In the initial stage, our young puppies find solace in our in-home puppy nursery, where they receive constant supervision and care. During this period, puppies are rapidly growing and forming bonds with their littermates and their mother. Beginning on day 3, we start ENS (early neurological stimulation) and ESI (early scent introduction.) These gentle maneuvers are shown to improve heart rate, adrenal glands, stress tolerance, and increase resistance to disease. This is an important period of rapid neurological growth and development. Each day the puppies will be weighed and gently handled as we perform the ENS/ESI exercises with each one. This curriculum includes tactile and thermal stimulation, introducing them to different scents, and being held briefly in different positions. Each exercise lasts 3-5 seconds. Towards the end of the 2 weeks, their eyes and ears are opening and they are beginning to take their first steps.

This stage is when early socialization activities begin. The puppies start seeking attention and discovering their voices. We begin sound stimulation training as we gradually expose them to a variety of sounds, ranging from gentle crinkle sounds to louder noises like a vacuum and even thunderstorm and fireworks simulations. Sound desensitization helps prepare our puppies to face auditory challenges with confidence. During this stage puppies are also introduced to a new toy or object each day. This is a time for discovery and also recovery, as they learn how to explore as well as to bounce back with confidence from any stress or challenge. These practices help facilitate learning and exploring while puppies grow strong and recover from any experience, without fear. Continued exposure to different scents helps them to improve nose awareness and confidence. We gently handle their ears, eyes, nose, mouth, tail, paws, nails, tummy, back, and collar area to help them experience touch in a positive way, utilizing the 10-step puppy massage which is done daily until they leave our home. Puppies receive much love, always being held close to our hearts and our faces.

This is an exciting time as puppies play and interact with each other, explore toys, and learn new experiences. Running through a play tunnel, going down a puppy slide, climbing on a raised dog bed, walking up and down baby stairs, and learning to stand or walk on uneven surfaces are examples of how we help the puppies become familiar with the world around them. During these weeks, we begin crate introduction and potty training. Puppies have constant access to an open crate in their play area for napping or exploring, and are trained on potty trays, giving them a head start on house training when they go home. At this time, they also start transitioning to soft puppy food and water, and it is so adorable to watch them eating their first meals.

At this stage we continue to work with the puppies and assist them with their learning experiences through exposure and guidance. Puppies are socialized with children and people of all ages, as well as exposure to other dogs in our home. Weather permitting, puppies are taken on stroller walks or have playtime outside in our screened pool area. Training exercises include imprinting the "puppy, puppy, puppy" recall, politely receiving attention and petting, learning the "sit" command, becoming used to having their nails clipped along with basic grooming, continued potty training, as well as napping in a crate. We want to empower our puppies to set them up for success so they will be more prepared to meet everyday challenges using their previous experiences and problem-solving skills. At Bundle of Joy Doodles, we're dedicated to raising exceptional puppies that will bring joy and companionship to families for years to come.