At Pickwick Pugs, we not only strive to produce healthy and beautiful pugs who meet the breed standard, but we also work very hard individually with each puppy on a daily basis to create emotionally resilient and inquisitive pugs.
"Puppy Culture" is an amazing resource for breeders, trainers, puppy owners written by one of my favorite authors and dog experts, Jane Lindquist. Jane has been one of my go-to resources since long before we entered the world of conformation and breeding. Many years ago, Jane's book, "When Pigs Fly" saved my life as a pug owner providing invaluable insight into how a dog (specifically a pug and other 'less biddable' breeds) think and learn.
Her Puppy Culture protocols are used by caring and ethical breeders and puppy owners all over the world. PC protocols improve the current and future lives of the puppies and help to limit behavioral issues. There is a dramatic difference when comparing a puppy raised by Puppy Culture protocols verses a puppy raised with an alternative method.
As a piano teacher, composer, pianist, dog trainer, dog exhibitor, kennel owner, breeder I have an incredibly busy life. The charts and organizational materials in the Puppy Culture program are invaluable for my husband and I and help us make sure that we never miss an important stage or critical protocol for the dam or puppies. The resources she provides through the many PC discussion groups are invaluable and PC breeders, trainers, behaviorists are always quick to provide assistance and guidance.
Recently, we brought our 14 week old pick-of-the-litter Pickwick puppy to a pet foods store to buy some more raw goat's milk. The manager commented, "your puppy is so calm. I thought pugs were supposed to be crazy?" We said, "not if we can help it!"
Of course, within any litter of puppies the personalities and temperament will vary. The Puppy Culture protocols do not create 'cookie cutter' puppies. Their natural personality will shine through and some will be bolder than others, some will be more thoughtful, some will be more aloof or independent, and some will be more clingy. However, PC protocols helps us to create an environment that interacts with genetics to create a stable, inquisitive puppy who
Why is your Pickwick puppy better off because of the Puppy Culture protocols we follow? What advantages does your puppy have over others?
We highly recommend that future owners of a Pickwick Pug Puppy order and devour this amazing video "With Open Arms and a Level Head - How to Welcome a Puppy Into Your Life". It is 8 hours in length but it is important to understand what we've been working on and also how to successfully continue your puppy's training. The information in this video will help you and your puppy have the most successful transition and future .... With Open Arms and a Level Head - How to Welcome a Puppy Into Your Life. "From transporting your puppy home through crate and house training, this course will give you a solid plan for bringing a new puppy into your life!"
"Puppy Culture" is an amazing resource for breeders, trainers, puppy owners written by one of my favorite authors and dog experts, Jane Lindquist. Jane has been one of my go-to resources since long before we entered the world of conformation and breeding. Many years ago, Jane's book, "When Pigs Fly" saved my life as a pug owner providing invaluable insight into how a dog (specifically a pug and other 'less biddable' breeds) think and learn.
Her Puppy Culture protocols are used by caring and ethical breeders and puppy owners all over the world. PC protocols improve the current and future lives of the puppies and help to limit behavioral issues. There is a dramatic difference when comparing a puppy raised by Puppy Culture protocols verses a puppy raised with an alternative method.
As a piano teacher, composer, pianist, dog trainer, dog exhibitor, kennel owner, breeder I have an incredibly busy life. The charts and organizational materials in the Puppy Culture program are invaluable for my husband and I and help us make sure that we never miss an important stage or critical protocol for the dam or puppies. The resources she provides through the many PC discussion groups are invaluable and PC breeders, trainers, behaviorists are always quick to provide assistance and guidance.
Recently, we brought our 14 week old pick-of-the-litter Pickwick puppy to a pet foods store to buy some more raw goat's milk. The manager commented, "your puppy is so calm. I thought pugs were supposed to be crazy?" We said, "not if we can help it!"
Of course, within any litter of puppies the personalities and temperament will vary. The Puppy Culture protocols do not create 'cookie cutter' puppies. Their natural personality will shine through and some will be bolder than others, some will be more thoughtful, some will be more aloof or independent, and some will be more clingy. However, PC protocols helps us to create an environment that interacts with genetics to create a stable, inquisitive puppy who
- is more resilient after being surprised or when faced with novelty (a more bomb proof puppy)
- learns easily (your Pickwick Puppy will be so much easier to train since we have taught him/her how to learn and think)
- is affectionate to both people and dogs (as we learned in many workshops we've attended with Ian Dunbar, grandfather of positive training, we socialize, socialize, socialize.
Why is your Pickwick puppy better off because of the Puppy Culture protocols we follow? What advantages does your puppy have over others?
We highly recommend that future owners of a Pickwick Pug Puppy order and devour this amazing video "With Open Arms and a Level Head - How to Welcome a Puppy Into Your Life". It is 8 hours in length but it is important to understand what we've been working on and also how to successfully continue your puppy's training. The information in this video will help you and your puppy have the most successful transition and future .... With Open Arms and a Level Head - How to Welcome a Puppy Into Your Life. "From transporting your puppy home through crate and house training, this course will give you a solid plan for bringing a new puppy into your life!"
Here are some inside shots of some of the protocols we utilize during each Pickwick Puppy's first 12 weeks of life.
And, a glimpse at some of the protocols week-by-week:
Week 1
A one week old puppy has a fully functional sense of smell. Puppies of this age use their sense of smell to find their mother’s teats and to locate their littermates. Most Pickwick puppies open their eyes partially or fully around day 13. At this age, though, their retinas are poorly developed and their vision is quite poor still. Did you know that the puppy's canine socialization period begins now and lasts for 12-16 weeks! Early socialization with littermates, mother, and eventually aunts and uncles and cousins etc. is vital to the puppy's mental development.
Beginning at day 3, we start the Early Neurological Exercises. We stimulate each puppy one at a time using these 5 exercises:
1. Tactile Stimulation (between toes)
2. Head held erect
3. Head pointed down
4. Supine position
5. Thermal stimulation
1. Tactile Stimulation: Holding the puppy in one hand, we gently stimulate (tickle) the puppy between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. It is not necessary to see that the puppy is feeling the tickle. Time of stimulation = 3-5 seconds.
2. Head held erect: Using both hands, the puppy is held perpendicular to the ground, (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail. This is an upwards position. Time of stimulation = 3-5 seconds.
3. Head pointed down: Holding the puppy firmly with both hands, the head is pointed downward so that it is pointing toward the ground. Time of stimulation = 3-5 seconds.
4. Supine position: Hold the puppy so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling. The puppy while on its back is allowed to sleep. Time of stimulation = 3-5 seconds.
5. Thermal stimulation: Using a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least 5 minutes, we place the puppy on the towel feet down. We do not restrain the puppy from moving. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.
These 5 exercises will produce neurological stimulation, none of which naturally occur during this early period of life. Experience shows that sometimes puppies will resist these exercises, while others will appear unconcerned. These exercise impact the neurological system by kicking it into action earlier than would be normally expected, the result being an increased capacity that later will help to make the difference in the puppy's performance.
These neurological exercises are in addition to routine handling, play socialization, and bonding . . . which are done as well.
Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to the bio sensor stimulation exercises. The benefits noted were:
1. Improved cardiovascular performance (heart rate)
2. Stronger heart beats
3. Stronger adrenal glands
4. More tolerance to stress
5. Greater resistance to disease
In tests of learning, stimulated pups were found to be more active and were more exploratory than their non-stimulated littermates over which they were dominant in competitive situations. Secondary effects were also noted regarding test performance. In simple, problem-solving tests using detours in a maze, the non-stimulated pups became extremely aroused, whined a great deal, and made many errors. Their stimulated littermates were less disturbed or upset by test conditions and, when comparisons were made, the stimulated littermates were calmer in the test environment, made fewer errors, and gave only an occasional distress sound when stressed.
Now, because we are dealing with PUGS (who have flat faces and can often aspirate milk while nursing) and not, say, a labrador or aussie, breeders have an additional duty every 90 minute.
It's time consuming! Depending upon the litter size, this means the human is lucky to grab 30 minutes of sleep before starting the routine all over again. It's exhausting but worth it in the end when a healthy, adorable, brilliant Pickwick Puppy brings joy into this world!
Week 2
Week 3
The enrichment effect.
The third week in the puppies' lives marks a big shift as we enter the puppies' critical socialization period. This is when the real fun begins and, as the author of Puppy Culture explains, "things are going to begin flying fast and furious at us as far as developmental periods and windows of opportunity go". The next 9 weeks will be the most powerful ones in the puppies' lives and what we choose to do or not do during this period can completely change the outcome for their futures. Puppy Culture calls it "a race against nature". A dog isn't genetically programed to be calm in public, friendly to human strangers, give up food and possessions willingly, and be a fun companion that a human can take anywhere and do anything with. So, actually, there's nothing "wrong" with an aggressive or fearful dog ... in fact, that's normal. SO, there have to be some pretty strong interventions during the puppy's first 12 weeks of life in order to shape the puppy into a dog future humans will want to live with.
This is the heart of Puppy Culture, where each puppy receives an expertly enriched environment affording benefits which will last a lifetime.
At Pickwick Pugs, our core task as a breeder is to teach our puppies to be enrichment/novelty seekers, and to trust that the world holds good things for them. We begin inviting human guests over to visit.
Week 4
Puppies are moved into a larger weaning pen with age-appropriate enrichment. Puppies are moving around on their own more and playing. They can now hear, smell, and see and their canine teeth are growing in next to their incisors. You start hearing more "talking" in the puppy pen as they begin to exhibit distinctive body language such as play bows and even growling! They become much more independent as well and the weaning process begins, so we always offer raw goats milk prior to nursing to help supplement the nursing as well as give the mother a bit of relief from those tiny SHARP teeth when the nurse. We gradually introduce "gruel" (mushy food) but we do a slow weaning ... as natural as possible ... and always allow time for the pups to nurse as long as mama is willing. At this age, puppies are also learning to control their urination and the transitional phase ends.
Week 5
Week 6
The curiosity period.
WEEK 10
WEEK 11
A one week old puppy has a fully functional sense of smell. Puppies of this age use their sense of smell to find their mother’s teats and to locate their littermates. Most Pickwick puppies open their eyes partially or fully around day 13. At this age, though, their retinas are poorly developed and their vision is quite poor still. Did you know that the puppy's canine socialization period begins now and lasts for 12-16 weeks! Early socialization with littermates, mother, and eventually aunts and uncles and cousins etc. is vital to the puppy's mental development.
Beginning at day 3, we start the Early Neurological Exercises. We stimulate each puppy one at a time using these 5 exercises:
1. Tactile Stimulation (between toes)
2. Head held erect
3. Head pointed down
4. Supine position
5. Thermal stimulation
1. Tactile Stimulation: Holding the puppy in one hand, we gently stimulate (tickle) the puppy between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. It is not necessary to see that the puppy is feeling the tickle. Time of stimulation = 3-5 seconds.
2. Head held erect: Using both hands, the puppy is held perpendicular to the ground, (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail. This is an upwards position. Time of stimulation = 3-5 seconds.
3. Head pointed down: Holding the puppy firmly with both hands, the head is pointed downward so that it is pointing toward the ground. Time of stimulation = 3-5 seconds.
4. Supine position: Hold the puppy so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling. The puppy while on its back is allowed to sleep. Time of stimulation = 3-5 seconds.
5. Thermal stimulation: Using a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least 5 minutes, we place the puppy on the towel feet down. We do not restrain the puppy from moving. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.
These 5 exercises will produce neurological stimulation, none of which naturally occur during this early period of life. Experience shows that sometimes puppies will resist these exercises, while others will appear unconcerned. These exercise impact the neurological system by kicking it into action earlier than would be normally expected, the result being an increased capacity that later will help to make the difference in the puppy's performance.
These neurological exercises are in addition to routine handling, play socialization, and bonding . . . which are done as well.
Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to the bio sensor stimulation exercises. The benefits noted were:
1. Improved cardiovascular performance (heart rate)
2. Stronger heart beats
3. Stronger adrenal glands
4. More tolerance to stress
5. Greater resistance to disease
In tests of learning, stimulated pups were found to be more active and were more exploratory than their non-stimulated littermates over which they were dominant in competitive situations. Secondary effects were also noted regarding test performance. In simple, problem-solving tests using detours in a maze, the non-stimulated pups became extremely aroused, whined a great deal, and made many errors. Their stimulated littermates were less disturbed or upset by test conditions and, when comparisons were made, the stimulated littermates were calmer in the test environment, made fewer errors, and gave only an occasional distress sound when stressed.
Now, because we are dealing with PUGS (who have flat faces and can often aspirate milk while nursing) and not, say, a labrador or aussie, breeders have an additional duty every 90 minute.
- Supervise all nursings
- Wipe noses, suck milk out, do nebulizer treatments post nursing
- Help stimulate each puppy to eliminate post nursing
- Sometimes, give oxygen and percussion to prevent aspiration pneumonia
It's time consuming! Depending upon the litter size, this means the human is lucky to grab 30 minutes of sleep before starting the routine all over again. It's exhausting but worth it in the end when a healthy, adorable, brilliant Pickwick Puppy brings joy into this world!
Week 2
- Two week old puppies begin their transitional phase. With their eyes now open, they are more alert and start to toddle and try to stand on their own. Two week old puppies are still deaf and mostly dependent upon their sense of smell to get around, however, they begin to gain independence.
- De-worming begins and continues every 2 weeks. (We use Strongid and repeat for 3 days in a row, every 2 weeks).
Week 3
The enrichment effect.
The third week in the puppies' lives marks a big shift as we enter the puppies' critical socialization period. This is when the real fun begins and, as the author of Puppy Culture explains, "things are going to begin flying fast and furious at us as far as developmental periods and windows of opportunity go". The next 9 weeks will be the most powerful ones in the puppies' lives and what we choose to do or not do during this period can completely change the outcome for their futures. Puppy Culture calls it "a race against nature". A dog isn't genetically programed to be calm in public, friendly to human strangers, give up food and possessions willingly, and be a fun companion that a human can take anywhere and do anything with. So, actually, there's nothing "wrong" with an aggressive or fearful dog ... in fact, that's normal. SO, there have to be some pretty strong interventions during the puppy's first 12 weeks of life in order to shape the puppy into a dog future humans will want to live with.
This is the heart of Puppy Culture, where each puppy receives an expertly enriched environment affording benefits which will last a lifetime.
At Pickwick Pugs, our core task as a breeder is to teach our puppies to be enrichment/novelty seekers, and to trust that the world holds good things for them. We begin inviting human guests over to visit.
- We introduce at least one new toy, visual object, or experience to the puppies each day during this week. (Actually, we introduce several new things to the puppies each day but we at least make a note of at least one new thing for the records). We continue this "one new thing" EVERY WEEK until the puppies leave for their forever home at 12 weeks of age.
- The puppies can hear now and sound becomes a very important tool in shaping their personalities. This is a deep subject that could be a whole article, but I'll distill it down - there are three basic areas of importance when it comes to sound at this age. Our goal is to balance these three types of sounds to create emotional stability and low stress levels:
Ambient Environmental "Centering" sounds: A recent study has shown that classical music has a de-stressing effect on shelter dogs, and hard rock music has the opposite effect. So we play a soft bed of classical music in the puppy room all day. - Startle-Recovery Response: Sharp, sudden, sounds during the 3-4 week period to encourage the startle recovery cycle. This is to build emotional resilience.
- Habituation Noises (both live and sometimes recorded) of things like show noise, babies crying, other animals noises, machinery, engines, etc. are introduced daily. The pups even have their own portable DVD player and watch movies (especially dog movies). They are quite mesmerized!
- At 3 weeks of age, the puppies begin to become stronger and usually begin to start to stand and sit without falling over. Also, their teeth begin to come through with the incisors appearing first. Puppies begin to communicate more with littermates and their mother and begin to explore more. We have "busy boxes" with hanging toys for enrichment and stimulation. We also make sure the puppies have lots of time with each other and their mother. At this age there is little fear so we work hard on startle-recovery exercises and new sounds and sights every day.
- Puppies begin receiving limited visitors as socialization starts.
- Startle recovery exercises prime puppies for the challenges of a busy life.
- Foundation exercises for the prevention of separation anxiety.
- Litterbox is added to start the foundations of potty training, reinforcing the need to keep their home clean and that there is an appropriate place to potty. We use recycled paper pellet dog litter. We have found that the litterbox must be introduced before week 4 in order to be completely successful.
Week 4
Puppies are moved into a larger weaning pen with age-appropriate enrichment. Puppies are moving around on their own more and playing. They can now hear, smell, and see and their canine teeth are growing in next to their incisors. You start hearing more "talking" in the puppy pen as they begin to exhibit distinctive body language such as play bows and even growling! They become much more independent as well and the weaning process begins, so we always offer raw goats milk prior to nursing to help supplement the nursing as well as give the mother a bit of relief from those tiny SHARP teeth when the nurse. We gradually introduce "gruel" (mushy food) but we do a slow weaning ... as natural as possible ... and always allow time for the pups to nurse as long as mama is willing. At this age, puppies are also learning to control their urination and the transitional phase ends.
- Emotional resiliency exercises are performed giving the puppies the gift of "bounce-back" from life challenges.
- Problem solving games are introduced which help puppies learn to handle life's frustrations early.
- Crate-training starts! Crates are introduced to the weaning pen with comfy beds to encourage puppies to nap in crates. They love their little forts! We also start fun crate-games.
- Clicker training starts as soon as puppy can eat gruel and puppies start learning their core skills: attention, manding (asking politely), come or recall.
- Weekly grooming and nail trim continue and we include always associating with Emotional Conditioned Responses to make it as pleasant an experience as possible.
- De-worming with Strongid again (continuing every 2 weeks)
Week 5
- Puppies learn to communicate with us in socially acceptable ways, learning the Communication Trinity, how to solve problems, and finding their voice. The puppies continue to learn from and socialize with their mother and littermates.
- Puppies work on bite inhibition through play.
- Clicker training continues in earnest.
- Weaning process continues and puppies are moving onto solid food (still gruel form) and less nursing. We never rush this process. Abruptly changing diet can not only cause tummy problems but also future behavioral problems. Raw goat milk continues daily!
- Fear starts; at 5 weeks puppies are, for the first time, capable of experiencing true fear. We guide the puppies through their fear period, avoiding any experience that might cause life-long fear problems, and building more emotional resilience. We make sure the puppy pen has lots of places for puppies to hide (they love the tunnel) so they will feel more secure.
- Crate-training: puppies are fed in individual crate. Puppies are encouraged to run into their crates (more crate games)
- Weekly grooming and nail trim continue again with CERFS.
Week 6
The curiosity period.
- Novel people of all shapes, ages, and sizes are introduced, and we always make sure the puppies have positive responses during these important "first" meetings; a scary meeting at this age can cause life-long fear.
- Puppies get to practice their training in real-life settings, they get to mand (ask politely) for petting (instead of jumping).
- Puppies show-off their enrichment seeking abilities and build confidence on novel object challenges.
- Puppies learn to love strange and unusual footing, heights, and noises.
- Sessions are kept short, puppies have naps and learn to relax when visitors come over. All skills they will need in their new homes.
- Weekly grooming and nail trim continue.
- Crate training - Puppies continue to eat and nap in their crates with doors open. But we also begin to allow them to eat with the door closed. Crate games continue.
- Car-training continues. We take all sorts of trips regularly everywhere.
- De-worming again (Strongid for 3 days, every 2 weeks)
- Problem behavior prevention protocols are started. We teach the puppies to LOVE having someone take their food, food bowl, toys, bones, and other items. This helps prevent resource guarding later.
- While some puppies/mamas wean earlier and are completely weaned by 7 weeks, sometimes this continues.
- At 7 weeks the puppy is going through a HUMAN socialization period which is critical for future success in being confident meeting all sorts of people.
- Puppies become acclimated with all types of sounds, sights, smells in a positive way. They meet children, adults, people in uniform, people with hats, people with beards, tall people, short people, etc. As many different types of people as possible!
- Puppies also work on: Sit on cue, down, stand, come when called, following a lure, touch, duration of attention (watch me), "leave it", "drop it" is continued to be reinforced, duration of "wait" is increased.
- Crate-training: Puppies begin to enter crate when asked; eat in crate with door closed; chew bone in crate with door closed; nap in crate with door closed.
- Car-training continues. We begin more solo rides. Outings - we visit all sorts of safe stores, churches, and other places with puppies in their strollers. Every day the puppy experiences a new object, environment, sight, sense, experiences.
- This is the week we typically do the first round of vaccinations (ideally 8 weeks or later would be great, but we want to make sure the puppy has at least 2 rounds of vaccinations before leaving for their forever home at 12 weeks of age). We are careful to bring lots of AMAZING treats with us to the vet and offer treats constantly for conditioned emotional responses. Our vets are amazing with the puppies and the pups learn to love going to the vet!
- Weekly grooming and nail trim continue.
- This is puppy conformation and temperament evaluation week!
- Puppies are now usually fully weaned and the human socialization period is in full swing. Another fear period may begin at 8 weeks and continue up to 10 weeks making a puppy more sensitive to traumatic experiences. This is a reason we do not believe in sending puppies home at 8 weeks. If you ever purchased an 8 week old puppy, did you ever notice behaviors such as "nursing on a toy" even after they were adults? Our goal is to give a puppy every possible opportunity for a happy, successful, fulfilled life. Toy breeds in particular will be better off staying with their siblings and canine family, in familiar environment, until at least 11-12 weeks.
- After the puppy evaluations are completed we have a better idea which puppy might be best to stay with us for the future of our breeding program, which puppy might do best in a quieter home, a more active home, a performance home, etc. We begin making the decisions of where each puppy will thrive the best and finalizing future homes. By 9 weeks we have a good idea and the fun begins tailoring the final weeks of training toward each puppy's new home and environment.
- Obedience training is continued but now more in earnest.
- Bite inhibition training is continued. Those puppy teeth are sharp so we continue to work on teaching them not to bite too hard. This is a process, though, so new owners need to remember not to "play" with human hands. Always offer something else for the puppy to bite on ... never a hand!
- Potty training continues in earnest. More outside breaks but we also continue with the litterbox in the puppy pen (which we recommend new owners include as well).
- Obedience training continues in earnest. New tricks and skills are introduced at every daily training session (things like bow, spin, shake, get in, get on, get out, more elegant downs, duration of attention and sit stays etc.)
- Loose leash walking - puppies work on this each day. At first we just walk around the house, and outside in our bleached concrete area (puppies are still not vaccinated against parvo). We never walk on the floors at public places like pet stores or outside in public areas like dog parks. Parvo kills.
- Socialization continues but we are careful during any fear phase to always make every new experience a positive one.
WEEK 10
- The fear phase should be over by now or soon so we continue to introduce new experiences daily. If they've never been in a pool, visited a group of people at the church, or gone through a drive through for a Puppacino at Starbucks etc., we try to find new and enriching things daily.
- As the puppy has been matched with its new home by now, we finalize the AKC registration.
- Bite inhibition training is continued. Those puppy teeth are sharp so we continue to work on teaching them not to bite too hard. This is a process, though, so new owners need to remember not to "play" with human hands. Always offer something else for the puppy to bite on ... never a hand!
- Potty training continues in earnest. More outside breaks but we also continue with the litterbox in the puppy pen (which we recommend new owners include as well).
- Obedience training continues in earnest. By now, we probably know the puppy's new name (if new owners are re-naming) so we clicker-train the new name (pairing with the kennel name). New tricks and skills are introduced at every daily training session (things like bow, spin, shake, get in, get on, get out, more elegant downs, duration of attention and sit stays etc.)
- Loose leash walking - puppies work on this each day. At first we just walk around the house, and outside in our bleached concrete area (puppies are still not vaccinated against parvo). We never walk on the floors at public places like pet stores or outside in public areas like dog parks. Parvo kills.
- Socialization continues. Every day, something new!
WEEK 11
- The puppies receive their 2nd round of vaccinations (NO LEPTO!) as well as their AKC reunite microchip.
- During this final week, we have our final bath and grooming and, at our final training session, we have a "Graduation" where the puppy enjoys performing all of his tricks and skills for one final time as well as complete a painting which will be included in the new owner's puppy basket. A paw-painted original masterpiece! lolz ;)
- Puppy baskets are filled with things which will make their transition to the new home as easy as possible such as a blanket and toys which smell like their first home, and food/treats which they have been eating. Paperwork from AKC (usually) arrives before gotcha day, but sometimes this must be done digitally until the hard copy paperwork is delivered. This all depends upon when the puppy's home was finalized and how busy AKC's offices are ;) However, the puppy is officially registered with AKC prior to gotcha day at 12 weeks.
- The puppy's new owners begin a new chapter in the puppy's life! Make sure to socialize, socialize, socialize (in a safe way, avoiding parvo) during the next few weeks before the window of opportunity to socialize ends forever on the puppy at around 16 weeks. Something new and novel every day, but always in a way where the puppy is enriched and safe, happy and fulfilled, and never stressed or bombarded. Protect the puppy's quiet time and nap time. Protect the puppy's health (see your vet within 5 days for a wellness checkup!). Give heartguard or your preferred heart prevention and continue this monthly for life. Enjoy your puppy. At 12 weeks, they are still YOUNG and they will still be learning and need lots of love. It will take weeks (sometimes a month or more) before you see the true personality of your puppy as it takes time for him or her to adjust to its new life and environment. Be patient. Savor every little moment, even when you might be frustrated or exhausted. Your puppy will only be a puppy once so savor it. Those puppy memories will be cherished and bring you a smile once your pug is grey and old. ;)
"When Pigs Fly!" is a fantastic training book and, honestly, the first time we read this years ago was the first time we finally understood our pugs and how to train these 'less biddable' dogs. If you have ever been frustrated with what might perceived as a stubborn streak, then you'll understand that it's because pugs are brilliant dogs but need a wide learning curve and want to be a part of the learning process. You will be glad you got this book. It's easy to read, clear, helpful, practical, and just the right length. ;) (Click the image to see where to order).
Spay Neuter Booklet:
Pickwick Pugs recommends waiting until the growth plates have closed closer to 1.5-2 years of age before spay/neuter. This veterinarian explains a bit more about the role of hormones in the important development of joints and bones to prevent future injuries and problems.
Exercise Booklet:
Exercise Poster (We recommend that all new puppy owners -- even if they have owned puppies in the past -- purchase this awesome poster from Puppy Culture and post in a prominent place throughout the puppy's first year and half to 2 years of life. Click on image to order this awesome 24x36 poster)
