Prior to puppies being born:
The nursery is set up and we check all of our supplies. For the few days prior to whelping and for a week or so after, we sleep in the same room to keep a close eye on mum and the pups.
We check mum’s temperature a couple of times a day the week before her due date as, when her temperature drops, we know puppies will soon be on their way!
Week 1
For the first three days we intervene as little as possible. Puppies are checked from head to toe, weighed and returned to mum. Our main task is ensuring all are feeding well, keeping warm and content.
We then commence gentle daily handling exercises (as per the Empowered Puppy protocols) which teaches puppies to be comfortable with human touch. This includes things like gently touching their nose, stroking their ears and running fingers on their gums. We do this with increasing firmness right up until pups join their new homes and encourage new families to keep it up.
Week 2
From day four, puppies are handled more intentionally. They can sense touch/movement/temperature, so we gently give them early neurological stimulation which involves holding them in different positions, touching between their toes and placing their feet on different surfaces (eg a cold cloth). We also expose them to various scents as their sense of smell is already developing. Puppies’ eyes and ears are beginning to open by the end of week 2. Pup’s nails are clipped as needed.
Mum is checked over daily, sponge-bathed, brushed and massaged. Pups have their first worm treatment at 2 weeks.
Week 3
Once ears and eyes open, we start exposing puppies to sounds and objects. We make big noises like dropping a metal dog bowl or a big heavy book – when the pups react we know that their ears are open. We then play lots of sounds to them while they are awake such as thunder, fireworks or other dogs barking, and we do this every day up until they go home. They are still in the whelping box where mum feeds, cleans and helps them to toilet.
Week 4
We place objects in the whelping box and puppies will already interact with them. We watch and see how they respond and if there are any who need reassurance. Objects are left until puppies fall asleep. Puppies are starting to wee on the puppy pads as they do not like to soil their bedding.
They continue to stay close to mum and are having longer periods of wakefulness. We set up the toddler room and puppies are placed in there for short periods while the whelping box is cleaned. Puppy mush is offered later this week.
Week 5
A lot happens this week! Puppies are moved into the toddler room where there is designated sleep, play and toilet areas. They can quietly observe what is going on in the household including adult dogs who are not their mum. Puppies are offered food 2 times a day and a routine develops between eat, sleep and play time. The doggy door is introduced which gives access to the outside grass toilet. This week is the start of the Socialisation Period so we aim to give them as many new experiences as possible. We also start to spend time in the toddler room with them encouraging them to be brave and developing trust.
Week 6
Puppies are successfully using the doggy door to toilet on the grass. We set up structured play twice a day with specific activities to challenge and stimulate them both inside and outside. This includes tunnels, wobble boards, shallow steps and large soft toys. Puppies continue to be exposed to louder sounds and different floor spaces. In the evenings they are playing or sleeping in the living room and take turns to warm human laps on the couch. As her puppies eat more puppy food, mum reduces her feeding and puppies are weaned. She spends more time away from them and still has a daily check-up and brush.
Week 7
Puppies have their first outing in the car to the vet where there are many new smells, people and possibly other animals. We do a pre-vet check beforehand and are ready with any questions. The vet examines, weighs, microchips and immunises each puppy and will highlight if there are any concerns.
Puppies enjoy clambering and chasing each other through our sensory garden which includes a selection of herbs and dog-friendly greenery. This week families are able to meet their puppy, to chat about puppy care and to bring any questions they have.
Week 8
We encourage different people to visit with the puppies including children, teenagers, men with loud voices and older people who do the handling exercises and give lots of cuddles. We also take them out to cafes, shops and Bunnings.
Our focus is preparing puppies to join their forever families and they are provided crates to sleep in. They confidently use the dog door to the grass toilet and we feed them in separate bowls. They all have a bath and blow dry, nails clipped, wormed and have been given the very best start for you to make them yours!
Mountain Ash Labradoodles 