In the first couple of weeks after they are born our puppies grow up in our open-plan living room. Once they are four weeks old they move into their spacious puppy house with integrated temperature-control. The adjacent terrace is protected against wind and rain which enables the puppies to gradually get used to the outside temperatures. Our A-litter, born at the end of December in temperatures below zero, were the first to benefit from this system, and after the temperature transition were able to play outside for a number of hours. Because fresh air and sunlight are vital for their growth and good health.   

No better place then for the puppies than the adjoining playground. In case it is cold or rainy we only use the sheltered part that offers a range of toys. Different surfaces (grass, paving, ….), a miniature suspension bridge with see-through floor, a swing, tunnels and a paddling pool in the summer mean our puppies experience a variety of surroundings. 

In dry conditions the puppies can also access the “digging grounds” – a grassy bit with built-in dens. The absolute favourite spot of our A-litter. 

A number of little outside puppy toilets with either bark mulch or gravel as well as a toilet in the puppy house ensure the little ones take their first steps towards being house-trained. 

The puppies are also exposed to a variety of everyday sounds - in the beginning it is household sounds such as kitchen appliances, music, television, printer, fax, telephone. Outside in the puppy house and in the playground the little ones experience a different kind of sound emanating from a range of machinery such as tractors, combine harvesters, hedge trimmer, lawn mower, chain saw. Our puppies are used to these sounds and remain as cool as a cucumber.   

Even after the little ones have moved to the puppy house they stay in close contact with us. In the course of the day, a group of 2 -3 puppies at a time, they spend time in the living-room with us, get to know better our cats and how to behave towards them and finding out the meaning of words such as “good dog” and “bad dog”.  

Our “pack” also participates actively in the upbringing and socialisation of the puppies. The females work as a team in looking after and raising the puppies. The two youngsters of the pack, Azyr and Kenia, enjoy their roles as big brother and sister and have some serious fun with the little ones. Drago is only interested in the puppies once they are 7 weeks or older. At that moment he starts their education - in a very systematic and effective manner. This way the puppies are being brought up and socialised by dogs and humans alike. The best example is our A-litter, 10 cool little doggies, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, curious, outgoing, adventurous, yet not hyperactive and equally capable of being calm and relaxed. In a nutshell - ready for life and to be the ideal partner on four paws.