1st 8 Weeks

The moment the pups are born the time is documented on a data sheet. They are weighed, inspected, and identified with a specific color ribbon. The ribbons and data sheets allow us to monitor each pup individually from birth to 8 weeks. We record each puppy’s progress on their individual data sheets. This includes date of pigmentation, eyes opened, teeth erupted, walked, and their weekly weight progression. These sheets also include the program of all scheduled preventative worming, vet visits (fecal examinations), and veterinarian recommended regimen of preventative medications. We provide a copy of this to you at time of placement in addition to the state certified health certificate that lists all vaccinations given by the veterinarian at 8 weeks.

We seperate the pups from mom around week 5-6 and begin feeding them solid food. We start with a mixture of evaporated milk, baby cereal, karo syrup, and ground up dry puppy food. Over the course of about a week and a half we decrease the additives while increasing the dry puppy food, grinding it up less and less until they are eating solely dry food. Our goal is to have them eating regular dry puppy food by week 7 so their digestive system and eating habits are adjusted to that by week 8 when they go to new homes. During the seperation process we will put Sierra (our oldest) in with the pups. Even though she is done breeding and up there in age, she can’t wait to get in there… she acts like one of them. She lays on her back (she sleeps like that too) and loves for the pups to climb all over her. Whether it’s Jasmine or Hannah, once mom is done with the pups, Sierra is always there to accommodate their playful needs. We feel this also aids in the socialization process as they have an opportunity to interact with another dog besides mom.

The puppies are born indoors and kept there in our laundry room until they are about 3-4 weeks old. Once their eyes opened and are walking, they are moved to an enclosed concrete chain link kennel with a roof and its own drainage system. The kennel is sanitized three times a day. It is scrubbed down with chlorine bleach, an antiseptic, then rinsed with a pressure washer, dried with an industrial squeegee, and a blower. The pups are kept in a covered area beneath the roof in a holding pen during this time. During their initial 8 weeks under our care the puppies are never exposed to dirt or grass. We at NicholBridge Shepherds take the utmost pride in providing our pups and dogs with the healthiest and safest living environment possible.