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Our Rearing Program
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540-560-1667
coldwaterlabs@yahoo.com
The growth and development
of our puppies is our
main priority.
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At Coldwater Labradors, we take the time to make sure
each puppies needs are completely met in every way.
From the moment of the breeding, our concern is to
ensure that each puppy matures into a well rounded,
happy and healthy adult!
Below is a guide-line that will assist you in
understanding the steps we take to meet our goal.
Puppies at one week of age:
During their first week, they spend 90% of their
time sleeping and 10% of their time eating. Being
very susceptible to heat and cold, we constantly
monitor the temperature of the whelping box as well
as the production of milk and the care that they are
given. Often I find myself litterally sleeping with
the dam and her puppies to ensure everything is going
well. The central nervious systems of the puppies
are developing rapidly and they gain a significant
amout of weight. By the end of the week the puppies
should have doubled in size. We handle the puppies
daily and suppliment them with additional feedings
by bottle if needed. We also introduce the
"Bio Sensor" method of training.
(Click here to learn more about the Bio Sensor method)
Puppies at two weeks of age:
At two weeks of age the puppies should have their ears
and eyes open completely and be able to move about the
whelping box by "scooting". We begin introducing the
litter to light audio stimulation. We also worm the
litter for the first time and begin trimming their nails weekly.
Puppies at three weeks of age:
At three weeks of age the puppies teeth begin to come
in and they are able to stand and walk. They also develop
the sense of smell and begin becoming very aware of their
environment. Play with other litter mates is a main focus
and barking, tail wagging and growling become apparent.
We also (weather permitting) take trips outside to explore.
Puppies at four weeks of age:
At four weeks the puppies are now on mash food
supplimentation, though they still need their mother for
stability and additional feedings. Each puppy is given
individual attention and at this age we introduce them to
the scent of birds. Depth perception is now present and the
puppies are wormed once again.
Puppies at five weeks of age:
At five weeks the litter has established a dominance order.
Rapid growth and development is present and play begins to
become more exhuberant. Weaning begins at this age and we
introduce outside visitors and begin socialization.
Puppies at six weeks of age:
At six weeks of age each puppy is allowed individual time
and attention, which is crutial. For a positive introduction,
loud audio stimulation is present while they are eating. The
puppies should be completely weaned and we begin to introduce
them to crate training. We also begin to see how interested
each puppy is in retrieving by introducing them to birds.
Puppies are given their first vaccinations.
Puppies at seven weeks of age:
The puppies at seven weeks have now been completly weaned
and are on regular puppy food. They are given a dose of
heartworm preventative, wormed for intestinal parasites once
again. They have total hearing and visual capacity and are
very curious. Each puppy is given a written evaluation for
retrieving interest, energy level and conformation and they
can join their new families or stay to continue their training.
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