The Pre-natal Period

Pre-natal Period

The stages of development in a puppy’s life and the influences on the puppy during that stage may vary slightly from breed to breed and each puppy within a litter can go through learning stages at a different rate then its siblings. In order to raise the best puppies possible, the activities done during these sensitive periods are all adapted to meet the needs of each puppy.

We know that raising a healthy puppy begins before it is even conceived. It starts with the health of the parents. Our selection and pairing of parents is based on their genetics and their temperament. Our dam’s and sire’s are well taken care of emotionally, physically, and nutritionally which not only meets their needs, but also prepares them to produce high quality puppies. Prior to their “honeymoon” period, both the sire and dam are dewormed.

Our dam’s life stays pretty much the same until the 3rd trimester, and then she gets frequent relaxing massages. Research has shown that a pregnant female that is massaged and caressed during this trimester has been shown to produce more docile puppies. According to Michael Fox, author of Understanding your Dog, it “activates the parasympathetic system, facilitating relaxation, digestion, and emotional attachment.”  So not only does she get a feel good massage, but the physical contact provides her unborn puppies with a better start to life.