Puppy Information

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…..A Tad Bit’ About How We Raise Our Pups!……

At von Hayden Shepherds every puppy is born and raised in my house in a family environment. We monitor each puppies weight gain, feeding, growth, etc. Daily.
We spend a great deal of time with our puppies right from birth - leaving us knowing every "crack and crevices" of our pups! We have learned that a well balanced puppy needs to be socialized .....the more the better! We put a 110% into raising puppies, which is a full time effort to guarantee the best possible foundation will be imprinted on every pup. Each puppy has individual time with us, having fun and getting love! When our puppies are born each is assigned with a color, and this is how we keep record of their daily routines .

During their first few weeks indoors they are faced with everyday life: children and people of all ages, cats, ferrets, birds, dogs of all ages, hardwood floors, carpets, loud noises, toys, puppy chews and eating on their own. Along with Mom's help, we help give the puppies guidance, with that the puppies quickly learn what is expected of them. Around the age of 5 weeks our puppies are introduced to new challenges such as: investigating outside for their first time, Being introduced to crate training, leash training, basic training/manners, housebreaking, and being separated more often from 'Mommy and siblings' and car rides. We feel socialization is one of the most important learning process in which a dog goes through as a puppy. We spend a lot time with our puppies on a daily basis individually and together we get to love and understand each of them.

From the time the puppies start running around (2-3 weeks). Their box will be moved several times to get them used to the new surroundings. In our "puppy room" we have correct ventilation, heat/ac with ceiling fans, T.V., Radio, & Phone! Around this time they are pulled from mom for several hours throughout the day. During that time mom gets a break and puppies are socialized, introduced to new things, nail clipping, etc.
Around 3-4 weeks is when they are moved again to an indoor/outdoor kennel 15X20 during the day. Where they have time with both mom and litter mates to play, eat and sleep! Most of my litters have began eating their own meals several times a day by this time. They are also introduced to the "jungle gym" - with toys galore, interactive toys, slides, hiding places, tunnels, tables you name it they have it!! This is were they go throughout the day, just to play!

Around 4-5 weeks is when we begin basics of:
Marker training - Positive reinforcement with food.
Leash training - Where they get use to a leash only dragging behind them.
Crate training - Crate training is made a purely positive thing at this age. We will set open as many crates as their is dogs and put something inside of great desire to them. Raw bones, Pig Ears, Toys and encourage crate time. After a week or so we will begin closing them in a crate for 20 minutes at a time so they grow accustom to this. Making life easier for the puppy's new family.
Car Time - One of the biggest adventures for our puppies is "Car Time"- we take them for various rides to get them used to riding in cars.
One evaluation is done at this age testing total temperament, nerves, and drives.
Around 6-8 weeks we continue all of the above.
Puppies are learning to live without mom's support 24/7. Mom is usually pulled for several hours throughout the day & night for alone time.
Puppies are also being separated from both mom and litter mates more often for individual play sessions & training sessions.
Puppies are now starting to face new things constantly as this point. Play with other dogs of all ages and sizes. Also playing with household pets, cats, birds, ferrets, rats, and whatever else crossing our house.
Learning very basic manners- we don't teach no bite, no jump, etc. Because depending where the pup goes (working/show/pet) they need not to be discourage from things that are wanted in that field of work.
All puppies have begun "searching for there food" outdoors in the grass. Inside we take there food bowls and hide them in various places.
Two or Three more puppy evaluations testing total temperament, nerves, and drives.
By Seven Weeks Old:
Been on 7 different surfaces, such as: hardwood floors, carpet, concrete, wood, vinyl, grass, dirt, gravel, wood chips, newspaper, etc.
Played with 7 different types of objects, such as: big balls, small balls, soft fabric toys, fuzzy balls, squeaky toys, metal items, wooden items, paper/cardboard items, milk/soda jugs, etc.
Been in 7 different locations, including: front yard, backyard, basement, kitchen, car, garage, laundry room, bathroom, crate, kennel, etc.
Been exposed to 7 challenges, such as: climbed a box, climbed off a box, gone through a tunnel, climbed up steps, climbed down steps, climbed over obstacles, played hide and seek, gone in and out of a doorway with a step, etc.
Eaten from 7 different containers: Stainless Steel, Glass, Paper, Pans, Plastic, On the ground, etc.
Eaten in 7 different locations: crate, yard, kitchen, basement, laundry room, bedroom, x-pen, etc.
Met and played with 7 new people, of all ages! Infant - Senior!
By Eight Weeks Old Our Puppies Have Experienced All Of The Following:
Living in a family environment with kids, people, other dogs and animals.
Being separated from mom and the littermates. Making it easier for puppies to settle into their new homes without separation anxiety.
Explored the worlds of hardwood floors, rugs, tile, grass, rocks/stones & steps!
We introduce all puppies to the water including "bath time" & "Swimming"!
Puppies nails are clipped every week from a young age, usually helps them deal with "feet touching" much better. Making grooming at home possible.
Has begun crate training overnight. Depending upon each litter, we show them the basics of crate training and house training.
Because the puppies spend so much time with us there learning basic manners.
Marker Training was enforced from a young age with all positive re-enforcement (food, praise, and toys).
We also begin leash training around 7 weeks.
Has been introduced to car rides and visits to the local stores to meet new people, several times!
Has been taught to search for their food. (Imprinting for Tracking)
All Of Our Puppies Come With The Following:
One of the best Hip and Health Guarantee, available.
Tattoo'd and/or Microchipped.
Registration Papers.
Health Records - Showing all vaccinations and worming's to date.
Our Personalized Puppy Pack (now offered online): Information on the breed, food, puppy advise, coupons, training tips, anything/everything you will need to know.
Vet checked around 1, 5 and 8 weeks.
Age appropriate socialization.
You will be automatically added to our ELetter mailing list with informational updates, articles, news and more!
All the proper imprinting needed for future training
Last but not least..A lifetime of breeder support, advice and contact!
All Our Puppies Are Raised On Lots of Raw Meats and Veggies and Verus Dog Food.
Each litter of puppies I breed is assigned a letter of the alphabet. So if the litter is a "O" litter, then each pup must be named with a name starting with "O," preceded with von Hayden. The purpose of this is for accurate record keeping.
For example "O" Outrageous von Hayden - Call name: "Rage"