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/Puppies

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The Whelping box is in the corner of the bedroom where mother can have peace and quiet from the other dogs and it is easy to keep an eye on the young family

Dragonstones Australian Cattle Dogs, South Africa

From about 3 days for 14 days, once a day, the puppies experience Early Neurological Stimulation (also referred to as Biosensory Program) - a set of 5 exercises where each position is held for a maximum of 5 sec.

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Once the puppies eyes start to open and they are up off their bellies a potty area is added to the whelping box. 

From now on a new object or two are added to the puppy area daily. Puppies start to play with people.

When all the puppies can see and are mobile an extension is added to the whelping box with a larger potty area. Matting with good traction is put down over the whole area to save young joints from slipping.

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Socialization with people, starting with family and people the bitch knows and trusts, starts as soon as their eyes are open.

Not having cats a blanket that cats have been sleeping on is added to the whelping box to build up a positive association with cats.

In the third week they are introduced to other dogs that the bitch trusts.

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At 4 weeks the puppies are moved from the whelping area to the weaning pen in the kitchen. An outside door links this area to the covered garden at the back of the house where there is a second pen. The puppies will stay here until they leave home around 10 weeks.

New objects and socialization continues.

As the puppies get stronger we start taking them outside on expeditions to explore the world. They will also have short car rides to play on fields & lawns around the farm.

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In the last couple of weeks before the puppies leave they will go to have their hearing tested, have their temperament tested using the Volhard test, have their structure evaluated by an experienced breeder and judge & go out on some play dates. The whole time socialization with people will continue and they will experience something new every day.

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Conditioning emotional responses to prevent resource guarding
The bone is taken away and some roast chicken is given and then the bone is returned.
Volhard Puppy Attitude test: behaviourist Marizelle Strydom takes the puppies through the exercises that gives us an indication of their mental soundness and highlights areas that need to be worked on - with this pup we need to work on him being restrained and having his feet handled.
Puppies at play
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A stunning video explaining puppy socialisation  

Dragonstones Australian Cattle Dogs, South Africa - Born & Bred in the Boland

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