They had fun with a cardboard box in the pen. New objects like this are such an easy way to encourage curiosity, confidence, and problem solving. It was fun watching them investigate every part of it, from chewing on the edges to trying to climb on top and figure it out. Even little moments like this help puppies learn how to interact with new environments and experiences. At the very end of the video, you’ll also notice how nicely everyone is starting to offer a sit for atte

Morning Snuggles 🥰

Today we did the first round of the Box Game. The whole purpose of the Box Game is teaching puppies how to learn. When we train dogs later on, we’re usually asking for a very specific behavior or task. Before a puppy can learn commands, they first have to understand the concept that their actions can influence outcomes. That’s where the Box Game comes in. In this exercise, we used a simple tin pan. At first, the puppies have no idea why they’re being rewarded. But every time

We took them outside today and they had a blast!

Today we ramped up the clicker training. I’m trying something a little different with this litter by introducing the clicker, games, and barrier challenges just a bit later than I have in the past. My thought process is that waiting until they’re a little more developmentally ready may help them catch on faster, and so far, that seems to be the case. We’ve still been doing plenty of desensitization and exposure, but the more structured learning pieces are starting slightly la

They are just starting to step into that playful stage. They are not quite as bold and interactive as the older litter yet since they are about a week behind, but you can see it coming. They are beginning to run to greet us, soaking up attention, and engaging more with each other. It is such a sweet, in-between phase where their personalities are starting to peek through.

We had a strong thunderstorm roll through today, so just like our other litter, we opened the windows and let these puppies experience it all. The thunder, rain, and shifting sounds become part of their normal environment. Even though this litter is a week younger, this is still a valuable part of their early socialization. They may not be as interactive yet, but their brains are still taking everything in. During this stage, we are very intentional about exposing them to rea

We had a strong thunderstorm roll through today, so we opened the windows and let the puppies take it all in. Thunder, rain, wind, all of it becomes part of their “normal.” Puppies go through a critical socialization window from about 3 to 13 weeks of age. During this time, everything they experience gets filed away as safe and familiar. After that window closes, new things can be much more likely to feel intimidating or scary. That is why we are very intentional with these e

"Maverick pupdate. My sweet boy is 8 months old now and it has been an amazing 6 months with this goofball. He is the absolute best and sweetest boy and definitely makes my world better. You do such and amazing job with all your puppies, so thank you for my sweet boy."

The puppies are getting so sweet at this stage. They truly enjoy when we come into the pen to say hello, and now they all come running to greet us. Their interaction level has really taken off. It is amazing what just one week can do. Compared to our younger litter, the difference in coordination, confidence, and social engagement is huge. They are becoming much more aware, responsive, and eager to connect. I am headed out of town for a couple of days. My husband and I are tr

The puppies are starting to find their footing a bit more each day. They are still wobbly, but you can see their coordination improving as they learn how to balance and move with more intention. We are also seeing a big shift socially. They are becoming much more aware of people, seeking out attention, and beginning to interact in more meaningful ways. This is the early foundation of human bonding, where positive, gentle interactions help shape confident, people-focused puppi

Today was a big step forward. We introduced their potty tray with pine pellets. We typically use pine or alfalfa pellets because they have a natural scent that puppies are instinctively drawn to, which helps guide them to the right place. It usually takes about a week to a week and a half for them to really understand and consistently use it, but some of them have already started choosing the tray today, which is exactly what we want to see this early. This is truly the begin

We are officially in the fun stage. Play is really starting to take off now. What you are seeing here is not just cute behavior, it is incredibly important development. These early play sessions are how puppies begin learning social skills like bite inhibition, body language, and how to read one another. When one puppy gets a little too rough, the other will respond, and that feedback loop is what teaches them how to interact appropriately for life. You will also notice their

At this stage, we are starting to see those first little teeth breaking through. This is an important milestone because it signals that the puppies are getting ready for the next phase, which is weaning. Once a full set of baby teeth is in, puppies are physically ready to begin transitioning away from relying solely on mom. That process starts very gently. Today marks the first introduction to lapping from a tray, using goat’s milk as the base. Goat’s milk is easy to digest a

At this stage, you may notice that mama is no longer always laying down to nurse. She’s starting to stand for some of their feedings, and this is actually a really important part of their development. When puppies nurse from a standing dam, it naturally challenges their coordination and balance. They have to get their feet underneath them, stabilize themselves, and reach upward while staying engaged. All of that builds strength, body awareness, and early motor control. It als

The puppies are growing so nicely and getting stronger every day. Their eyes are open now, their ears are beginning to open, and you can really see them starting to notice the world around them. At this stage, we keep classical music playing most of the time. It creates a calm environment for them, and studies have shown it can actually help dogs relax and settle. We’re also continuing daily sound exposure. Along with normal household noises, we introduce a variety of sounds,

The puppies are becoming much more interactive and really starting to enjoy human attention. Most of them were still a bit sleepy in this video since they had just finished breakfast and settled in for a nap, but Lydia and Jane were wide awake and soaking it all in. Lydia was especially curious, following the camera around and even finding her voice, practicing those early little barks, which was adorable to watch. Jane, on the other hand, was perfectly content just soaking u