Day-by-Day

From the very first moment your puppy is born all the way until they are in your arms, he/she is growing into the incredible companion that will compliment your family. I take this “sensitive” period very seriously. Each day builds upon the next in order to fully take advantage of developmental milestones that your puppy needs to become the highly adaptable, courageous and curious pup that will continue to grow all the way to 24 months. I have compiled a methodical and chronological list of the stimulating and enriching activities that your puppy will experience from day 1 though 56 (8-weeks-old.)

Day 1

Welcome to the world sweet babies! The puppies have either been delivered via c-section or made it through the birth canal. Mama and myself have been waiting for this moment and its time to transition the puppies from being kept alive inside mama to acclimating to the outside world. Pups are weighed in, checked for cleft palate, rear ends, and heart murmurs. Pups begin to get their sustenance through the mama’s Colostrum and must be kept warm. This is achieved from her external body heat, their siblings in the form of a puppy pile, and carefully placed heat lamps. These first 72 hours are critical. I have a camera and thermometer inside the whelping box to be sure the temperature is just right. I have an app on my phone where I can see them and be alerted if there is a change in temperature. Most puppies that have something wrong will not make it through the third day. Unfortunately, this does happen from time to time and we have to just move on. In the case of a stillborn or a death within the 72-hour period, I let mama see what happened so she can grieve and let go.( You would be surprised how mama knows and needs this closure.) Each puppy has been cushioned in a sac of amniotic fluid and has been fed through an umbilical cord. Once they are out the cord is cut and they are cleaned up quickly. Pups are assigned a colored collar in order to keep up with their progress and health. The first day is usually a very long and hard day for both mama and I. My only goal for the next 72 hours is to keep the whelping box sanitary, provide Mama with fresh water and small nutritious meals several times to help her regain her strength, and monitor the puppies 24/7 for any sign of distress. I use the professional series of whelping boxes from EZ Whelp which has the guard rails which are set up for the first 21 days to reduce the risk of pups being smothered or crushed.

Day 2

During the second day, the pups are already using their instinct and nose to search for warmth and food. The pups are able to use all four limbs to scoot around on their tummies (army crawls) to find their siblings and mama. I do not interfere with their searching unless they are in severe distress and crying out relentlessly. If I do have to intervene, I place the puppy in the direction within about 8 inches of their source to help them problem solve and exercise in these early days. I check the pups weight and look for full tummies after nursing. Typically, puppies will lose a little bit of weight and hopefully double their weight by the 10th day. Sometimes if it’s a big litter, I will help the smaller ones find a nipple and suckle before the stronger and bigger ones. This is very important now because I don’t want to overlook a smaller pup who may grow weak with hunger and potentially not make it. I check mama for any kind of heat or swollen hard spots in her mammary glands to make sure she is not having problems with mastitis and wash her incision if she had a c-section. Pigment on the nose and toes begins to darken

Day 3

Everyone is already showing more energy and movement around the box. Puppies have been doing the army crawls and competing for the milk bar. The critical survival period is ending and the critical neurological and olfactory period are beginning. I can start to see some parts of temperament early. Some pups like to lay on their side off in a corner by themselves and others need the company of their siblings. Some pups are more vocal than others and let mama and me know of their displeasure. Anything of note is documented as I begin to think about the puppy’s natural traits and tendencies and which puppy parents that would be a good fit for them.

The 3rd day is also the day I start the Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) therapy to help exercise the neurological system which helps with physiological reactivity and response (think staying calm in adverse or surprising circumstances.) Graceful Goldens pups are well know for being exceptionally calm, well-mannered and ready to learn. You can expect a puppy that will not be jumping up and down demanding for attention and biting at ankles and hands.

Early Scent Introduction (ESI) also begins on the third day to see which pups have “natural scent skills.” These “naturals” are then identified as potential prodigies for medical service work (Diabetes, Epilepsy, Heart Disease, and Neurological/Psychological fields for Bipolar, Autism, and Anxiety.). I will ask you for an article of clothing that you have recently worn to acclimate the pups to you and your family’s smells for a smoother transition to your home.

Our intention is for every single puppy to have the ability to do service work to some degree and in some capacity. We all have stress and our dogs have the ability to identify and respond to us humans who may be struggling with emotional flooding, high levels of stress or a hightened state of arousal and anxiety. My belief is that each and every puppy’s life is going to be a primary comapanion and source of comfort to someone and their family. Every single day matters and is the highest priority in my breeding program during the first three weeks of life. Each puppy has it’s very own chart with individualized documentation and is sent home in their personal take home folder.

What are the benefits?

It has been proven that both of these types of early therapeutic interventions creates a more intuitive companion who is oftentimes made aware of what is going on before we notice in ourselves or in others what is happening. Because of this early awareness, this gives the opportunity for an early interventions (such as the dog calmly sitting next to or nudging the human in order to distract from the stressor in order to recallibrate and recover.)

In addition to early detection and quick response, your dog should have low reactivity and quick recovery to sudden circumstances that could create an unwelcome or volatile stress response (running away, growling, biting, or nipping.)

Here are a few examples of how dogs can help through their scent abilities—

• Nearly half of children with autism tend to run away or go missing. Many dogs are trained to follow the scent and can locate the child.
• People with Heart Conditions can be detected before the onset of a heart attack.
• Individuals with mental health conditions can be alerted to an onset of hyperarousal and responded to with calm energy.

• Diabetic alert dogs are trained to detect low or high blood sugar levels by the smells in the air.
• Some dogs can even let an elderly person know that the stove has been left on, or even a gas leak.

You can read more about ESI or watch a short video at Avidog’s website.

Day 4

Continue ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. Because puppies are born without sight and hearing, they must use their nose and nervous system to find food and warmth. They are highly sensitive to smell, touch and temperature which is why ENS and ESI are at their peak. Each day I will discuss each component of the ENS intervention to help you know what is going on. Today we will talk about the first thing I do to begin the ENS protocol. I start by orienting the puppy in an upright position. I will hold them under their elbows and around the ribcage while supporting the head. I like to bring them up to my face and let them smell my breath as I am speaking to them. Although they cannot hear me, they can still sense the vibration. I hold them like this for about 10 seconds while gently moving them back and forth to help them settle. Their legs will soften and their spine will settle and stretch. This lets me know that they have recovered from the stress of being held in this position.

Day 5

Continue ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. After the puppy softens from the upright position, I then gently turn them completely upside down. The puppy becomes disoriented and begins to object with squirming and squealing. While supporting the head, I begin to gently rock them back and forth to encourage a settling response. Once the puppy calms and settles, the neck will soften and the squealing stops. I then maintain this position for about 10 seconds and then move on to the supine position (which is flat on their back.)

Day 6

Continue ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. The supine position is a very unnatural position for a dog. Like the upside down position it is usually met with objection. While on their back I gently rock them side to side on my lap and wait for them to settle. The legs will soften and the hips will yield once they recover. I continue this for another 10 seconds. If the puppy remains calm on my lap and I have my hands free, I will gently squeeze their paws simultaneously. First, the front feet. Then the back feet. Then alternating front and back (Right front / left back.). If they are still lying calmly, I will gently tickle the tummy and give them a little scritch on the neck before the nose to tail position.

Day 7

Continue ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. The next ENS position is the nose to tail exercise. I hold the pup with one hand and gently caress the puppy in one downward motion from nose to the end of the tail and then gentle squeeze the tip of the tail before reversing the direction from tail to nose. I will very gently run my fingers through their fur and give them a little butt scratch on my way back up the neck, head and tip of nose. I do this very slowly 5 times in a row. They seem to have a positive response to this position. Sometimes, they will put their head back as though they are wanting to be petted. It is one of my very favorites exercises when I can see them really enjoying it!

Day 8

Continue ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. After the nose to tail position, I proceed to tickle their paws and nose with a qtip. This gentle but effective stimulation causes them to pull their paw back. Even though eyes are closed, their faces, brows and ears make undeniable expressions. You can tell they are experiencing something for the first time and processing the stimulation. Each day the brain is creating neural pathways and each time they experience the same stimulation, it reinforces what has previously been learned which builds stability in the brain.

Day 9

Continue ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. After tickling the paws, I pick up the dremel and turn it on. The vibration and light can be felt and seen in the brain even though the eyes are closed. I gently massage the back, arms, head and tummy with the vibration and then at the very end, I will use the dremel on one to two toes.

Day 10

Continue ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. Once I complete the dremel exposure to the front nails, I will add another step and use a small nail clipper and trim the back nails that are beginning to get long. This will continue to be done as needed.

Day 11

Continue ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. After the scent / object has been recorded each day, I quickly weigh the pup to check on growth. After pups are weighed, they are placed on a very cold freezer pack. I allow the puppy to work themselves off the cold pack within 10 seconds. If they are still struggling to find a way off, I remove them and place them in the basket with their siblings. Puppies have become strong enough to move about the box quickly to search for their mama. I place them a considerable distance to be sure every one can figure this out on their own.

Day 12

Continue ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. After using the dremel in the protocol, I introduce a new scent or object and record the response. Their sense of smell is becoming more acute. They hold their nose over the scent longer than before. Some puppies eyes are beginning to open their eyes slightly. They are introduced to a warm water bath for the first time. I then blow dry them gently while using a comb. Puppies skin is sensitive and they respond to the comb so it is very important to not press down too hard.

Day 13

Continue ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. After recording the weight, I confirm that everyone has doubled in weight to be sure they are on track for developing normally. Eyes are beginning to really open and pups can see each other even though it is still quite a bit blurry. Tomorrow, I will begin the Advanced Exposure therapy protocol and pups will have an extended amount of time for each step and given a warm bath and blow dried / combed out. I will continue with exposure to grooming essentials for the next 10 days until they begin swimming lessons. A few of the food motivated pups can actually smell mama’s food and do their very best to make a beeline to her bowl in hopes that mama will share! Pups are almost strong enough to walk on all four legs too. This is usually one of the last days of peace and quiet. Once they start walking, it’s game on!!!

Day 14

Today begins the Advanced ENS, ESI, and Exposure therapy. This protocol will continue for as long as the puppies will allow it. (Usually day 23 or 24 days old.) I hold poses longer and stress pups until I physically see a physiological change in their bodies. I am looking for softening of the limbs and a sigh which signifies induced-stress tolerance. For pups that are more resistant, they will receive a second therapeutic intervention in the evening. I begin documenting responses and note interventions used to achieve induced-stress tolerance. In addition to this, pups receive a warm bath and a blow dry / comb out each day. These next 10 days are the most critical to master it and it is imperative that it is completed and not skipped. I strongly believe this is what sets the strong foundation for non-reactivity to situations and grooming. I take a lot of time with each puppy every single day, sometimes up to 30 minutes for each puppy to be sure they are where they need to be. Pups are beginning to walk on all four limbs and are doing little short walks around the box. Today, we are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and venture out for water introduction.

Day 15

Continue Advanced ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. Peer socialization is beginning. Pups are moving toward one another to begin puppy play. Little barks begin to be heard as they find their voice and one another. Once puppies encounter one another, they begin to mouth one another and topple one another over to establish dominance. Their tales are also beginning to wag. This is excruciatingly adorable.

Day 16

Continue Advanced ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. Pups begin to transition toward spontaneously using the potty on their own. They are having more and more periods of wake time and spend a great deal of time practicing walking around and finding one another. As the box gets more crowded and messy, I will remove the pig rails to give them a little more space and check in ofter to keep things tidy. Very soon, they will move out of the nursery and into the big dog room!

Day 17

Continue Advanced ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. First walk! Eyes are wide open now and continued growth, socialization with siblings, strengthening legs and neck muscles and mastery of using the potty unassisted by mom take up their waking hours. They cannot hear yet but will be in the next few days. It is so cute to see when they discover sound for the first time. Teeth will be emerging soon and they will be transitioning to puppy food in the next week or two. They begin play by mouthing one another, vocalizing with barks and growls, and can see me when I come up to the box. They show happiness to see me by wagging their cute little tails and wobbling toward me on all four legs. Personality and temperament are becoming more obvious. I begin to take note of individual traits and characteristics and falling in love of course!

Day 18

Continue Advanced ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. Pups are really becoming more social. Little barks, tail wags and play is becoming more and more intentional. This little guy saw me and said Hello!!

Day 19

Continue Advanced ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. Teeth are finally emerging so I introduce the toothbrush. Pups are getting big. I drape over human clothes over the side of the whelping box for the pups to reinforce prior scent learning.

Day 20

Continue Advanced ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. Back nails are trimmed using nail clippers. Puppy play is being had by all in the box. These are the final days in the nursery. I will remove the pig rails tomorrow to give them a tad bit more space and bring in some toys before introducing the pups to the big dog area and the pack.

Day 21

Continue Advanced ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy.

Day 22

Continue Advanced ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. Puppy Kibble Intro. I will put very small pieces of kibble into snuffle mats and place around the box to encourage foraging and tracking of food. Afterward, I will put a shallow cookie sheet in the box for their very first drink of water. The pig rails that have been in the box to protect the puppies from accidental crushing or smothering by mama have been removed to give the pups a little more space since they are very vocal and strong enough to pull themselves to safety if mama accidentally lays on someone.

Day 23

Continue Advanced ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. Introduction to dog area, crate training, and vacuum.

Day 24

Continue Advanced ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. Crate Training 2.0 and bouncy balls.

Day 25

Last day for ENS, ESI and Exposure therapy. Pups are placed on grooming table and tethered to the grooming arm. Brushed gently and stacked.

Day 26

Pups will make the official move on up to the big dog area within the next three days depending on stability. I try to carefully watch them for readiness by looking for confidence, sassy attitudes and ability to vocalize so they feel empowered. Puppies are carefully introduced to the big dogs one at a time to be sure it is a positve experience. Puppies will begin swimming lessons within the next week. Puppies are individually assisted in deeper water to stimulate a dog paddling response with confidence. Pups are dried off using towel and blow dryer.

Day 27

Day 28

Socialization window (4-18 weeks old) begins. Puppies are able to interact with others outside of their littermates. It is very important to plan socialization opportunities for the next 14 weeks. Think of the next three and half months as the critical development for your puppy’s tolerance for public interactions. Your puppy will be much more stable for the rest of his/her life if you make a commitment to prioritize creating opportunities for interactions outside of your home.

Day 29

Day 30 Back nails are trimmed using nail clippers.

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Day 55

Day 56 Go home day!

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