Training
Training is such an important part of a dogs life. We take training very serious and work on training at a young age before our puppies go home to their new families. We want to ensure all of our puppies are socialized and training has begun and is successful to help make the transition into a new home smooth for both family and puppies.
Around 3 weeks of age we start working on potty training. We lay potty pads in a seperate section of the x pen. Although it isn't very successful at first we are laying down the foundation for when they are ready.. Puppies around 5 weeks of age are starting to associate where they sleep and play from where they eliminate. Seperating these areas helps them learn where to play and sleep from where to potty.
Crate training is started right around 5 weeks of age. A crate is set inside the x-pen with the door open so they are able to come and go. Around weeks 6 to 8 we start working on closing the door with them inside for very short periods of time. We supply chew bones, snuffle mats, and textile lick boards. Crate training is something that will be continued as they go to their new homes as well.
Another part of training we work on before puppies go to their new homes is to come when called. If we know their names we start as early as possible and call them by it every chance we get. When puppies start responding to it we praise very heavily. We call all of our puppies to us before knowing names by using the phrase, "puppy, puppy, puppy." When they come we praise them with love, lots of petting and excitement, and treat rewards. Training a puppy takes a lot of time, patience, and a lot of praising! We send our families home with training pamphlets, tips, treats and a lifetime of support!
Curriculum
Socialization is taken very seriously in our home. At three weeks our dachshund puppies are moved to an active area within our house where they can experience many sights, sounds and smells. Toys are hung on x-pen as well as a mirror for them to learn how to focus and become self aware. As puppies develop and grow we provide various items to climb on, under, and through. Puppies are enriched with tunnels, ramps, wobble boards,Tactile boards, blocks, a parachute flown over their heads, things that move, and different textured blocks and balls! All of these activities and experiences while they are growing is to enhance learning, intelligence, confidence, and resiliency. We also expose all of our puppies to different sounds throughout the day by playing music.
Exposure to different areas, surfaces, activities, and a variety of people are critical to puppy development. All of the socialization we provide our puppies helps to create a solid foundation for training and behavior.
Our puppies are introduced to a variety of individuals of all different ages male and . Puppies are also introduced to other animals including dogs, cats, horses, goats, and chickens. Our puppies have the chance to play individually and also are introduced to several different surfaces/textures including water play (when weather permits).
From four to eight weeks our puppies are exposed to a new item each day along with our daily handling exercises. These items include water bottles, brain games, something with wheels, a moving item, bubble wrap, stuffed toys, and ropes. Our daily handling exercises begin at day four where we focus on touch and smell. We spend a lot of time holding our pups and keep them close to our face and hearts. Our purpose is to ensure that our puppies learn the World Is Safe, People are Kind, and Dogs Are Friendly.
