I have put together a “Super Puppies Program” based on the following 5 areas of research.

1.  Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)

Based on years of research, the American military learned that early neurological stimulation exercises for puppies could have important lasting effects. This program is implemented from day 3 to day 16 of age. It involves 5 exercises which stimulate neurological development. Results show that puppies who experience ENS are better able to handle stress, are more out going and learn more quickly. This is a new program we are implementing at Waratah with our puppies.

2. Early Puppy Socialisation - Critical Development Period Weeks 3-8 with the Breeder, Weeks 8-16 with the new Owner. Early puppy socialisation will determine the success of a puppy’s future as a pet. In fact everything we do as dog breeders will impact the lifelong prospects of your puppy it is ridiculous! That is why we take it so seriously. A puppys critical period of socialisation occurs from weeks 3 to 16. It will be a joint effort between myself and you as to how confident, curious and playful your puppy is. How much your puppy sees humans as part of his pack and how confident he is in the world with which he lives. I have my end covered and I will closely guide you through the critical period from weeks 8 – 16.

An under socialised puppyhood will result in a mature dog that is fearful of novel experiences, difficult to handle, noise sensitive, anxious around other dogs and people and afraid of exploring.

As breeders we have the lion’s share of impact on how our puppies will turn out as adults. By family rearing our puppies they are exposed daily to the sights, sounds and smells of normal households. They spend time inside and outside every day. They are cuddled every day, are exposed to different surfaces, introduced to unfamiliar people and dogs (friendly), scary sounds such as the lawn mower, banging plastic bags, objects with wheels, man made objects and new environments. I will give you a comprehensive guide as what to do when you take your puppy home to complete a successful puppy socialization period.

3.  Family Reared Puppies

This goes hand in hand with puppy socialisation. Our puppies become part of our family and establish human bonds very early on. We have lots of family and visitors to play with our puppies. Kennel rearing has no place in breeding practices at Waratah.

4. Commencement of Toilet Training

Contrary to some beliefs toilet training should start with the breeder very early in life. It is very important at 3 to 3.5 weeks of age to set the puppies room up properly for toilet training as puppies become mobile and start eating solid food. A dog does not like to go to the toilet in their sleeping area. We set up a designated toilet area, usually newspaper in their room away from the sleeping mat. As the puppies grow bigger and become more mobile, first thing in the morning they are let outside on the grass to go to the toilet. They learn very quickly. I will give you a comprehensive guide to finish off the toilet training of your puppy once you take her home.

5. Many dog experts recommend that you crate train your puppy. It is a great method to finish off toilet training which I will have well on the way and it will become a safe place for your puppy as they are traditionally “cave dwellers”. The crate is a great training aid and it will make your life with a new puppy much easier.

6. All new puppy parents will be sent a comprehensive book on raising a healthy Golden Retriever Puppy. This is a valuable asset to have as a reference. It covers everything from what vaccinations your puppy will need to finishing off toilet training, crate training and socialisation. It also has a great guide as to setting up your house to be puppy proof and a list of items you will need. This book gets sent out once a deposit is paid.

I will send out this information prior to you picking up your puppy.