Puppy room: Two Husky puppies on a pale green blanket, a third in the background

Our Puppy Journey

Our role as breeders is to guide puppies through their first 16 weeks.

1. Newborn Phase (0–2 weeks): Care and Observation

During the first two weeks, our primary responsibility is to ensure the mother and her litter are safe, warm, and healthy. The puppies are blind, deaf, and completely dependent on their mother for milk and warmth. We monitor their weight daily to make sure they’re feeding properly and developing steadily. The whelping area must be clean, quiet, and kept at a consistent temperature.

Newborn Husky puppies with coloured collar bands lying in the whelping basket — Captured by Joiel’s Palace

Newborn puppies sleeping close to their mother in the whelping box — Captured by Joiel’s Palace

U-litter puppies with Kona and Joya — Captured by Marta Sidorowicz

2. Transitional Phase (2–4 weeks): Early Stimulation and Awareness

As the puppies begin to open their eyes and ears, they start responding to light, sound, and movement. Our role now includes gentle handling and early neurological stimulation to help them grow into confident dogs. We keep the environment safe but gradually introduce mild noises, soft toys, and gentle human interaction. This helps the puppies get used to touch and human presence without fear. We also check for early signs of health or developmental issues during this time. At the same time, we keep a close eye on their development in this phase.

Puppies on a balance board — Captured by Gijs de Waard

3. Early Socialization Phase (4–8 weeks): Learning and Exploration

This is one of the most important stages in a breeder’s care. Puppies are now mobile, curious, and ready to explore. We introduce them to new sights, sounds, and textures such as grass, gentle household noises, and different people in a safe and positive way. We also start basic routines including litter training, crate introduction, and gentle grooming. Veterinary care begins during this phase with deworming, first vaccinations, and regular health checks. Each puppy’s temperament starts to show, so we begin noting which homes might suit them best.

Four young Siberian Huskies and a Barbet sitting side by side indoors — Captured by Joiel’s Palace

4. Late Socialization Phase (8–12 weeks): Confidence Building and Preparation for Homes

By eight weeks, the puppies are ready to explore the world more widely. After the first vaccination, which takes place in week 8, all the puppies may go to dog school together with their mother for their first experience there. We get them used to new environments, mild challenges, and car rides to build their resilience. Short, positive training sessions begin, such as coming when called or wearing a harness. From week 10, most puppies move to their new homes, so we prepare them early for this transition. The new owners are welcome to come along and join the first dog school session. We also give the families health records, feeding instructions, and helpful tips on continuing socialization and training.

Three Husky puppies in the extended socialization phase looking at the camera — Captured by Joiel’s Palace

5. Extended Socialization Phase (12–16 weeks): Support and Continued Guidance

Although many puppies have already joined their new families by this point, our responsibility as breeders doesn’t end. We remain in contact with the owners, offering guidance on feeding, vaccination schedules, house training, and social behaviour. For any puppies that stay longer, we continue training, introduce them to new people and safe outdoor spaces, and reinforce positive habits. We visit dog school once a week, show them new situations, and let them safely explore their surroundings. This is how they learn playfully and consolidate what they know. These weeks are critical in shaping their confidence, manners, and trust in humans.