Puppy Culture is a program developed by Jane Killion, a professional dog trainer and breeder, specifically designed for breeders of AKC Registered English Springer Spaniels. This comprehensive, organized Puppy Culture Program guides breeders through the crucial first weeks of a puppy’s life, optimizing both physical and mental development. Grounded in the latest scientific research, it emphasizes providing puppies with a diverse range of early learning experiences and socialization opportunities, essential for developing well-adjusted adult dogs.
The Puppy Culture program aims to lay a solid foundation of experiences and skills that help puppies grow into confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. This includes exposing them to various people, places, and experiences while teaching basic manners and obedience skills. For those involved in breeding Started Springer Spaniels or European Springer Spaniels, incorporating Puppy Culture can greatly enhance the quality of the puppies produced.
Activities in a Puppy Culture program often include introducing puppies to different surfaces, sounds, and sights; providing opportunities for play and exploration; and teaching fundamental commands like "sit" and "stay." The program also offers training in canine behavior and development, alongside guidance on proper socialization and care for puppies.
Puppy Culture is frequently associated with breeding programs focused on producing high-quality, well-adjusted puppies, representing a holistic approach to breeding and raising puppies that prioritizes their overall health and well-being.
The first 12 weeks of a puppy’s life are critically important. This is a transformative time when a breeder can significantly influence a puppy’s future by implementing the right teachings. By executing the appropriate strategies at the right moments, we can provide your puppy with the best start possible.
At Woodsong, we utilize a combination of protocols from the Puppy Culture program within our home-based training program, tailoring and modifying them based on the specific plans and needs of puppy owners. A head start in neuropathway development is crucial during those first 12 weeks for new puppy owners.
**Prenatal Period:**
Ensuring that your puppy’s genetic material is excellent is just the beginning. The physical and emotional health of the mother directly impacts the health of her puppies. Research indicates that puppies born to mothers receiving prenatal massage tend to be more docile and enjoy being touched. Consequently, we pamper our mothers with affection and belly massages, fostering a predisposition for forming deep, meaningful relationships even before birth.
**Neonatal Period: 0-14 days**
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) starts on day 3 and continues through day 16. Studies show that small, manageable struggles and stresses can be beneficial for puppies, aiding their development into strong, healthy adults. Benefits include greater stress tolerance, disease resistance, a faster adrenal response, and a stronger heart rate, making this a unique gift a breeder can provide within the critical window of 3-16 days.
**Transitional Period: 14-21 days**
Behavioral markers help identify the beginning and end of developmental periods since every puppy is unique, and these timelines serve as guidelines. The transitional period starts when the puppy's eyes open and concludes when they first startle at sounds.
**Critical Socialization Period: 3-12 weeks**
Many believe socialization means exposing puppies to numerous new experiences while they are young. While this is part of the process, it is insufficient on its own. Our goal is to raise dogs with the emotional intelligence to connect with humans. The Puppy Culture Program teaches breeders how to nurture this emotional intelligence in puppies, focusing on seven key areas: Communication, Emotional Stability, Habituation, Enrichment, Health, Skills, and Love.
Weeks 10-12: According to Puppy Culture protocol, puppies go home to their families at this stage, allowing them two weeks during the critical socialization period to adapt to their new family’s lifestyle and meet new people and experiences.
**What is manding?**
“Manding” refers to the automatic sitting of a puppy in front of a person they are interacting with. It is not a mandatory behavior but an acceptable alternative to jumping on a person. Unlike a “sit” command, think of manding as a way for the puppy to communicate their desire for interaction without jumping up. While it may be charming for a tiny puppy to jump, it can become problematic in an adult dog. As Jane Killion, author of Puppy Culture, describes, manding provides a voice for the puppy, allowing them to seek attention in a welcome manner without jumping on you or an x-pen as you approach, fostering positive interactions for the rest of their lives.
