** Note: All pups from this litter are currently reserved.
Welcome to Week 5 of our journey with this special litter of Red Fox Labrador puppies. This week marks a major turning point in their development, as socialization, confidence building, and playful exploration take center stage. It is an exciting time for everyone involved.
So Much More Than Playtime
At five weeks old, the puppies are beginning to show their individual personalities. Some are brave and bold, others are snuggly and sweet, but all are curious about the world around them. This week focuses on gently introducing new sights, sounds, and experiences in a way that lays the foundation for happy, well adjusted dogs.
While you may see bursts of puppy play and zoomies in our video, there is a great deal of learning happening behind the scenes. Our socialization process is intentional and designed to help these pups grow into confident companions.
What We Worked on This Week
Puppy to Puppy Socialization
Littermate interaction is critical at this stage. The puppies are learning boundaries such as how hard is too hard to bite and what it means to share toys and space. These lessons come through playful wrestling, playful barks, and even the occasional growl, all part of developing healthy social skills.
Meeting New People
Our human helpers play an important role this week. We ensure the puppies meet people of different ages, genders, and energy levels. These early introductions build trust and help reduce fear in new environments.
Each puppy is allowed to approach at their own pace. Some are eager to greet right away, while others take a little time. There is no wrong personality, only different styles of connection.
Exposure to New Sounds
From everyday household noise to soft background music, we gradually introduce the puppies to a variety of sounds. This helps desensitize them and prepares them for life in a busy home. The goal is to make common sounds feel normal rather than intimidating.
Building Confidence Through Routine
We are also reinforcing a predictable daily rhythm that includes feeding, structured nap time, social play, and calm periods. Puppies thrive on consistency, and learning to settle between activities is an important skill that will help with a smooth transition to their new homes.
A Few Notes for Puppy Families
If you are one of the families welcoming a puppy from this litter, we are getting close. Just a couple of weeks remain before pickup day. In the coming days, we will send additional information on preparing your home, continuing early socialization, and our recommended training approach.
As always, we are here to support you every step of the way.
