Week 8 (50-57 Days)

It is important to start to build a solid foundation of skills. Body Handing is ongoing and involves lots of practice. It can be done in short sessions throughout the day in order to set the pup up for success by keeping skill training fun and expectations consistent. Body handling is the process of teaching our puppies to accept all parts of their body being handled while remaining calm while we touch and move all parts of their body.
This is beneficial for health/Vet visits. These skills also help with body sensitivities to equipment the pup may need to wear such as boots or coat.

Remember, Body handling should be a calm, gentle process – it’s not a time for cuddles or play – that can come later! Take extra care around your pup’s teeth, ears and paws – these areas are crucial for Body Handling but many pups find the handling of these areas strange at first.

Start by Teaching the “Close” position: (Note at younger ages puppies may need to be put in this position to begin the exercise. With age, pups can be taught how to manoeuvre into that position using the lure as described below.) 

1. Start by crouching on the ground with the puppy in front of you, facing you. 
2. Place your right knee on the ground – If pup is on a lead put the lead under your knee so both hands are free 3. Use your left hand to lure the pup from your right knee in a circle until they are between your legs facing away from you 
3. Tilt your lure back over the pup’s head so they go into a sit 
4. Mark and pay 
5. Put your knee down so you are kneeling with pup sitting between your legs and place your two hands on the pup’s chest 
6. Repeat steps 1-6 until pup is quickly and easily moving into position as you lure
7. Repeat steps 1-6 but this time say the word “close” just as their bottom touches the ground Do this 3 times 9. Fade the lure and work on duration – Reward pup for being still and calm. Ignore any wriggling or mouthing.
8. Do this 3 times
9. Fade the lure and work on duration – Reward pup for being still and calm. Ignore any wriggling or mouthing.

Handling Method

NOTE: For pups over 3 weeks, all handling starts in the “Close” position.

Ears

1. Gently hold the puppy’s chin with one hand then use the other hand to lift their ear 
2. Look inside and smell their ear for any signs of infection 
3. Repeat with the other ear 
4. Gentle praise, reward

Eyes

1. Hold puppy’s chin gently and look at each eye 
2. Gentle praise, reward

Teeth

1. Gently hold pup’s chin and use the other hand to lift pup’s chin on one side to look at their teeth 
2. Repeat on the other side 
3. Gentle praise, reward

Legs and paws

1. Run your hand down one of pup’s legs to their paw 
2. Feel between the pads on their paw 
3. Gentle praise, reward
4. Repeat with other 3 paws 

Vet Restraint

1. Use your left hand to gently restrain pup’s head against your chest so they are looking towards your left 
2. Run your right hand down the back of the pup’s right leg to their elbow then raise their leg (it should be outstretched as if for a blood draw) 
3. Mark and pay 
4. Switch so pup is facing the opposite way and the other leg is outstretched 
5. Gentle praise, reward

 Lay Over

1. Place one arm underneath pup’s front legs
2. Lift your arm (therefore lifting the pup’s front legs)
3. Lean down until you are lying over the top of the dog 
4. Remove your hand from under the pup 
5. Gentle praise, reward

Release cue

1. Tell the puppy “Go free” and allow them to break position 
2. Give them a pat and plenty of praise

Previously, puppies have been exposed to new environments while their mother was present. Depending on the confidence of your pups, you can consider taking the litter for short adventures without their mother to different (but previously introduced) environments. If puppies struggle with this, keep bringing mom along for support and try again next week. You could potentially start off with the “Trolley ride with mom” activity to transport pups to a familiar area, and during the session mom can be removed briefly but kept nearby in case she’s needed.

Goal: To allow puppies to explore multiple novel objects with a handler and to be comfortable with novel objects.

To prepare your designated space for this activity, please complete the following steps.  

1.   Gather 5 novel objects. Remember variety when selecting objects. 
2.   Arrange the objects in a circle spread apart enough for the puppies and handler to move around comfortably.

You are now ready to retrieve the litter of puppies you are working with. 

1.   Allow the puppies to explore the room upon entering for up to a few minutes (consider needs of the puppies!). 
2.    Invite the puppies to explore each of the objects with you. 
3.   Continue around the circle in the same manner.

We have introduced our puppies to a variety of different sound items, but many items that play unusual sounds will also make flashing lights (e.g. traffic crossing buzzers, sirens – and conveniently for our socialization work, children’s toys). Our “sound activity rooms” can now be expanded to “Sound & light activity rooms”.

Goal: To allow puppies to explore multiple sound objects with a handler and to be comfortable with a variety of sounds, including items that both emit sound and light.

Equipment Required:. 

• 3-5 objects that emit both sound and light.
• Socialization tracking sheets (to measure individual pup’s responses for future socialization sessions)

Method:

1. Bring out a toy 
2. Allow pup to sniff and investigate it (NOT CHEW IT) 
3. When pup is comfortable, activate item a short distance from pup 
4. Reward pup when they are calm (not shut down) or for approaching the item
5. Remove the item 
6. Re-present the item closer to the pup 
7. Reward pup for being calm (not shut down) or approaching the item 
8. Repeat with other items

Advancing this Skill:

1. Start to ask the pup to follow simple cues (Sit, down, walking etc.) while the light/sound toy is activated 
2. Reward them for working with you and ignoring the item

Follow Me can now advance to being on leash. The foundation to leash walking builds off of the goals of follow me: 

•       Pup starts off attentive to you and chooses to follow you without any coaxing or luring.
•       You reward the pup’s voluntary decision to follow.
•       Pup follows you and works to keep up with you even when you turn

The only addition is a leash! To prepare for this activity, gather a leash and treat bag filled puppies’ kibble before getting a puppy to work with. SInce this is the first time the puppy has been on leash, it is important to set the puppy up for success with a distraction-free environment such as an empty room or inside of an x-pen in a safe area.  

1.   Connect the puppy’s collar to the leash and give them a food reward
2.   Tell the puppy “Let’s Go” and take a few steps 
3.   Praise the puppy for walking with you.
4.   Continue with the regular follow me protocol around the room twice
5.   Make sure to keep the session short and fun!

Troubleshooting:

If the puppy bites the leash and is having difficulty focusing on the activity:

• Call the puppy and wait for the puppy to take their mouth off of the leash. Reward the puppy with a treat. When the puppy begins to focus on you, reward the puppy again and continue. 

If the puppy “puts on the breaks” and refuses to move forward:

• First, observe the puppy’s body language. Is the puppy showing any fearful or overstimulated behavior? If so, it may be best to end the session and try again later. If the puppy is displaying calm behavior, hold the leash still and tell the puppy “Let’s Go”. Wait until the puppy moves towards you and give verbal praise.
• Note: It is important to not lure the puppy with a treat in this case or the puppy will quickly learn that in order to receive a treat, they just need to put on the breaks and refuse to walk.

Puppies can now begin to get used to settling inside a closed crate. You can review further information on crate settling here.

Some tips:

• Soft bedding and interactive toys will help to promote positive associations around the crate. Make sure to supervise puppies with bedding in case they chew it. If the puppy chews bedding, remove it for the safety of the pup and make sure you provide appropriate chew toys while the pup is in the crate.
• Pup should spend time in a crate away from their littermates but around people. Puppies need to learn to settle in their crates while people are around, as this will prepare them for crate time in their raiser’s home.
• Offer the pup a stuffed Kong or nylabone.
• Start off slowly to build positive associations: gradually increase time in crate from 5 min to 30 mins. Make sure to toilet the pup before and after.

All our work exposing pups to body handling, bonding with people and introductions to new environments begins to pay off as we introduce bath time.

Baths should be introduced slowly – expect to spend multiple sessions before you get the pup wet. Some key points to keep in mind:

• Introduce pups to the room prior to placing pup in hydrobath.
• No water initially and keep a non slip mat/towel on floor
• Keep pups in pairs or small groups, and utilise the support of known handlers and mom during early introductions.
• Use familiar toys, meals and voice and touch for reassurance and to build positive associations.
• Keep bath exposures short and positive.

Puppies can now be exposed to the strange feeling of a leash. This is an important step that must be taken before clipping a leash on a puppy and expecting it to follow you without hassle.

This activity requires full supervision to avoid puppies getting caught in the leash, chewing on each others’ or their own leash, or getting the leash caught on items in the environment.

Initial Introduction of the Drag Leash

Initially, short segments of leash (or another similar fabric- (rope, biothane, etc) can be clipped to the puppies’ collars during familiar activities (such as mealtime). Previous exposure to things like unusual textures and puppy coats should help this process. 

Getting Pups Used to the Drag Leash

In following sessions, increase the length/weight of the attached leash. Supervise short play sessions, allowing the puppies to interact in a safe and supervised environment whilst the leash is attached. If the puppies try to play with or chew on the leash, make sure to redirect them to a suitable toy.

Adding the Handler

As puppies get used to the feel of a leash, you can start working with the puppy, using activities that the puppy already knows, with the main difference being that the handler is now holding the leash.

Do not use the leash to manage or direct the puppy – continue using voice, praise, toys and treats to direct the puppy in the activity. Make sure to manage the leash so that it does not get caught on items in the environment. Our goal is for the puppy to be desensitized to the leash and unconcerned about it. As handlers, we also want to avoid over-reliance on using the leash to manage or control the puppy – this is particularly important in these early weeks of leash introduction!

• The end of our “Follow Me” video shows how the Follow Me skill can advance into a great introduction to leash walking activity.

As long as the environment is biosecure, pups can travel on lead with a handler instead of requiring the trolley or littermate support. This activity becomes a well-rounded socialization session: one-on-one with a handler, exploring new or familiar environments, and exposure to unusual things. Consider setting up some novel objects or surfaces/under-footings along your route if your puppy is confident.

• Bring familiar toys
• Setting up a play area in an office, lounge, etc can be a useful way to introduce puppies to new people. Make sure any guests follow your protocol for handling (or not handling) puppies. Puppies do not need to interact with every stranger but will still benefit from meeting new people.

From six weeks, puppies have developed more robust proprioception abilities and are generally beginning to show more confidence and curiosity. You can begin to introduce more challenging surfaces in this interactive activity room.

In the above image, you can see some age-appropriate examples: milk crates and pallets, waffle blocks, cavalettis and repurposed fitness equipment all offer some great challenges for puppies whilst being an appropriate height for short puppy legs.

Goal: For the puppy to confidently explore each surface with a handler. 

1.   Choose a variety of 4-5 surfaces. Items can be different heights, just be mindful of the puppy’s height, do not make it unsafe for the puppy.
2.   Arrange the items in a circle with enough distance for the puppy to walk comfortably around each item.

You are now ready to retrieve the first puppy you are working with. 

1.   Allow the puppy to explore the room upon entering for up to 30 seconds.
2.   Encourage the puppy to climb on or walk over all of the surfaces.  Reward the puppy with praise, petting, and food rewards. 

3.    Continue around the circle in the same manner.

At this age, this skill can be worked on with individual puppies, using their specific name rather than the general “pup pup” or similar.

Please Note: If at any time the health or safety of the puppy is at risk (i.e., the puppy is eating something they aren’t supposed to, or the puppy has escaped the yard) please disregard this protocol and immediately address the concern.

Goal: To associate the cue “Puppy, Puppy” with being fed and to use this cue to call the puppies to you. 

When to do the activity: 

• Before feeding the puppies

After you enter the kennel, tap the bowls, and say “Puppy, Puppy” before putting the bowls down.  This conditions the puppy to associate being fed after the bowls are tapped together and they hear “Puppy, Puppy”. 

• Bringing the puppies in from the yard

Materials needed: Treat pouch with the litter’s food

When you are ready to leave the yard, say “Puppy, Puppy” to and give each puppy a treat. Exit the yard and encourage the puppies to follow you into the concrete walkway. When you are halfway to their kennel, give the puppies a treat and reward them for their hard work. 

Use the cue “Puppy, Puppy” to bring the puppies in to their outside kennel. Say “Puppy, Puppy” and encourage the puppies to follow you. Give the puppies a treat when they come into their back kennel. 

Troubleshooting: 

If the puppies won’t come to you or follow you out of the yard:

• Decrease the distance between you and the puppies in the yard. Cue the puppy by saying “Puppy, Puppy” and treat them when they come to you. 
• Incorporate the “Follow me with Mom” game to introduce the concept of following your voice.

In a few short weeks, puppies will need to travel to their new home in a car or van. Many organizations will use vans to transport dogs throughout the dog’s life. We can introduce these concepts early on and help our puppies become familiar with the car or van as a “new environment” before we even turn it on.

Initially, while the car/van is turned off, you can set up crates in the boot or back seat area of the car or van. Puppies can be introduced to this area in groups. Similar to our “introduction to Bath” concepts, you can feed pups small high-value meals such as yoghurt to build positive associations with the new environment.

Another option is to set up a “play pen” in the back of the car/van using puppy fencing and toys. 

Over the next few weeks, we can introduce more formal car/van travel. Make sure to develop this skill slowly – cars/vans can be noisy, smelly, moving things that puppies will need to get used to during their working life, so taking these initial introductions slowly helps you develop a solid foundation to build upon over the next few weeks.

Advancing Van/Car Skills

Once puppies have been introduced to the van or car using the above protocols, you can advance to short van trips with the pups in their crate.

Note, it can be helpful to start the van/car without the puppies in it, then load them up, to avoid the initial loud noise and smell of gas. (Make sure you’re in a well ventilated area!)

Session 1

1. Put puppies in the van
2. Go for a short trip within the guide dogs center – less than 5 mins

 Session 2

1. Put puppies in the van
2. Go for a short trip around the center or to a close-by destination (don’t get the pups out, though!) – less than 10 mins 

Session 3 Onwards

If puppies are comfortable, you can start to take them to various places offsite – Maximum 25 minute drive. If you’re travelling to a specific destination make sure the area is biosecure (a good place to visit could be a trusted volunteer’s nearby home, where you can ensure the area has been properly cleaned and puppy-proofed).

Continue practicing the “wearing things” skill. This step positively introduces the concept and feel of a puppy coat.

Goal: To allow puppies to explore multiple motion objects with a handler and to be comfortable with walking on unstable objects and moving objects. 

To prepare the designated space for this activity, please complete the following steps. 

1.   Gather 4-5 motion objects. Remember variety when selecting objects. 
2.   Arrange the objects in a circle spread apart enough for the puppies and handler to move around comfortably. 

You are now ready to retrieve the litter of puppies you are working with. 

1.   Allow the puppies to explore the room upon entering for up to 30 seconds. 
2.   Encourage the puppies to explore each of the objects with you. 
3.   Continue around the circle in the same manner.

At 8 weeks old, puppies receive their first vaccines amongst many others that they will receive during their lives. Spending some time beforehand and allowing puppies to become familiar with equipment and procedures that veterinarians will use during their appointment will help prepare puppies for their first vaccines.

Equipment

• Nail trimmers
• Cotton swabs soaked in alcohol
• Ballpoint pen
• Children’s doctor set
• Scale

Procedure

Remember to take each step slowly and at the puppy’s pace. If the puppy begins to display more than two stress signals, take a short break before continuing.

Use the children’s doctor kit to do the following procedures

1.  Hold pup, using stethoscope, pretend to listen to chest and stomach
2. Introduce puppy passively to rubber gloves, nail clippers, letting the puppy see and sniff each item
3. Use the otoscope to pretend to look inside the puppy’s ears and their eyes
4. Place cotton ball on puppy’s shoulder to mimic where the doctor would give a vaccine
5. Gently restrain puppy for 5 seconds

To increase pup’s confidence and exposure to nail clipping, try using clippers to cut small pieces off a wooden skewer next to puppy to acclimate them to the sound of the nail cutting. Rewarding pup with food after each clip creates a positive association to the sound of the clipping happening right near the puppy’s feet.

Goal: To allow puppies to encounter multiple types of objects with a handler. 

To prepare the room for this activity, please complete the following steps. 

1.   Gather a treat bag with age appropriate food to use as treats . 
2.   Gather 1 surface, 1 sound object, 1 motion object, 1 novel object. 
3.   Arrange the objects in a circle spread apart enough for the puppy and handler to move around comfortably. 

 You are now ready to retrieve the puppy you are working with. 

1.   Allow the puppy to explore the room upon entering for up to 30 seconds. 
2.   Call the puppy to you and ask them to explore the first object with you. 
3.   Continue around the circle in the same manner for 2 rotations. 

Goal: To accustom puppies to age-appropriate conditioning equipment to increase confidence and handler/puppy relationship. 

Age-appropriate equipment includes:

• Balance pads: allow the puppies to balance with all four paws on the pad. The nobby surface lets the puppies become used to stepping on uneven surfaces.
• PVC Ladder: This elevated ladder helps with puppy proprioception, the awareness of the placement of their limbs.

• Other equipment options such as brooms, mop handles, long sticks. Make sure to keep them close together for the puppy to easily step over the items.

• Small traffic cones: Walking in different directions helps strengthen puppies’ leg muscles. This exercise also requires the puppies to focus and work with their handler.

• Anything that the puppies have to walk around- laundry baskets, chairs, buckets, etc. Try to keep the items small for the puppy to easily follow the handler. 

• Puppy slide: Puppies gain confidence in exploring and climbing up the small stairs and going down the puppy slide.
• Wedge: This piece of equipment helps strengthen the puppy’s legs as they learn to walk on inclines. The nubby surface allows the puppies to become used to stepping on uneven surfaces.
• Large balance ball:

  This uneven surface strengthens puppies’ core muscles as they balance on the equipment. 

   Once puppies learn to put their front paws on the ball, ask them to place all four paws on the ball for an extra challenge.

Gym Class Protocol

To prepare the education room for this curriculum, please complete the following steps. 

1.   Gather a treat bag with age-appropriate food. 
2.   Gather 5 age-appropriate pieces of conditioning equipment.
3.   Arrange the objects in a circle spread apart enough for the puppy and handler to move around comfortably. 

You are now ready to retrieve the puppy you are working with. 

1.   Allow the puppy to explore the room upon entering for up to 30 seconds. 
2.   Call the puppy to you and use a food reward to lure them to step on the first object. 
3.   Encourage the puppy to follow you to the next object and lure them to step on the next object. 
4.   After completing the first rotation, use a food reward to lure the puppy to walk across or stand on each object. 
5.   End the session on a positive note after the second rotation.