A complete journey from birth to 12 weeks

At Minvalonnie, every puppy is raised with intention, structure and evidence‑based care.

Our puppies grow up in the heart of our home — surrounded by real family life, gentle handling, and a carefully planned socialisation programme that supports their emotional, physical and behavioural development.

Below is a clear, week‑by‑week overview of how our puppies are raised from birth until they leave for their new families at 12 weeks.

Birth to 2 Weeks — The Neonatal Stage

Warmth, security, bonding, and early neurological development.

Puppies begin life in a quiet, warm whelping area where mum feels safe and supported.

During this stage, we focus on:

Daily Care

• Constant supervision

• Weighing twice daily

• Monitoring feeding, hydration and temperature

• Umbilical checks

• Neonatal health logging

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)

(Days 3–16)

• Tactile stimulation

• Head up

• Head down

• Supine position

• Thermal stimulation

Early Scent Introduction (ESI)

(Days 3–16)

• One new scent per day

• Recorded reactions

• Supports early brain development

Environment

• Low light

• Soft sounds

• Calm, predictable routine

This stage builds the foundation for resilience, stress tolerance and healthy neurological development.

2 to 4 Weeks — Awareness & Early Learning

Eyes open, ears open, curiosity begins.

As puppies become aware of the world, we gently expand their environment.

Experiences Introduced

• Normal household sounds (TV, kettle, washing machine, hoover at a distance)

• Gentle handling by all family members

• Early grooming handling (feet, ears, mouth)

• Introduction to different textures (blankets, mats, soft toys)

Developmental Milestones

• Eyes fully open

• Hearing improves

• First attempts at walking

• Beginning to interact with littermates

This stage is all about gentle exposure and building confidence.

4 to 6 Weeks — Exploration & Social Development

Play, confidence, and early independence.

Puppies move into a larger pen in the main living area where they can safely explore.

What We Introduce

• Age‑appropriate toys

• Low‑level problem‑solving activities

• Toilet training foundations

• Short periods away from mum

• Visitors from my home‑based beauty business

• Interaction with my children and mum

Behavioural Development

• Bite inhibition begins

• Play becomes more structured

• Personalities start to emerge

This is when puppies become curious, playful and eager to learn.

6 to 8 Weeks — Confidence Building & First Training Foundations

The world becomes exciting.

This is a key socialisation window, and we introduce:

Experiences

• Outdoor play (weather permitting)

• Car sound desensitisation

• Meeting calm adult dogs in the home

• Exposure to different rooms and environments

• Grooming practice (brush, comb, nail file)

Training Foundations

• Name recognition

• Early recall

• Sitting for attention

• Crate introduction

• Toilet training progression

Health Care

• Microchipping

• First vaccinations

• Vet checks

This stage builds confidence, adaptability and early manners.

8 to 10 Weeks — Skills, Structure & Resilience

Preparing for life beyond Minvalonnie.

Puppies now have a predictable routine and are ready for more structured learning.

We Work On

• Short car journeys

• Crate comfort

• Calm separation sessions

• Outdoor toilet training

• Exposure to new textures, objects and mild challenges

• Meeting a variety of friendly visitors

Temperament Assessments

We assess each puppy’s:

• Confidence

• Sensitivity

• Sociability

• Energy level

• Adaptability

This helps us match each puppy to the right home.

10 to 12 Weeks — Final Preparation for Their New Families

Confidence, independence and readiness.

In the final stage, puppies experience:

Advanced Socialisation

• Longer car journeys

• More outdoor play

• More complex enrichment

• Handling by different people

• Grooming routines

Training Progress

• Stronger recall

• Calm behaviour during grooming

• Practising short alone‑time sessions

Health & Vet Care

• Second vaccination

• Final vet check

• Weight monitoring

• Parasite control

By the time they leave, puppies are:

• Confident

• Well‑socialised

• Used to household life

• Comfortable with handling

• Familiar with crate time

• Ready for family life

Matching Puppies to the Right Homes

We do not place puppies based on colour or “the one that came to me.”

We place them based on:

• Temperament

• Confidence

• Sensitivity

• Energy level

• Family lifestyle

• Experience

• Household dynamics

Preferences such as colour and sex are considered, but suitability always comes first.

Lifelong Support

Our support continues long after your puppy goes home.

We offer:

• Ongoing guidance

• Behaviour and training support

• A lifetime return‑to‑breeder guarantee

Every Minvalonnie dog always has a safe place to come back to.

Our Commitment

At Minvalonnie, our goal is simple:

To raise puppies who are healthy, confident, well‑socialised and ready to thrive — and to support their families every step of the way.