What is Puppy Culture?

Puppy Culture is a socialization and training program specifically developed for puppies from birth to the end of their critical socialization period (12 weeks). Puppy Culture is a program developed by Jane Killion, who is a professional dog trainer and breeder. She organized a comprehensive, and very organized program for breeders to follow during the first several weeks of a puppy's life.

Puppy Culture aimes to provide puppies with a foundation of experiences as well as skills, that will in essence help them grow into confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. They are provided with exposure to a variety of people, places, and experiences, as well as teaching them basic manners and obedience skills.

There are 7 Goals of Exposure within Puppy Culture:

7 Different Types of Surfaces and Textures
7 Different Types of Objects
7 Different Locations
7 Different Challenges (Puzzles)
7 Different Types of People
7 Different Containers
In 7 Different Places

Puppies are also exposed to many different smells. Puppies enjoy many fun activities as they play on different surfaces, hear different sounds and sights. They are provided with opportunities to explore as well as learning basic commands. We will begin crate training as well. Puppies learn how to socialize well with other puppies, as well as with children and adults.

Puppy Culture is often associated with breeding programs that are focused on producing high quality and very well-adjusted puppies. It is considered a holistic approach to breeding and raising puppies.

The first 12 weeks of a puppy's life are incredibly important. This is the most crucial time in a puppy's life to train the mindset of the puppy, which will affect him/her for life. By doing just the right things and just the right time (as a breeder), we can give your puppy the best start possible.

Prenatal Period:

Research has shown that puppies born to mothers that receive prenatal massage are more docile and enjoy being touched. So, we spoil our mommas with lots of affection and belly massages. A puppy forms a predisposition to have meaningful relationships even before birth.

Our mothers are fed raw goats milk, red raspberry leaf, a raw food diet, and lots of supplements in order to keep her healthy and her babies healthy for birth.

Neonatal Periods 0-14 Days:

During this time, we are doing Early Neurological Stimulation. It begins on day 3 and continues through day 16. By handling puppies from birth, it allows them to handle stress better later, studies have shown greater resistance to disease, a faster adrenal system, stronger heart rate, and a stronger heartbeat. It is so exciting to be able to give these puppies all of these wonderful health benefits by working with these precious gifts from the Lord from birth.

Transitional Periods 14-21 Days:

There are different behavioral markers that are used to identify the beginning and end of each developmental period. Each puppy has his/her own individuality and has their own timeline, but these are general plans. The transitional period begins when the puppy opens his/her eyes and it ends when they startle upon hearing their first sounds.

Critical Socialization Period: 3-12 Weeks:

Our goal is to raise puppies with emotional intelligence to connect with you. They can be taught these things through the Puppy Culture Program. It is during this time we are focused on introducing new foods, sounds, sights, obstacles and experiences (including grooming and nail trimming).

Week 10-12: Puppies begin going to their new home. When puppies go to their new home during this time period, they will adjust well to their new family's lifestyle the best. Puppies can adjust after this time, but this is the best time for puppies to go to their new home and to continue much of what they have been learning with their new permanent and loving family.

What is Manding?

Naturally when a puppy comes up to someone, they get excited and jump on whomever they are greeting. The goal with manding is to teach the puppy to automatically sit in front of the person they are greeting, rather than jumping on them. It is not the same as the "sit" command. Manding is more of a respectful greeting. This way he can sit in front of you and tell you he wants to interact with you in a welcoming way, without jumping on you.

Potty Training:

We begin basic potty training as well, through this process.