Puppy Socialization & Enrichment Process

We love our Goldens! The whole family takes part in raising and caring for each puppy. Our kids love getting to name & play with the puppies and see them grow and learn new things. It is important to us that our puppies are well socialized and ready for their new homes. We want to give them the best start possible. That include implementing Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) from days 3-16 & the rule of 7’s in puppy socialization.
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  • all of our new puppies undergo the rule of 7's and puppy stimulation processes
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Early Neurological Stimulation

(from days 3-16)
  • 1
    Tactical stimulation

    While holding the pup in one hand, gently stimulate (tickle) the pup between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. It's unnecessary to see that the pup is responding to it. Time = 3 - 5 seconds

  • 2
    Head Held Erect

    While using both hands, hold the puppy perpendicular to the ground, so that its head is directly above its tail. Time = 3 - 5 seconds

  • 3
    Head Pointed Down

    While holding the puppy firmly with both hands, its head is reversed and pointed downward, so that it's pointing towards the ground. Time = 3 - 5 seconds

  • 4
    Supine Position

    While holding the puppy so that its back is resting in the palm of your hands with its face up. The pup while on its back is allowed to sleep. Time = 3-5 seconds.

  • 5
    Thermal Stimulation

    Cool a damp towel that has been in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. Set the puppy on the towel, feet down. Do not prevent it from moving around. Time = 3-5 seconds

Rule of 7’s in puppy socialization

By 7 weeks of age each puppy has:

- Been on 7 different types of surfaces: concrete, linoleum, carpet,
grass, snow, deck, shavings, etc.
- Played with 7 different types of objects: soft toys, squeaky toys, rope,
sticks, metal items, balls, etc
- Been in 7 different locations: vehicle, garage, kitchen, deck, yard, etc.
- Met and played with 7 new people: in different age ranges from
children to older adults,
- Been exposed to 7 challenges: go through a tunnel, climb over
obstacles, figure out stairs, etc.
- Eaten from 7 different containers: different types of bowls—plastic,
wood, metal, etc. bucket, cardboard/paper pie pan, etc.
- Eaten in 7 different locations: crate, outside, inside, kitchen, etc.

Potty Training:

We also start the potty training process by introducing a potty area early
on. Puppies naturally want to keep their living /play area clean & pick up
on using the potty area pretty quickly.

Crate Training:

We also try to introduce the crate/kennel before they go home. As the
pups get older we put a crate or kennel into their area leaving the door
open for them to explore. A lot of times the pups will pile on a comfy dog
bed and fall asleep in the crate. We also try to feed them in their crate or
give them special chews that will help them associate the crate/kennel with
positive things. Young puppies aren’t ready to sleep through the night at 8
weeks old, but we try to ease the process for families.

What your puppy takes home:

Our puppies come with Limited AKC registration paperwork, are current
on vaccinations, dewormed and have dew claws removed. We also micro-
chip each puppy, so that they will have a permanent form of identification.
It helps new families have the peace of mind that if their pup is ever lost or
picked up they can be identified and link their phone number or address to
their pup.
When your puppy goes home, we like to send a goody bag with them.
- A Binder with all the important info & health papers—this helps make
it easy to keep track of things & helps make the first vet visit easy
- A Fleece with mama’s scent—to ease the transition into a new home
- A small bag of Life’s Abundance dog food— so your pup doesn’t
have to change food & environment at the same time
- Nuvet & Nujoint supplements—because the health of our pups is
important
- New toys to for your pup to play with

Contact Us

Give us a call or email us directly by clicking on one of the icons below, and we will contact you back as soon as we can. We strive to answer all inquiries within one business day.
(608) 306-2156