*How We Oversee the Care of Your Puppy*
At *Joie de Vivre Dobermans*, overseeing the care of each puppy is our top priority from the moment of conception until they’re ready to go home with you. Our careful, hands-on approach ensures that each puppy receives the best care and attention, giving you confidence in their health and development. Here’s a detailed look into how we manage every step of the process:
*Careful Selection of Pairing*
Our oversight process starts with selecting the perfect breeding pair. We don’t just match dogs based on appearance; we evaluate health, temperament, and traits. This ensures that both parents pass on the best possible qualities to their puppies.
– *Health Screening: All breeding dogs are extensively tested for hereditary issues such as Hip Dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s Disease (VWD), and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). We also conduct **Brucellosis testing, a bacterial infection that can cause reproductive failure, and **progesterone testing* to accurately time ovulation and ensure the best chance of a healthy litter.
– *Temperament and Traits*: We choose pairings that complement each other in personality, intelligence, and physical characteristics, so your puppy not only meets the breed standard and looks incredible—they also thrives as loyal, trainable family members.
*Pregnancy and Birth*
Once the pairing is selected and pregnancy is confirmed, the real work begins. We ensure the dam receives the highest level of care throughout her pregnancy.
Here’s a week-by-week summary of *Joie de Vivre Dobermans* care of the dam from pregnancy to birth:
*Weeks 1-2: Early Pregnancy*
– *Care: In the first two weeks, we ensure the dam is in peak health with a balanced, high-quality diet to support pregnancy. She is Dewormed with a gentle dewormer. While physical signs may not be immediately visible, we monitor pregnancy using **progesterone testing* and early vet check-ups.
– *Monitoring*: Regular vet visits begin, with close attention to any behavioral changes.
*Weeks 3-4: Hormonal Changes & Nutrition Adjustments*
– *Care: As hormonal changes take place, we continue to monitor the dam for appetite changes and adjust her diet as necessary. We provide **prenatal vitamins* and ensure she remains in a stress-free environment.
– *Supplementation*: Start additional supplements like folic acid to support fetal development.
*Weeks 5-6: Significant Growth & Conformation*
– *Care: Around this time, we perform an **ultrasound* to confirm pregnancy and track fetal development. The puppies are growing rapidly, so we gradually increase the dam’s food intake to accommodate this growth.
– *Exercise*: We encourage light, controlled exercise to keep the dam active but not overly exerted, avoiding any activities that could strain her.
*Weeks 7-8: Prepping for Birth*
– *Care: As the pregnancy progresses, we prepare for whelping by setting up a **whelping area* where the dam can get comfortable. She is dewormed on Day 57 and her diet is increased to meet the energy needs of the growing puppies.
– *Surveillance: We initiate **24-hour surveillance* as labor approaches, ensuring she is closely monitored for any signs of distress or early labor.
*Week 9: Labor & Delivery*
– *Care: As labor begins, our team provides hands-on support, monitoring every stage closely. Under **veterinarian guidance, we administer **Pitocin* when necessary to assist with contractions and ensure a smooth delivery process. While *C-sections* are rarely needed, we are always prepared for any situation that might arise. Techniques like *feathering* are used to encourage pushing, and we assist in delivering each puppy safely.
– *Post-Delivery: We ensure the dam’s immediate recovery through proper nutrition and rest, supporting her through **supplemental feeding* if required, while providing 24-hour monitoring of both the dam and her new litter.
Throughout the entire pregnancy, we focus on the health, comfort, and well-being of the dam, making sure she receives top-tier care from conception to delivery. This ensures both mother and puppies are set up for a healthy start.
*4. 24/7 Surveillance for Newborn Care*
Once the puppies are born, they receive round-the-clock attention. We provide *24/7 surveillance* during the Two Weeks to ensure that every puppy is nursing well and growing as expected. We will Incubate and Tube Feed if necessary. This ensures that any potential issues, such as inadequate weight gain or nursing difficulties, are addressed immediately.
For mothers who may not produce enough milk or are tired after large litters, we implement *supplemental feeding* using a proprietary blend of ingredients combined with high-quality puppy formula. This helps ensure every puppy is receiving the nutrition it needs to thrive, particularly in large litters where competition for nursing can be high.
*Week-by-Week Care for Your Puppy*
We oversee your puppy’s development from birth to 9 weeks, ensuring they are healthy, well-socialized, and prepared for their new homes.
*Week 1 – Birth and Early Care*
24/7 Surveillance for Newborn Care*
The first week of life is critical for newborn puppies. Our oversight includes:
– *Weight monitoring*: Puppies are weighed daily to ensure they are gaining steadily.
– *Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)*: From Day 3 to Day 16, we begin ENS exercises to promote neurological development, giving your puppy a head start in life.
– *Supplemental feeding*: If any puppy is not nursing well, we provide supplemental feeding to ensure they get the nutrients they need.
*Week 2 – Deworming and Continued Care*
Continued 24/7 Surveillance for Newborn Care*
When the puppies are 14 days old we start the puppies’ *deworming regimen* with a gentle dewormer like Nemex 2 to keep them parasite-free. We continue monitoring their weight, feeding, and progress.
*Week 3 – Socialization and Further Deworming*
The puppies’ eyes begin to open, and they become more aware of their surroundings. We increase their exposure to new experiences, sounds, and human interaction to begin the early stages of socialization. We also give another round of *deworming* on day 21.
*Week 4 – Continued Socialization and Weaning Begins*
At this point, we continue socializing the puppies, introducing them to new environments and people. *Weaning* starts, transitioning the puppies from their mother’s milk to solid food while ensuring proper nutrition for growth.
*Week 5 – Expanded Socialization and Basic Handling*
The puppies are now fully interactive and playful. We increase their exposure to more complex environments and people to build confidence. Each puppy is individually handled daily to promote trust and familiarity with human interaction.
*Week 6 – First Vaccinations and Crate Training Foundations*
At Week 6, we administer the puppies’ *first vaccinations* to protect them against common diseases. We also provide another round of *deworming* and begin introducing basic *crate training* to ease the transition to their new homes.
*Week 7 – Volhard Temperament Test and Ear Cropping*
On Day 49, each puppy undergoes the *Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test* to assess temperament, which helps match them to the right family. Additionally:
– Puppies receive a health check-up from a veterinarian.
– *Ear cropping* is scheduled after the temperament test. We work with a specialist veterinarian to ensure the highest quality ear crop, if chosen. After which we provide full aftercare for the healing process.
Week 8 – Final Vaccinations, Deworming, and Ear Aftercare
In Week 8, we focus on completing ear aftercare, ensuring proper bandaging and healing. We also administer the final round of *deworming* and get the puppies ready for their new homes by:
– Continuing *socialization* and early *crate training*.
– Establishing a routine and providing it to new owners.
– Keeping littermates clean and separated to prevent ear infections during aftercare.
Based on *titer tests, our Dobermans generally only need vaccinations at **6 weeks, 9 weeks, and 16 weeks. After that, we recommend **annual vaccinations* to maintain long-term protection. Puppies with training packages also receive their *Rabies vaccine* at 16 weeks.
*Week 9 – Final Preparations for New Homes*
By Week 9, the puppies are ready for pickup or delivery. At this stage, the *stitches are removed* from ear cropping, and we provide:
– Final *vaccination and health* records.
– Continued support for any new puppy clients, ensuring they’re confident in caring for their new companion.
Beyond this, our commitment doesn’t end when your puppy goes home. To help clients like Dave avoid common pitfalls and achieve their dream outcome, we provide ongoing support through written guides and resources that outline clear expectations and actionable steps. These resources include:
Behavioral Management Guidelines: Tips on exercise, mental stimulation, and addressing common behavioral issues.
Ongoing Training Recommendations: A roadmap with training milestones and socialization tips to ensure your puppy develops into a well-rounded adult.
Health and Nutrition Protocols: Advice on feeding, exercise routines, and routine vet care for long-term health.
Communication & Support Channels: We offer open communication, regular check-ins, and access to a support network to answer your questions and help you succeed.
By partnering with us, you gain more than a puppy—you get the guidance you need to shape a healthy, well-behaved Doberman for life. Ready to take the next step? Call 276-455-6930 today to learn more!
At *Joie de Vivre Dobermans*, overseeing the care of your puppy from conception through their early development is our top priority. We use science-backed practices, expert guidance, and a hands-on approach to provide you with a well-bred, well-cared-for Doberman ready to thrive in your home.