desensitization
- Handling desensitization
- Gentle sensory experiences
- Gentle grooming practice
- Introduction to the Puppy Recall
- Introduction to puppy mush
- Focus on gut health
Week 5
- Sound desensitization
- Handling desensitization
- Sensory desensitization
- Gentle movement desensitization
- Grooming practice
- Puppy Recall
- “Yes” Verbal Marker Training
- Focus on gut health
Week 6 to 8
- Sound desensitization
- Sight desensitization
- Handling desensitization
- Sensory experiences
- Movement desensitization
- Problem-solving
- Startle/recovery
- Balance and coordination
- Barrier challenges
- Mental Stimulation/Foraging/Brain games
- Grooming practice
- Weekly one-on-one curriculum sessions with the breeder
- Puppy Recall
- “Yes” Verbal Marker Training
- Open crate exposure
- Transition from whelping box to playpen in the family room.
- Turf Introduction
- Focus on gut health
- Exposure to different environments inside and outside of my home
- Stroller rides
- A basic introduction to the sit command
- Confidence building activities
Week 9 to 11
- Sound desensitization
- Sight desensitization
- Handling desensitization
- Sensory experiences
- Movement desensitization
- Problem-solving
- Startle/recovery
- Balance and coordination
- Barrier challenges
- Mental Stimulation/Foraging/Brain games
- Grooming practice
- Weekly one-on-one sessions with the breeder
- Short alone-time sessions with a positive reinforcer
- Puppy Recall
- Open Crate Exposure
- Travel crate exposure
- Confidence building activities
- “Yes” Verbal Marker Training
- Neutral dog exposure (Intro to some of my adult dogs)
- Outdoor expedition
- Exposure to different environments inside and outside of my home
- Car ride
- Turf training
- “Yes” Verbal Marker Training
- Focus on gut health
- A basic introduction to the “sit” command
- Outdoor/screened room potty practice
- Temperament Testing
