My Puppy Curriculum

At Emerald Park Border Collies, puppies are raised using a structured, developmentally appropriate puppy curriculum designed to support emotional resilience, confidence, and adaptability.

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My objective is not simply to produce puppies, but to raise dogs who are well-prepared for life in family homes — thoughtful, stable, and able to cope with the real world.

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This curriculum is built on a combination of:

• Proven behavioural science

• Puppy Culture principles

• Early neurological and sensory development protocols

• Years of hands-on breeding and behavioural experience

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It is adapted thoughtfully for each litter, recognising that no two puppies — or litters — are the same.

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Philosophy Behind the Curriculum

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Puppies are not born resilient — resilience is developed.

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While genetics provide the foundation, the environment a puppy is raised in during the first eight weeks plays a critical role in shaping:

• Emotional regulation

• Stress tolerance

• Curiosity and confidence

• Ability to learn and recover from challenge

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My curriculum focuses on appropriate exposure without overwhelm, respecting the puppy’s developmental stage rather than rushing or overstimulating learning.

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Early Development (Birth to 2 Weeks)

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From Day Three, puppies begin Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), a series of gentle handling exercises designed to support:

• Nervous system development

• Stress resilience

• Cardiovascular and immune function

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Puppies are also introduced to Early Scent Introduction (ESI) following Dr Gayle Watkins’ protocol. Daily scent exposure supports:

• Optimistic behavioural outlook

• Enhanced problem-solving

• Reduced behavioural challenges later in life

 

Sensory & Environmental Exposure (2–4 Weeks)

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As eyes and ears open, puppies begin carefully managed exposure to:

• Household sounds

• Gentle startle-and-recovery exercises

• Novel environments within the safety of the home

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At this stage, puppies are physically capable of startling but do not yet experience fear, making this a critical window for building confidence and recovery skills.

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Enrichment & Learning (3–6 Weeks)

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As mobility increases, enrichment activities are introduced, including:

• Varied textures, surfaces, and objects

• Problem-solving opportunities

• Climbing, balancing, and exploration

• Exposure to different sounds and movement

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These activities support:

• Brain development

• Coordination and body awareness

• Confidence in novelty

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All enrichment is introduced gradually and positively, with careful observation of individual puppies.

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Foundations for Life Skills (3–8 Weeks)

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As puppies mature, the curriculum expands to include:

• Early toilet training

• Pen, kennel, and crate exposure

• Gentle behaviour shaping (eg. sitting for attention, appropriate interaction with people)

• Exposure to different clothing, movement, and handling styles

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At around seven to eight weeks, puppies are also gently introduced to:

• Marker words

• Leash exposure

• Clicker foundations

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These are introductions only, designed to familiarise puppies — not to train formally.

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Observation & Individual Support

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Throughout the process, puppies are:

• Closely observed as individuals

• Supported where needed

• Allowed adequate rest and sleep

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Temperament assessments are conducted to help families understand their puppy’s current traits, not to predict future behaviour.

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A Flexible, Living Curriculum

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This curriculum is not rigid.

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Each litter is evaluated independently, and activities are adjusted to suit:

• The puppies’ developmental pace

• Individual sensitivities

• Environmental factors

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Some litters need to move more slowly; others are ready for greater challenge. Respecting that variation is central to my approach.

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The Goal

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The aim of the Emerald Park puppy curriculum is simple:
To raise confident, emotionally sound puppies who feel safe in the world and prepared to form strong, trusting relationships with their families.