Raising Program

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Step 1 - Prenatal Care

 

Our raising program begins even before the puppies are born.

• Health of the Dam: We ensure the dam is in optimal health, providing her with a balanced, high-quality diet, regular veterinary care, and stress-free living conditions.

• Prenatal Stimulation: Research shows that the puppies’ development is influenced even in the womb. We provide gentle stimulation for the dam, including massage and quiet bonding time, to support the puppies’ early neurological growth.

 

Step 2 - Early Neurological Stimulation (Days 3–16)

 

We follow the Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) protocol developed by the U.S. military and widely endorsed by Puppy Culture.

• What ENS Does: Helps develop stronger heartbeats, greater tolerance to stress, and improved immune function.

• Exercises: Each puppy experiences five gentle exercises daily, such as handling in different positions and exposure to mild temperature changes.

 

Step 3 - Early Scent Introduction (Days 3–16)

 

In addition to ENS, we incorporate the Early Scent Introduction (ESI) protocol, a proven method to stimulate a puppy’s olfactory senses.

• What ESI Does: Introduces puppies to a variety of scents to develop their scenting abilities and improve focus and confidence.

• How It Works: Each day, we introduce a new safe scent, such as herbs, flowers, or other natural items. The scent is presented for 5–10 seconds, allowing the puppy to engage with it.

• Benefits: This protocol can enhance a puppy’s future abilities in scent-related activities like herding, search and rescue, or even therapy work, while also boosting their cognitive development.

 

Step 4 - Early Socialization (Weeks 3–8)

 

Socialization is crucial for Pembroke Welsh Corgis, as they are intelligent, active, and people-oriented dogs.

• Sensory Exposure: Puppies are introduced to a variety of sights, sounds, textures, and surfaces (e.g., grass, tile, and carpet).

• Safe Exploration: We provide opportunities for safe exploration to build confidence and curiosity.

• Human Interaction: Puppies are handled daily and exposed to people of different ages and appearances to foster positive human interactions.

 

Step 5 - Introduction to Problem Solving and Enrichment (Weeks 3-10)

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• Interactive Toys: Age-appropriate toys and puzzles help develop problem-solving skills and prevent boredom.

• Confidence Building: We use Puppy Culture’s techniques, such as introducing tunnels, small climbing obstacles, and mild challenges, to encourage resilience.

 

Step 6 - Social Structure and Manners (Weeks 5–10)

 

We take the puppies through Puppy Culture’s “socialization period” activities to teach them how to be good canine citizens.

• Littermate Interaction: Puppies learn bite inhibition and other critical social behaviors from their littermates.

• Polite Behavior: Basic manners are introduced, such as waiting patiently for food and gentle interactions with people.

 

Step 7 - Noise Desensitization

 

To prepare our puppies for real-world living, we expose them to a variety of sounds in a controlled, gradual way.

• Examples: Household noises (vacuum, TV, doorbell), outdoor sounds (cars, thunder, birds), and human voices.

• Goal: Puppies grow into confident adults who are not easily startled by unfamiliar sounds.

 

Step 8 - Health and Veterinary Care

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• Routine Health Checks: Our puppies are examined by a licensed veterinarian at least twice before they leave for their new homes.

• Vaccination Schedule: Puppies receive their first set of core vaccinations and a deworming regimen, following the PWCCA’s health recommendations.

• Microchipping: Each puppy is microchipped for their safety and future identification.

 

Step 9 -  Crate Training and Housebreaking Introduction

 

To ease the transition to their forever homes, we begin basic crate training and introduce housebreaking concepts.

• Crate Familiarization: Puppies learn that the crate is a safe and comfortable space.

• Potty Routine: We follow a consistent schedule to encourage good bathroom habits.

 

Step 10 - Herding Instinct Evaluation (Optional)

 

As Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a herding breed, we provide opportunities for puppies to display their natural instincts.

• Exposure to Livestock: If applicable, we introduce puppies to livestock in a safe and controlled manner.

• Observation: This helps future owners understand their puppy’s potential in herding activities.

 

Step 11 - Transition to New Homes (Weeks 9–11)

 

We ensure a smooth handoff to their new families.

• Puppy Care Package: Each puppy goes home with:

• A sample of their current food.

• A blanket or toy with the dam’s scent for comfort.

• Health records, including vaccination and deworming history.

• A booklet of training tips and breed-specific information.

• Continued Support: We provide ongoing support to our puppy families, offering advice and resources to help them succeed.

 

Commitment to the Breed

 

Our program aligns with the PWCCA’s standards for responsible breeding, focusing on producing healthy, well-tempered Corgis that embody the breed’s traits of intelligence, loyalty, and athleticism. By combining tradition with modern science, we ensure that every puppy raised at 221B is set up for a lifetime of success.

 

If you have any questions about our program or are interested in reserving a puppy, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to share more about how we raise these incredible dogs!