How We Raise and Socialize Our Amazing Golden Retriever Puppies

The first few weeks of a puppy’s life are crucial when it comes to their experience. Socializing and raising the puppy needs to be done a certain way so that they do not have social issues later in life. It is very important that during the first 8 to 9 weeks, newborn puppies are kept with their brothers and sisters, as well as their mom. Their siblings and mom are from whom they learn how to act and play appropriately. This is the time when they start interacting with the world and learn important life lessons. This is why all responsible breeders do not allow for puppies to be rehomed until they are at least 8 weeks.

Introducing Puppies to OTher Animals and People

As mentioned, our puppies stay with us until at least 8 weeks of age. In that time, in addition to spending time with their siblings and mom, they are exposed to other types of dogs, cats, different adults, and kids. It's important that the other animals the puppies are exposed to are up to date with their shots and are healthy. This is because the puppies are vulnerable since they don't yet have all their needed vaccination shots. We only expose them to the animals/pets we have in the house. We've got several dogs and two cats.

We also interact with them and pick them up on our hands so they are used to human scents. They interact with all of our family members.

Exposing Puppies to Objects and Toys

Young puppies need to be exposed to many new things. As such, at around one-month-old, we introduce the puppies to different toys and other household items, such as vacuums, boxes, playing balls, and objects. These are objects they've never seen before, so naturally they are curious.

Newborn Puppies Need to Hear New Sounds

When puppies start to understand, see and hear the world, at around 3 or 4 weeks, they have no fear. This is the best time when we start to introduce them to new loud sounds that they have never heard before. Things like starting the vacuum, slamming doors, and dropping objects on the floor are all good ways we use to introduce them to the unknown sounds that they should not be scared of.

Additionally, while they sleep or play inside, we use a sound program that introduces different sounds, such as car honking, traffic, fireworks, kids playing, nature, barking dogs, various other animal noises, and many other sounds. This desensitizes them and they get used to these sounds so that they’re not reactive or fearful when they hear them in their new home.

They also spend time outside in the backyard every day. This exposes them to other sounds and smells.

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) is a series of exercises that we do with our newborn puppies. These exercises are designed to stimulate the neurological system and have been shown to have a positive impact on the puppy's development. These exercises include:

Tactile: gently stroking the puppy's forehead, between its eyes, and the base of the skull.

Thermal: using a damp towel that has been cooled in the refrigerator to stimulate the puppy's paws and belly.

Balance: placing the puppy on uneven surfaces, such as a pillow or foam pad.

Positional: holding the puppy in different positions, such as on its back or upside down.

Neurological: using a cotton swab to touch the puppy's whiskers and the corners of its mouth.

This will provide a strong foundation for the puppy's physical and behavioural development.

conclusion

The first few weeks of a puppy's life are crucial. It's very important that you buy a puppy that is well socialized in its first few weeks. Be sure to ask the breeder you're buying from how they socialize their newborn puppies. If the puppy is poorly socialized, it may impact their development and adulthood. They may develop behavioural issues, such as excessive barking, fearfulness, and anxiety.

Join Our Waitlist

To adopt a well-socialized puppy from us near Toronto, Ontario, check out our available Golden Retriever puppies for sale. If none are currently available, join our waitlist by submitting the form below and we'll contact you with next steps.