How We Raise Our Pups

Here at Valentine Retriever's and Doodles we pride ourselves on raising healthy happy pups! All pups are raised with our family as our own dogs. I have 3 small children that play with the pups daily. All pups will be exposed to other dogs, cats, chickens, horses, goats, and sheep. We believe that the more they are exposed to at a young age, the less scary life is later on.

Puppy Growth Timeline

Birth:

I am involved in each birth to make sure both momma and pups are doing well. Pups are encouraged to nurse as soon as they are able. I make sure momma is in a calm environment during the birth process. Pups are stimulated often to make sure they are thriving.

0-3 days old:

During these first couple of days pups spend all their time with momma. We make sure everyone is gaining weight and eating regularly. We hold and love on pups as much as possible!

4-13 days old:

Everyday we watch the pups grow and learn how to use their little bodies. The kids and myself keep providing a loving environment with a lot of stimulation. This involves holding, petting, and introducing different surfaces.

2 weeks old:

Puppies start to open their eyes. As the puppies vision starts to develop we keep playing, petting, holding, and loving on the puppies. The puppies also start to play with each other, their momma, and toys! They also spend time mastering the skill of using their growing legs.

3-4 weeks old:

We start introducing the litter boxes and wet food. When momma needs a break from nursing all the hungry mouths we start to introduce food and water! This also means we start litter box training. I have multiple boxes that have littler pellets in them and this helps keep the pups clean. They start to recognize that they are suppose to go potty in a designated area. Pups continue to get love and stimulation daily.

5-8 weeks old:

Puppies are in full pup mode! This is constant play time for these babies. They will have access to being outside (weather permitting), running, jumping, climbing, and fetching. We believe tired puppies are good puppies! They will also be exposed to life on the farm and see all the different kinds of animals that are out and about. During these weeks pups will get multiple grooming sessions and make their first visit to the Veterinarian in order to prepare for their new families.