How we choose to raise our puppies...it matters!
At Eastshore Goldens we do not breed often, so when we do, we make it our full time job. We take raising puppies very seriously as we know their beginning experiences are the foundation of a wonderful life. We look at the "whole puppy" and focus on enriching each one of them from the earliest possible moment.
We know that the best possible start in life consists of many factors including nutrition, stimulation, grooming, enrichment, and socialization. It is clear that diet plays a huge role in the health of a dog and we have chosen a raw diet and The Honest Kitchen to provide them with the best nutrition possible.
Once the puppies are three days old, and both mom and babies have had plenty of rest and quiet time together, we begin early neurological stimulation using the Bio Sensor Program. There are five benefits to early handling and stimulation none of which occur naturally at this stage of life.
1. Improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate)
2. Stronger heart beats
3. Stronger adrenal glands
4. More tolerance to stress
5. Greater resistance to disease.
This early stimulation, along with handling, socialization and a highly enriched environment help the puppies transition easily to their new families with less stress.
At three weeks of age, when the puppies ears and eyes are open, they are moved to "puppy world" where they are exposed to new items on a regular basis. This enriched environment is a must in early socialization. They will be exposed to many different surfaces, sounds. toys, colors, and movable items. This type of ever-expanding environment is essential to learning, building resiliency and creating confidence in each puppy. At this time housetraining begins as they have separate areas for play and potty as well as a doggy door to learn to go outside.
At four weeks of age, the "puppy parties" begin. New Eastshore puppy owners come weekly to socialize the puppies and bond with them, although they will not know which puppy will be theirs yet. This is where the new puppy owners' education begins, and topics such as diet, vaccine, and training are discussed.
At Eastshore Goldens, we believe that a low vaccine protocol is essential in the health of a dog. We follow Jean Dodds' protocol. Click below to see the protocol and reasoning behind our choices.
Jean Dodds' Protocol Vaccine Information Vaccine Information
At seven weeks of age, the puppies are temperament tested. We use the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test and fellow breeders and trainers help us evaluate each puppy for temperament. This information helps us match the right puppy to their new homes. At eight weeks of age, the puppies are evaluated for structure using Pat Hastings Evaluation Method. With the help of other breeders we are able to choose potential show puppies in a litter.
Eastshore Golden Retrievers at Fieldstone Farm
