Foothill Aussies | Responsible Australian Shepherd, Aussiedoodle, and Poodle Breeder in Northern California
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Touch Sensitivity

Touch Sensitivity

As part of our puppy socialization process, we strive to get our puppies comfortable with a variety of handling. The more we can handle, touch and desensitize each puppy, the more comfortable they will be as they grow. While we may start these touching practices with our puppies, it is important for the new puppy owner to continue them at home. 

The goal is to teach puppy that this type of touch is normal. Puppies will typically start by tolerating initial touch, but with repetition and slow pressure increases, most will relax into our touches and settle quickly. When we are socializing each puppy, we want to get them comfortable with the entire range of touches and handling they can expect from humans. 

Below is a breakdown of what we focus on weekly. You will notice we focus on the same type of touch, but simply adjust our pressure as puppy gets older. 


Weeks 1-2

At one, two and three days old puppies will only be handled for necessary reasons. Handling will be brief, then puppy is returned to mom to create as little stress as possible for both puppy and mom to ensure everyone is thriving. 
  • Weighing puppy
  • Ribbon/collar change as needed
  • Head to toe check
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At days 4-14 we will gently increase the touch while continuing the above. We will closely monitor how the puppies react with this touch. We will run our fingers along their body then pull them up to our face to allow them to smell our nose and mouth. We then will hold them close to our heart. Once we can feel the puppy is feeling calm with this touch, we will return to mom.


Week 3/Week 4

At the start of week three we will begin to incorporate new, different types of touch. Handling may slightly differ from puppy to puppy. Some may experience less that another initially. We make sure puppy is comfortable with handling before adding additional types. 
  • Rub ears
  • Cover eyes
  • Open mouth and run fingers on gums
  • Rub belly in circular motions
  • Run hand down back
  • Run hands and fingers along tail
  • Touch all paws
  • Tap nails
  • Run fingers around neck and under ribbon/collar
  • Touch their nose. 
For the last step, we hold to puppy up to our heart and allow them to settle before returning to Mom. The only difference between week three and week four is the amount of pressure will increase during week for. 

Week 5

At week five, we start to add a few differences to the type of touch. Each bolded item below indicates the slight changes to how we touch. Each week we will increase the pressure as well. Remember the goal of this is to get them used to this type of touch that many adult dogs will not tolerate. This will help these puppies learn that ear touching, tail tugging, collar grabbing etc. is not a big deal. ​
  • Rub and tug on ears
  • Cover eyes
  • Open mouth and run fingers on gums
  • Rub belly in circular motions
  • Run hand down back and back up 
  • In a circular motion, tug and twist on the tail
  • Touch all paws and push in between pads
  • Tap nails
  • Run fingers around neck and tug on collar
  • Touch their nose. 
At the end of each session, we will let the puppy smell our mouth and nose, then hold next to our heart until the puppy settles. Once settled, puppy will be placed back with other puppies. 

Week 6 & Week 7

Week six we will again, increase the pressure and there will be a slight adjustment by adding a pat on the back. Changes are subtle and at this point, puppies are typically used to the touch and settle quickly. 
  • Rub and tug on ears
  • Cover eyes
  • Open mouth and run fingers on gums
  • Rub belly in circular motions
  • Run hand down back and back up, then pat on back 
  • In a circular motion, tug and twist on the tail
  • Touch all paws and push in between pads
  • Tap nails
  • Run fingers around neck and tug on collar
  • Touch their nose. 

Week 8 and Beyond

At week 8, puppy will typically come home to you. It is important to continue this type of touch to ensure puppy remembers that through their life, this type of touch isn't scary. We encourage our new puppy owners to perform their own touch daily as long as you are willing. This will help tremendously with grooming, nail trims, collar grabs etc. You can can easily create a daily routine that incorporates the below steps. 
  • Rub and tug on ears
  • Cover eyes
  • Open mouth and run fingers on gums
  • Rub belly in circular motions
  • Run hand down back and back up, then pat on back 
  • In a circular motion, tug and twist on the tail
  • Touch all paws and push in between pads 
  • Tap nails
  • Run fingers around neck and tug on collar
  • Touch their nose. 
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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