Problems such as house soiling, chewing, barking, aggression, anxiety, fear and hyperactivity can be prevented with basic training and early socialization. From birth to ~12 weeks old we can positively and permanently impact temperament with less effort than is possible at any other point in their life. But by the time puppies and kittens go home with their new owners, this window of time is almost over! This is where fosters and breeders have a golden opportunity. By exposing young puppies and kittens to positive, new experiences (early socialization) we can literally change the structure of their brains making them better able to deal with stress. And by providing an environment that encourages appropriate household manners (basic training), we can teach the fundamental skills needed to succeed in their new home.
Behavior problems are the #1 cause of surrenders to shelters and death in dogs under 3 years old in the U.S. * Surrendering a pet to a shelter is heartbreaking and stressful for everyone involved, human and animal alike. And even if a family is able to manage their pet’s aggression, fear, etc. their life together will never be what it could have been.
We have been fostering Valerie since she was picked up a week before giving birth to 8 puppies on July 27, 2024. She was found by Blackhat Humane Society volunteers, begging for food in a Burger King parking lot near Burnside Junction, AZ. Val is a sweet, smart, affectionate, silly, playful girl who is house trained, can use a dog door, is good with other dogs and good on leash.
Her puppies have been handled and socialized since the day they were born. They are litter box trained, can use a dog door and have been following us off leash around our property for weeks. We put a lot of time and effort into our foster puppies because early socializing and desensitizing will benefit them for the rest of their lives. They have traveled in the car many times, have met 100+ people, been to Home Depot and ridden around in our garden cart. We've had several severe thunderstorms and everyone was completely unfazed! They were even outside in the rain for one of them.
Owners of the puppies that have been adopted say they are integrating into their homes nicely with very little whining at night. These are great puppies and an amazing rez dog mom. Only 5 puppies plus mom are still up for adoption through Blackhat Humane Society so if you're interested, submit your application today!
Neonatal handling helps to stimulate a puppy or kitten’s neurological, endocrine and circulatory systems at a point when their brain’s are undergoing massive development. Studies have shown that exposing neonatal mammals to small, brief amounts of stress effectively inoculates them to future stress
Learn what to expect and how to help so you can relax and enjoy your puppies being born with this free 17 page download
Learn what to expect and how to help so you can relax and enjoy your puppies being born with this free 17 page download
Hey — I'm Diane. I've been whelping puppies for years and this guide has helped prepare many, like you for the adventure that's coming!