The socialization program

A good socialization program is very important. It's the first experiences of a puppy's life that will encourage them to gain self-confidence, explore new things, solve problems and sharpen their curiosity.

At Kachina, the socialization program is based on Puppy Culture and a little on Avidog.

From birth to day 16

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7 and 8

Week 9 and 10

From day 3 of life, we start two stimulation programs: ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) and ESI (Early Scent Introduction).
These two programs are carried out every day from day 3 up to 16 days of life. The benefits are to stimulate the neurological system, work the brain right from the start at the sensory level, and improve stress response, blood circulation and the immune system. These are a series of 5 manipulative exercises followed by an introduction to a new scent each day. From their 3rd day of life, we also start trimming their nails. At Kachina, nails are trimmed every 3 days until 4 weeks of age, then twice a week until they leave.

Eyes and ears are finally functional. Puppies are introduced to different textures, different heights, plush toys and so on.
They're also starting to potty train! Already!
Auditory exposure also begins. Loud noises and outside noises (rain, thunderstorms, etc.) are part of their daily routine. It's also the start of visits.

Week 4 already!
It's already time to add outdoor activities and toys hanging in their enclosure. The toys are rotated every few days. This is also their first deworming.
The introduction to food also begins this week, as do the cages, but without doors! Only as an open space if they want to sleep indoors. Encounters with children and cats will be in the spotlight.
This week also marks the start of puppy problem-solving.

This week we start working with each dog individually. They start learning certain commands. Introduction to different treats. We're also starting to work on toy drives and strange noises (dryer, deflating balloon, etc.).
The park contains more and more games for puppies. We continue to visit and meet dogs outside the pack!

This week we start introducing paws on the ground. Puppies discover that by jumping on us they get our attention. So we're working on “manding”, which consists in teaching the puppy that there's a polite way to ask for attention, i.e. to have all 4 paws on the ground and make eye contact with the person.
It's also the beginning of nights in a crate and the introduction of puppy-friendly interactive bowls. We meet other dogs and even more humans, not to mention starting to learn how to do their business outside. It's also the week of their 2nd deworming.

Evaluation weeks!

During these two weeks, puppies undergo a behavioral evaluation using the Avidog evaluation grid, carried out by a stranger in an unfamiliar environment. It's also during this period that the puppies have their first vaccination and their 3rd deworming. They'll go out for their photo shoots. We also start learning to walk on a leash and assemble the starter kits. It's also at this time that families get confirmation of which puppy they're going to have.

It's already the start of family departures. It's their first official bath before leaving for their families. Indoor and outdoor activities continue with the puppies. Toy/food drive work, learning basic commands and chewing activities. Some meals are also given in toppls to make them work harder.
To avoid stressing our females, the puppies don't all leave on the same weekend. We like to spread the departures over a few days for the well-being of our mothers.