Foothill Aussies | Responsible Australian Shepherd, Aussiedoodle, and Poodle Breeder in Northern California
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Exposure/Socialization

Socialization

Socializing puppies has traditionally been considered the responsibility of the new puppy owner. Everyone is accustomed to hearing "make sure you socialize your puppy". While this is still very crucial and accurate, research has shown that beginning exposures and encouraging socialization should start at the third week of a puppy's life. Because puppies eyes are opening, they can hear, and have some mobility, we can begin to expose during this crucial socialization period. Through the time puppy is with us, we will introduce different types of exposures including whelping box exposure, sound exposure, different locations and different activities or problem solving exposures. 

Whelping Box Exposure

Because the puppy's primary place is their whelping box, this is where their exposures will begin. Items we expose them to are gentle and safe. They are not unpredictable or abrasive. The goal of these activities is to build trust with the puppy while providing something new and fun. We let them be curious and engage as they please. If the puppies tolerate the new exposures well, we will add more each day. Below is a sample of items we introduce to the whelping box. 
  • Apples & oranges
  • Boot
  • Bucket
  • Foam roller
  • Helmet
  • Jar
  • Mens clothing
  • Plants/flowers (non-toxic)
  • Used ccrubs (nurse work uniform)
  • Touchable texture squares
  • Watermelon
  • Paper towel roll
  • Pieces of wood
  • Pillow
  • Potty box set up
  • Pumpkin
  • Rolled up towel
  • Small box
  • Soccer ball
  • Stool
  • ​Stuffed animal

Video Examples of Exposures

Sound Exposure

Exposing puppies to a variety of sounds is very important for their development. I am sure you have heard of dogs being frightened during a thunder storm or getting scared of the garbage truck. By exposing puppies to these types of sounds early in development, we can aid with preventing some of this fear. There are so many sounds out there that we are used to and seem normal to us in every day life, but to a dog a baby crying, a vacuum moving, a hair dryer and leaf blower may seem like the end of their world. Introducing these sounds are not a 100% preventative method, but it will help them gain confidence while you continue their sound exposure and socialization once home. Below is a list of some of the sounds we introduce (we are always adding more), we start with more mellow sounds around three weeks old and will adjust based on the puppies needs. 
  • Music: jazz, classical, lullaby, pop, rock, Spanish, country, heavy metal
  • Natural outdoor county sounds
  • Rain/storm sounds
  • Sounds from home of service dog
  • Sports
  • Babies crying
  • Children's voices
  • Farm noises
  • Fireworks
  • Airplane & airport sounds 
  • Trains
  • Transportation sounds of the city
  • TV: cartoons, movie, news, war movie, MISC
  • Vacuum
  • Cat sounds
  • Chain saw
  • Leaf blower

Activity Exposure 

If you follow us on Facebook, you will see with each video we post, we are always adding new activity exposures for our puppies. What this means is adding something as simple as an item to their environment. We start with stationary items and slowly will introduce items that make a sound or movement. These items are there to expose puppies to all the fun things they will encounter as they grow. By exposing them to a large variety of items, we are helping puppies gain confidence and problem solving skills. We make decisions on when to add new items based on how puppies are reacting to what is introduced because each litter is different and we want to work at their pace. Below is a breakdown of the activities we introduce based on age. As they get older we will re introduce past items.

Days 28-34

  • Stuffed toys, ropes, rubber toys (no movement)
  • Ping pong balls (gentle movement)
  • Bubble wrap/foil/varied fabric
  • Small blocks and rings
  • Tactile boards/footing (easy)
  • Uneven/spikey/balance boards (tactile work)
  • Free play (variety of Items textures, sizes)
  • Wiggle, jiggle, giggle (items that move)
  • Bath, no dryer
  • Flashing lights
  • Walking cane

Days 35-41

  • Water bottles
  • Ball pit
  • Things with wheels (wheelchair, skateboard, bike, cart etc. )
  • Snuffle mats for tactile work
  • Reflective footing
  • Activity cube (beginner)
  • Grate
  • ​Big Balls
  • Grooming with dryer
  • Swing
  • ​Tunnel/Box

Days 42-56

  • Activity cube (advanced)
  • Brain games
  • Kiddie pool/water exposure
  • Parachute, balloons, plastic bag
  • Obstacle course
  • Calm/neutral dog
  • Larger slide
  • Kennel exposure
  • Expeditions: car ride, explorer walk, new location
  • Puppy massage by "stranger"
  • "Pass the puppy" exercise with "strangers"
  • Outside puppy playground
  • Kennel exposure
  • Stacker blocks
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We are a loving and responsible Australian Shepherd, Aussiedoodle, and Poodle breeding program based in Northern California.

Our passion is breeding service, therapy, and companion dogs in LOVING guardian homes, instead of kennels, that typically have a lower drive and energy that is great for the family home.

We do our best to surpass our clients' expectations by fully developing the puppies in our program in every way possible through our unique and thorough puppy curriculum.


Our specialty is matching each family to the very best puppy for their specific needs!  Welcome to our unique program.

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© Foothill Aussies

  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Testimonials
    • FAQs
    • Contact Us
  • Litters
    • Current Litters >
      • Australian Shepherds
      • Aussiedoodles
    • Upcoming Litters
    • Past Litters
  • Family Album
    • Dams & Sires >
      • Females
      • Males
    • Retired
    • Pawls of Fame
  • Adoption
    • Process
    • Adoption Application
    • Waitlist Contract
    • Prices
    • Payment plan options
  • Guardian Homes
    • Information
    • Available Guardian Home Puppies
    • Guardian Application
  • Resources
    • Breed Specific >
      • All About Australian Shepherds
      • All About Aussiedoodles
      • All About Poodles
    • Preparing For Your Puppy
    • Grooming >
      • Best Grooming Practices
    • Training >
      • Our Training Tips
      • My Puppy is HOME - now what?
      • Find a Trainer
    • Choosing Healthy Food & Treats
  • Puppy Supplies
    • Food, Treats & Training
    • Grooming
    • Playtime
    • Beds & Kennels
  • Puppy Raising Methods
    • ENS & ESI
    • Touch Sensitivity
    • Exposure
    • Temperament & Testing
    • Badass Breeder Oath