How our Puppies are raised
Before your puppy leaves to join your family it will have already
experienced many different sights, sounds and environments
designed to help them adjust faster and be prepared for the next
chapter in life.
This is not something all breeders will do and we encourage
those looking for a puppy to do their research and understand
the difference made by correct puppy raising techniques. Here is a sneak peak at a Morekos puppy from birth to 8 weeks...…
After much planning, vet checks and the highest regards to care and nurturing, the whelping process will begin in the home, under close watch. With vets on standby for any possible problems and round the clock care, each pup is born, checked over and monitored while mum delivers the whole litter. Mum and puppies are kept clean and comfortable in a large heated whelping box, to stay warm in the cold or if it is hot they will be provided cooling, depending on the room temperature. A vet check is performed if there are any concerns for mum and pups.
The whelping box is positioned in a calm but high traffic area to expose the pups to the routines of everyday life, thus they are used to the sounds of TV's, vacuum's, washing machines and even the toilet.
Right from birth each puppy is regularly handled and loved. All our litters undergo Early Neurological Stimulation or ENS (see our videos for a run down on this procedure) from 3 -16 days of age. Research suggests genetics make up only 35% of a dogs ability/personality, therefore Morekos takes the responsibility of raising well adjusted puppies very seriously, giving each pup every chance to succeed and prosper.
Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to the ENS exercises. The benefits noted were:
1. Improved cardiovascular performance (heart rate)
2. Stronger heart beats,
3. Stronger adrenal glands,
4. More tolerance to stress, and
5. Greater resistance to disease.
2 weeks is when the eyes and ears open. Now the pups are starting to explore the world around them. They will be kept in a clean and toy enriched environment, that will help develop personalities and allow for exploration and fun.
Periodically throughout their time in my home they are played the 'Sound Proof Puppy Training App' as it is important to make sure the pups are exposed to noise early in development to help them become free of noise phobias. The pups are exposed to these novelty sounds initially during meal times, to pair the new experience with something good, which is critical to ensure they are being desensitised and not the opposite.
Weaning is from 2-4 weeks. As soon as the pups are interested in solids they will be offered plentiful amounts of nutritious premium food, designed for large breed puppies. Once they are eating well the pups will be fed in individual bowls, this helps to prevent food aggression and resource guarding, as well as accustoming them to having manners during dinner time.
4 weeks is when all the fun begins -
The pups will now get to explore the daytime (outdoor) puppy enclosure. It is designed to expose the litter to many different surfaces and obstacles to help them learn and develop faster, this is where the pups explore while I am working, provided the weather is suitable for them to be outside with mum. The pups are taken on trips to other friends houses and various outings to shops and dog friendly (clean and disease free) venues, to further their socialization. They will be introduced to a puppy crate for when confinement will be needed in the future, eg. stays at the vet, dog clubs, etc. Crate training (when taught correctly) helps a dog develop independence by teaching the pup that it is ok to be alone for short periods, thus, helping to minimise the potential for developing separation anxiety. By the time our puppies start to leave for their new homes at 8 weeks they will be used to sleeping individually at night.
They are never locked away in boring, bland environments and get to roam around the whole yard (and house) when I'm home to supervise. Puppies will spend much of the daytime outdoors, running free (weather permitting) but will be brought indoors at night to the indoor pen or crates with open doors to a playpen, at night. The crucial socialisation period for a German Shepherd is considered to be between 4 and 10 weeks. I make every effort possible to expose the puppies to different people, animals, sounds and sights to help get them off to a head start, before they head off to their new homes at 8 weeks, my friends and family also love the chance to help socialise the pups and are always cued up to take part.
At six weeks its time for their microchipping and then first vaccination at the vets. Before this all important check, the puppies will already be used to handling of the face, ears, tail as well as basic restraints that may be needed in a veterinary exam. This helps make the vet a happy place and helps the vet to get everything done efficiently so there is time for a cuddle and a liver treat at the end.
At 8 weeks old it's pick up time, the pups will receive their parasite protection for heartworm, fleas and ticks and receive another intestinal wormer (provided every 2 weeks).
We provide them with an "Adaptil" collar to assist with the transition from our home to their new home and a puppy pack full of goodies to get them off to the right start.
Once in their forever homes the pups can start a new life with a loving family to share and grow old with, and a new chapter for the puppies begin, however we are only a phone call away for help and advice for the life of all Morekos puppies. Morekos progeny can be found in throughout Australia and overseas, as loving companions, sporting competitors, Police dogs, Assistance animals, medical alert dogs and in detection roles, including conservation detection work.
