Puppy Development

Understanding a puppy’s development is key to raising confident, healthy, and well-adjusted Border Collies. From prenatal influences to the first weeks in their new home, every stage is a sensitive window of growth that shapes the dog they will become.

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At Emerald Park Border Collies, I follow a structured, scientifically informed puppy development program that combines Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), enrichment, socialisation, scent introduction, and temperament evaluation, all tailored to the needs of each individual puppy.

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Prenatal Period

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Puppy development begins even before birth. The health, temperament, and environment of the parents directly influence the quality of the puppies.

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• My breeding dogs receive rigorous health and temperament assessments, along with optimal nutrition and care.

• In the third trimester, pregnant dams benefit from regular relaxation, massage, and calming music, which has been shown to improve puppy docility and emotional stability.

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This foundation ensures that puppies are born with the best possible start in life, both physically and emotionally.

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Neonatal Period (Birth to 2 Weeks)

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During the first two weeks, puppies are born with closed eyes and ears and cannot regulate body temperature or eliminate waste independently. At this stage:

• Senses of smell and touch dominate, forming the first connections with their mother and littermates.

• Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) begins on Day Three, a daily program of gentle handling exercises that stimulate the nervous system, enhance immune and cardiovascular development, and build stress resilience. Exercises include:

  • Tactile stimulation between toes

  • Head held up

  • Head pointed down

  • Supine position

  • Thermal stimulation

• Early Scent Introduction (ESI) also begins on Day Three. Puppies are exposed to new scents daily, such as dirt, grass, herbs, fruit, and leather. Research shows scent training fosters optimism, problem-solving, and fewer behavioural challenges later in life.

• Controlled sound exposure begins even before hearing is fully developed, ensuring the puppies start to associate everyday household noises with safety.

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All activities are conducted in the whelping box, keeping puppies close to their mother and littermates while carefully guiding their development.

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Transitional Period (Weeks 3–4)

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From around two to three weeks, puppies’ eyes and ears open, and they gain greater awareness and control of their movements. This period marks the start of:

• Toilet training, beginning with artificial grass and designated areas

• Weaning onto soft fresh foods

• Vocalisation and early play with littermates

• Startle and recovery exercises, introducing new sounds and sights in a safe, positive manner

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At this stage, puppies’ environment expands from the whelping box to a toddler area, providing space for early exploration, problem-solving, and confidence-building activities.

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Socialisation Period (Weeks 5–8)

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From week five, puppies enter a critical socialisation window. Activities are gradually increased while respecting their sensitivity during the first fear period:

• Enrichment activities: climbing, balancing, exploring new textures, objects, and surfaces

• Problem-solving opportunities: negotiating obstacles, retrieving items, and tug/play with littermates and humans

• Exposure to humans: different ages, clothing, and facial coverings

• Sound desensitisation: lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, music, and household noises

• Interaction with other dogs in controlled, safe settings

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Feeding is adapted to include Kong toys and structured challenges to encourage calm, focused eating while stimulating problem-solving. Puppies are gradually separated from littermates for short periods to foster independence and reduce separation anxiety, with one-on-one human bonding incorporated daily.

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Behaviour and Training Foundations

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During the socialisation period, puppies begin basic behaviour and learning foundations:

• Marker words and gentle obedience cues (eg. sit, “please”)

• Handling, grooming, and exposure to clothing or accessories

• Leash introduction and clicker foundation

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Temperament testing is conducted between six and eight weeks, assessing traits such as:

• Assertiveness with humans and dogs

• Motivation, energy, prey drive

• Confidence, nerve strength, and sensitivity to touch, sound, and sight

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This helps guide families on how best to support their puppy and identify individual strengths or areas needing additional attention.

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Health and Routine Care

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Throughout development, puppies receive structured care to support their physical wellbeing:

• Nail trims at specific intervals (days 4, 8, 12, 16, 21, 28)

• Deworming and vaccinations following veterinary guidance

• First veterinary check, microchipping, and health certificates prior to joining their new families

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Preparing for the New Home

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Puppies are not placed with families until after eight weeks, ensuring:

• Optimal dog-to-dog socialisation

• Reduced trauma during separation from littermates

• Adequate exposure to stimuli and confidence-building experiences

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By the time puppies leave Emerald Park, they are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to integrate into a family home, ready to learn, explore, and thrive.

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Summary

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Emerald Park’s Puppy Development program is carefully structured, flexible, and science-backed. It combines:

• Early neurological and sensory stimulation

• Progressive enrichment and problem-solving

• Positive socialisation and exposure to real-world experiences

• Individual assessment and support

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The result is confident, resilient, and happy puppies, each nurtured to reach their full potential and form lasting bonds with their families.