Do you currently have puppies, and if so what is the date of birth or when do you expect to have them?
We do not have any puppies right now. We carefully plan our breeding, with the goal to create an AKC breed standard puppy to show. Genetic testing, generational lineage, proper temperament are some of the major core attributes we carefully analyze. Puppies go to their homes when they are 12 weeks old. We are not a high-volume breeder - maybe do a breeding every 2 years.
Can you describe for us what you would normally do to socialize the puppies prior to adoption?
I use the Puppy Culture instructional video and workbook. This program focuses on a series of exercises and activities designed to make puppies rock solid with regard to temperament, biddability, trainability, and being good canine citizens. This outlines what I do here: Link here.
In fact, I encourage all puppy buyers to watch the film so that they are on the same page with regard to training and positive reinforcement: Link here.
What type of basic training do you do prior to adoption?
The puppies will be crate trained, beginning leash trained, trained to not guard food or toys. They will do something called: "manding" which is sitting to ask for things they want. We make a start at potty training but their bladders are too little at this age to be fully potty trained. They will be used to playing on puppy agility equipment and will be able to go through tunnels and walk over shifting surfaces. They will be exposed to many different sites and sounds.
Will they be exposed to and/or socialized with other dogs prior to adoption?
We have 3 adult corgis in the house that the puppies will be exposed to daily. After their first set of immunizations, we will take them to HomeDepot and other stores and our dentist (yes, the dentist wants us to bring the puppies there for socialization). We will take them to our puppy kindergarten instructor's house to meet gentle dogs that are in her class. They will go for numerous car rides (while in crates).