Before being placed with their new owners, the puppies are gradually exposed during their socialization and imprinting phase to everyday household sounds (e.g., kitchen appliances, vacuum cleaner, washing machine…), garden noises (lawn mower, shredder), and environmental sounds.

During their daily time in the outdoor puppy run, the puppies are exposed to all kinds of equipment, toys, everyday situations, and surfaces, tailored to their developmental stage, to encourage the development of:

• Balance
• Coordination
• Self-confidence
• Social behavior
• Communication skills

The puppies explore and discover play equipment such as tunnels, seesaws, wobble boards, wobble bridges, ball pits, swings, transport crates/dog houses, and various surfaces. In the process, they are playfully exposed to everyday sounds—like lawn mowers, cars, airplanes, helicopters, and neighborhood noises—without fear. Car rides, veterinary visits, sleeping/staying in a transport crate, leash training, and handling by children and adults are, of course, also part of their socialization.

To develop oral tolerance, the puppies are gently introduced to food and gradually accustomed to different types of food (wet and canned food), treats, as well as fruits and vegetables.

“Puppy Culture” and Manding exercises are playfully practiced with the puppies to support optimal cognitive development. Enrichment items, such as lick mats, food balls, and puppy puzzles, are familiar to the puppies by the time they leave for their new homes.

The puppies may move in with their new owners from the 10th week of life, after multiple dewormings and completion of basic vaccinations at the veterinarian at 8 weeks. They receive a microchip and an EU pet passport from the veterinarian.