Many people want to know how their puppies spend the first few months of life. These times and actually the first 12 weeks of a dogs life are the most important. I have prepared this to offer a "window" on what your puppy will experience. I did not realize that not all people did what I do.  A recent experience where I intrusted one of my females to a supposed experienced dog women made me realize that. I was in tears when I found out she whelped outside in in a thunderstorm no less with just a dog house. This was one of my babies. I delivered her myself,raised her,loved her and although this was her second litter I was beside myself over the whole deal. I will NEVER do anything like that again. My husband has even said I am obsessive about my puppies. I feel this is the very best care I can give them.
 

About a month before the dam is due in season, I change her food to a performance type food with a protein content of 30% and a fat content of 20%. Studies have found that higher conception rates occur, fewer stillborns and more consistent sized litters are produced from litter to litter on this type of dog food. She is kept on this food through weaning. Then she is put back on her normal maintenance food.

About a week before whelping I bring in a child pool to my room. I find the pools easy to clean and sterilize. The mother dog gets used to sleeping in the pool this way before the puppies come. For experienced mom's I think they realize the routine and it is settling to them as well.
 

When mom has some puppies born and is in active labor with the next one, I  keep the newborns out of mom's way in a plastic tub with a heating pad under the clean towels. By having them in a box close by, mom can feel secure enough to move about to whelp the new pup and the newborns aren't in any danger of being crushed as she moves about the whelping box.

The puppies are born there next to the bed and remain until about 3 weeks. Then they are moved into my spare bedroom for another week and then to a screened in porch with outdoor access during the day off and on. I use an exercise pen to keep the puppies contained at night.

These puppies are 4.5 weeks old
During this time puppies are raised with everyday household noises, children and other dogs.
The puppy begins life with the Bio-Sensor (US Military “Super Dog” Program) method - Also known as Early Neurological Stimulation,  I also use parts of Guide Dogs for the Blind techniques as well as portions of Clarence Pfaffenberger's Puppy Program.  I've adapted the above programs and added my own time honored methods to ensure our puppies have the very best start I can give them prior to leaving our nest.

In addition to the above work, imprinting and socialization that we do with our puppies; we have always done the Volhard testing method.PAT (Puppy Aptitude Test) at 7 weeks of age to assure the puppies temperment is right for their new home.
 

 
 

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