The puppies are born! Now what?

Photo credit: Raylene Murr                                Photo credit: Crystal Reddell

Our puppies are raised with love and lots of attention and socialization in our home.  We use Early Neurological Stimulation (aka Bio Sensor method or Super Dog protocol) to introduce newborn puppies to specific stimuli that may enhance their resiliency and adaptability.  We use positive reinforcement methods to get the puppies well started on obedience training, self control, house training, and crate training.  We subscribe to Puppy Culture and Natural Rearing philosophy & protocols to give our puppies the best possible start in life.  

• At the appropriate age, the puppies will begin being socialized to new people, new places, then new people *and* new places.  We introduce them to cats, other dogs, and other (domestic farm) animals whenever possible, as well as water (seasonal).

• Once puppies are old enough, we will have our anxiously-waiting families out to meet them.  This is usually around 6-7 weeks of age, but can be delayed if there are any viruses going around the community, or if pups aren't gaining robustly, or many other considerations.  To protect our puppies from parvo, distemper, and other deadly viruses, we ask that you refrain from visiting another puppy, litter, shelter, or rescue event prior to visiting our property.  Only those with puppies reserved will be allowed to visit.  If you own other dogs, putting on clean clothes which they have not been in contact with will help our dams be more comfortable with visitors.  Children are always welcome, but please let us know if you will be bringing them to visit at this point, and prepare them to be able to *briefly* hold a puppy.  We will provide sanitizer for your shoes, and ask that all who wish to handle the puppies wash their hands thoroughly first.

• We do our best to provide Service Dog and Emotional Support Dog prospects to local service dog trainers and individual families whenever possible.  Part of this service requires us to delay the placement of puppies until after they are assessed by a trainer to determine if there are any strong prospects in the litter.  Puppies are paired up with their families around 8-9 weeks of age, after this determination has been made and any SD/ESA prospects have been selected for their service roles.  Please be patient and understanding, as this is the best way to ensure we are able to provide these special puppies to the people who need them so desperately.

• (NEW) We will no longer administer vaccines to our puppies prior to leaving our home.  Instead, you will have the choice to vaccinate, or not, once you take your puppy home.  The dam will have nomograph testing to determine when the puppies are likely to lose maternally-acquired immunity.  While they are with us, the pups will have homeopathic nosodes to support their immune system development regarding parvo and distemper specifically.  

NOTE: in the past, after much research on available vaccines and the various official vaccine schedules, we chose a specific brand, NeoTech, for their safety and efficacy, and their ability to override maternal antibody interference at a much earlier age than typical Big Pharma brand vaccines.   We followed the official AAHA/WSAVA/AVMA vaccine guidelines, but not necessarily what each individual local veterinarian follows themselves (much of it is open to extremely BROAD interpretation).  We sent puppies home with a vaccine record and clear instructions for what was needed next, and when.  And still, there was often owner confusion and/or veterinarian pressure to vaccinate beyond what was necessary or appropriate.  

Moving forward, it will be left to the new owners to decide whether or not to vaccinate.  We can no longer take responsibility for that particular risk outweighing the benefit, which means our "General Health Guarantee" will not apply if vaccination occurs within the 7 day window after purchase.  From a practical standpoint, this means that **if you plan to vaccinate your puppy** you'll take puppy home, protect it from potential exposure to parvo/distemper (as you would do anyway), take it to the vet for a checkup within the first 7 days (per contract specifications) but decline vaccinations at that time if you want the General Health Guarantee to remain intact.  Following the expiration of the General Health Guarantee after 7 days post-purchase, your puppy will need 3 more vet appointments for their 3 rounds of puppy vaccines.  Your puppy will still need to be protected from potential exposures during this timeframe, until at least one week following the 2nd round of vaccines.

• We do not administer "preventative" chemical dewormers.  Instead, we submit stool samples regularly to ensure our puppies are free of parasites.  We send puppies home with a health record of all veterinary care and stool test dates/results.  Our gut support for parasite prevention includes daily probiotics, use of Diatomaceous Earth to maintain a healthy gut lining, and a variety of nutritional, herbal, and homeopathic supplements.

• When you come to pick up your puppy, be prepared to stay for an hour or two and learn:

How, what, and when to feed your puppy, and get him/her to wait nicely for a release command to eat

The basics of our raw feeding routine, and setting up your own routine

How we have supported your puppy's immune system so far without vaccines, and what you can do moving forward

The choice to vaccinate or not; dangers of over-vaccinating

When your puppy was last stool tested, and when they should have their next stool check

The importance of probiotics 

How to continue training your puppy on basic commands

How to continue crate training and house training your puppy

The importance of socialization and training; recommended local trainers 

Non-toxic alternatives for your household

Essential oil safety

Care for nails, including dew claws, and basic grooming needs

..and more!