About Labradoodles: Puppy Development (Life Stages)

Neonatal (Birth - 12 days):  The puppy cannot see at all and cannot hear well, but they can smell.  They are mobile but stay close to mother and litter mates.  The pups and their mom are taken to the vet for their first check at 1-2 days old.   I handle the puppies regularly and gently.  As they get to the end of their first week my sons also become involved in holding, hugging.  This is one of our families most favorite things to do.

Transitional (13 - 20 days):  Eyes are open and they can hear.  They begin to walk around, albeit on wobbly legs.  They are now able to eliminate without their mother's licking (changing their diapers).  The puppies will start on solid food.  The puppies are introduced to a more challenging environment with new surfaces to walk on and different toys to play with.  We take great pleasure in these first introductions.  The pups are a pleasure to be with and so absolutely adorable.

Juvenile (between socialization period and puberty):

Primary Socialization (3 - 7 weeks):  Puppies use their sense of sight and hearing along with smell.  The puppies begin to learn from each other.  Such as when not to bite too hard and relating to each other through play with mom guiding them.  Mom begins to wean the puppies as they are introduced to solid food.  They love the yogurt bowl!  The puppies are each taken for a vet visit.  Each puppy is given lots of one on one time with family members as well as group time.  We continue to introduce new experiences.  The puppies are used to lots of household noises from a bustling home.  Crate training is started.

Human Socialization (starts at week 7):  Puppies have been completely weaned.  The puppies are learning rapidly and socialization is imperative.  We introduce pups to people with glasses, with beards, funny hats, caps and everyone has a great time dressing up!!

Fear Impact Period (8 to 11 weeks):  Puppies have another vet visit prior to going to their new homes.  We are very careful to make vet visits fun for the puppy.  Puppies learn from bad experiences during this phase, which is why we work hard with them before they enter this period to make anything that could potentially be scary into a fun game with toys or yummy food.  We recommend structure and healthy management of your puppy's time for a smooth transition to their new home.  

Adolescent (Starts at puberty and ends at Maturity): more information coming soon...

Second Fear Impact (between 5 and 12 months).  Pup can suddenly get shy or timid with new people or situations.  Building confidence through training is imperative.  Avoid any stressful situations. 

Maturity (1-4 years):  coming soon....