As puppies at Stokeshire Designer Doodles reach the five-week mark, they enter a more advanced stage of development characterized by increased curiosity and a need for diverse experiences. This period is crucial for refining our puppy curriculum, which plays a key role in shaping well-rounded, confident dogs. Whether we’re preparing puppies for sporting, therapy, autism support, or family companionship, aligning our training with their future roles is essential. Here’s how Stokeshire Designer Doodles makes the most of these pivotal days with engaging activities and thoughtful considerations.

1. Diverse Living Spaces

Activity: Rotating Environments

• What: Move the puppies between different areas. We do not recommend grass or organic material that cannot be disinfected at this stage.

• Why: This helps them adapt to various surfaces and environments, teaching them to handle different textures and situations.

• How: Set up small, controlled spaces with different surfaces and objects. Allow the puppies to explore these new areas gradually.

Activity: Indoor Exploration

• What: Introduce new textures and objects in their living space, such as different types of blankets or small obstacles.

• Why: Exposure to various textures and items in their home environment helps them become adaptable and confident.

• How: Place different textures, shapes, and sizes of objects around their play area. Monitor their reactions and encourage exploration.

2. New Experiences and Socialization

Activity: Handling by New People

• What: Invite at least two new people to interact with the puppies.

• Why: This helps puppies become accustomed to different handlers and social settings.

• How: Ensure visitors follow strict sanitation protocols to maintain a clean environment. Have them gently handle the puppies, using positive reinforcement.

Activity: Puppy Handling Exercises

• What: Perform a 10-step puppy handling routine with the help of volunteers.

• Why: This builds tolerance and comfort with human touch, essential for future interactions with new families.

• How: Follow a structured handling protocol, including touch, gentle restraint, and interaction with various tools.

3. Managing Play and Behavior

Activity: Calm and Controlled Play

• What: Monitor play sessions and intervene if a puppy becomes overly intense or agitated.

• Why: Helps maintain a balanced and positive play environment, ensuring puppies learn appropriate play behavior.

• How: Remove the overly excited puppy from the group until they calm down, then reintroduce them. Observe interactions and enforce boundaries.

Activity: Startle-Recovery Training

• What: Allow puppies to experience mild startle situations and encourage them to recover independently.

• Why: Teaches puppies how to manage and recover from unexpected stimuli, an essential skill for handling stress.

• How: Introduce gentle, unexpected noises or movements. Praise and encourage puppies as they calm down and resume normal behavior.

4. Feeding and Interaction

Activity: Structured Feeding Time

• What: Continue feeding puppies directly and use mealtime for training recalls.

• Why: Reinforces the “puppy, puppy, puppy” recall and ensures fair access to food.

• How: Use feeding sessions to call puppies and reward their response. Ensure all puppies have ample space to eat.

Activity: Encouraging Follow and Compliance

• What: Encourage puppies to follow you around and comply with gentle handling.

• Why: Builds responsiveness and a positive relationship with humans.

• How: Use treats and praise to reward following behavior and calm compliance when held.

5. Considerations for Dam

Activity: Providing Dam with Space

• What: Create a separate space for the mother dog to rest and wean at her own pace.

• Why: Allows the mother to take breaks from the puppies and manage her energy.

• How: Set up a lofted bed or private area where the puppies can’t always reach her. Monitor her behavior and assist with weaning as needed.

Conclusion

At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, these five weeks are vital for setting the stage for confident and adaptable puppies. By rotating environments, introducing new handlers, managing play, and ensuring proper feeding and socialization, we ensure our puppies are well-prepared for their future roles. Our commitment to positive, engaging experiences during these formative weeks will significantly influence their ability to thrive in their new homes.