We raise our puppies following Puppy Culture protocols.
The First 10 Weeks
Weeks 1-2
Mom has a warm, quiet and comfortable place to whelp the puppies and I sleep right next to her and the puppies for the first couple of weeks. Things are pretty quiet for the first two weeks as the puppies spend all their time nursing or sleeping. They get their first nail clipping and that continues every three days until they go to their forever homes. At the end of the first two weeks, they start opening their eyes.
Weeks 3-4
The puppies get lots of cuddle time and are introduced to liquids. They toddle around the whelping box and are introduced to new experiences each day. Their 'nest' area is expanded and they begin to move away from their sleep area to potty. Their tails begin to wag and they start making little vocalizations.
Weeks 5-6
They are now hearing pretty well and so sound protocols are introduced - the vacuum, music, recordings of street noises, etc. They start to learn how to take treats from my hand and we start socializing them with more family and friends.
Weeks 7-8
They are turning into active puppies at this point so we introduce all kinds of fun activities - tubes, outdoor play, a ball pit - lots of fun! They are on a schedule of sleeping, eating, playing and then repeat. They are introduced to crates and are typically getting very good with using a litter box.
Weeks 9-10
Socialization continues. They have sharp teeth and like to practice with them so we provide lots of appropriate toys for that purpose. They are eating 4 meals a day. They have begun to interact with the older dogs who help teach them manners. They are introduced to collars and leashes and are spending short periods of time in a closed crate.
Week 10 and beyond
Our puppies typically go home at 10 weeks although we are in no hurry to see them leave. We keep them until we have just the right family for them to go to.