Wunderhaus Puppy Program

𝒲𝓊𝓃𝒹𝑒𝓇𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓈 𝒫𝓊𝓅𝓅𝓎 𝒫𝓇𝑜𝑔𝓇𝒶𝓂

Neonatal Program

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)
or Bio Sensor (also referred to as Neonatal Neuro Stimulation)

Starting on Day 3 through Day 16, we perform five exercises. We complete the exercises from beginning to end before starting with the next pup. The handling of each pup once per day involves the following exercises:

1. Tactical stimulation (between toes)
2. Head held erect
3. Head pointed down
4. Supine position
5. Thermal stimulation

Gayle Watkins - Bio-Sensor Excercises

Early Scent Introduction (ESI)

Starting on Day 3 through Day 16, we introduce a new scent daily to each puppy. We use natural items such as grass, dirt and leaves. Essential oils, leather, wooden and plastic items. Fruits, herbs and spices (lemon, apples, rosemary, mint and cloves.) We complete the exercises from beginning to end before starting with the next pup.

click here for our Puppy Essentials + Socialization page

Critical Periods in Puppy Development

Neonatal Period Birth - 12 days

Wunderhaus provides a safe environment for the whelping of our puppies. During this time, puppies cannot regulate their body temperature and elimination. Puppies do respond to warmth, touch and smell. On day 3, we introduce ESI and ENS to the pups. Puppies cannot see well or hear at this point. They will stay close to the Mother and littermates.

The "All Nighter Gang" (A Litter) Newborns

Two weeks old

Transition Period 13 - 20 days

During this phase, we pick up the pups daily. It is important to cuddle them, talk to them and a spend a few minutes with each puppy.
The exciting news at this time...eyes are now open and puppy can hear! The puppies begin to walk in a wobbly fashion.They can also respond to taste and smell.

Transition Period 21 - 23 days

It is crucial the puppies have a stable environment. The whelping box is not to be moved! Puppies need to remain with it's littermates and Mother. The pups sight and smell function well now. Wunderhaus introduces a new surface such as linoleum, wood, carpet and concrete every day.

K Litter - 3wks old

A Litter - 4wks old

CANINE SOCIALIZATION PERIOD 21 - 49 days

It's very important that puppies receive alot of socialization! They need plenty of interaction and playtime with Mom and littermates in order to learn canine behaviors. It is also crucial that each of the pups have one-on-one individual attention with humans. It is important to begin postive training at 5 weeks old. We expose the pups to a variety of noises and different floor surfaces during this time.

Human Socialization Period 7 - 12 weeks

Puppy is ready to go to their new family at 8 weeks! They can now learn simple behavioral responses such as.. sit, stay and come. Housebreaking also begins. We can not stress enough the importance of socialization. The critical window for socialization is 8-16wks. Wunderhaus encourages you to enroll your puppy in a puppy kindergarten group class!

B Litter at 7.5wks (pic courtesy of Eli's Mom)

Jolene (F Litter, Red collar) 9.5wks old

Fear Impact Period 8 - 11 weeks

This period is called fear impact period for a reason... anything that frightens your puppy during this period will have a more lasting effect than if it occured at any other time in his/her life. Children or animals should not be given an opportunity to scare or hurt your puppy. It's important to to keep all training positive and fun. Puppies have a short attention span, so you want to keep training sessions short.

SENIORITY CLASSIFICATION PERIOD 13 - 16 weeks

Ah! This is the teething phase. Beware of the landsharks! Positive training should continue and your puppy should be enrolled in a puppy kindergarten class. It's important to praise for the correct behaviors that you want. Socialize, socialize, socialize! Get your puppy out in the world!

Jagger ( D Litter, Tan collar) 16wks old

Diamond Diva 5.5 months old

FLIGHT INSTINCT PERIOD 4 - 8 months

Remember earlier, we mentioned socialization? Well this is the period where you'll find out if you properly socialized your puppy or not. Hopefully you did! Puppies that are not socialized during this period will more than likely take a different path in life than pups that were socialized. You may notice changes in your dog during this time, he or she is probably going through his or her "flight instinct" period. Similar to a teenager going through puberty, your puppy is changing physiologically.

SECOND FEAR PERIOD 6 - 14 months

During this stage...
A female will experience her first heat anywhere from 6-12 months. A heat lasts 21 days. Keep the boys away!
A male will begin to lift his leg.
His or her puppy coat will transition to it's adult coat, starting down the spine.
During this phase it's important to keep all situations positive and fun. Be patient. Be sure to enforce positive socialization exposure, but be careful to avoid overwhelming situations. Your puppy may appear apprehensive so be sure not to pressure him/her. Let him or her approach as he or she is ready. It's important to praise confidence.

Zeke (D Litter) 8 mos.

Annie (A Litter) 4yrs

MATURITY 1 - 4 years

When this period has been reached, It's important that your pup remains crated or similar structure when you are not able to supervise his behavior. If you were lax in training, starting at 9-10 weeks and on, you may now see the things you have missed: object guarding, unfavorable reactions towards unfamiliar people, animals, or things that your dog missed during the socialization period.