How We Raise Them
At WHISPERING PINES PUPPIES, we don’t produce puppies, we raise them. Anyone can produce puppies, but to raise a healthy, happy, well socialized puppy takes extra effort, knowledge, and experience. First, we have what is needed most, a love for dogs and puppies. We start with carefully selected parent dogs. We have invested in quality facilities. With 24 years of experience we have the knowledge, experience, patience, and dedication needed to give our dogs and puppies the best possible care. We have worked with the same veterinarian for over 20 years. She helps us with our health and wellness program. We maintain the required licensing with the USDA and Iowa Depart of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. We do all this and more so that your next family member is healthy, well socialized, and ready to start making memories.
Early Care and Development (0-8 weeks)
Present while whelping
If at all possible we like to be present when our mother dogs are giving birth. Most mothers do fine on their own, but there are times they and their puppies need assistance. We have the knowledge and experience to recognize when our help is needed, and to provide that help.
Keep them warm
Newborn puppies cannot regulate their body temperature so they need help staying warm. Our puppy nursery is heated and air conditioned with the same type of unit used in motel rooms. In addition to this, we use hanging heat lamps set at an ideal height, giving the young puppies the comfort they need and deserve.
Monitor their weight
We have the experience to detect when a newborn puppy is not receiving enough nourishment. In these cases we bottle feed them for a few days to provide supplemental nutrition until mom can supply what they need.
Socialization
We start socializing puppies early by handling them often, exposing them to new places, sounds, experiences, and car rides.
Feeding
We feed our puppies Purina Pro Plan SPORT 30/20 Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula, a premium puppy food formulated to support healthy growth, strong muscles, and developing immune systems.
We recommend keeping your puppy on this food during the transition to their new home to help minimize digestive upset. If you choose to switch to a different food, do so gradually over the course of 7–10 days.
Purina Pro Plan SPORT 30/20 Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula is available at many pet supply stores, online retailers, and through some veterinary clinics.
Grooming
As puppies grow, we help them with grooming by giving them several baths while they are here. We clip the sharp points off of their claws before they go to their new homes.
Stimulation
We provide our puppies with plenty of mental and physical stimulation through toys and activities, trips to the vet for their checkups, office play time, photo sessions…..
- Acclimate to temperature variations
- Understand that potty time happens outside
- Develop confidence in new environments
Your Fun: 8 Weeks and Beyond
For help with your fun, please refer to your complimentary training books, “The Puppy Primer” and “Way To Go”. Copies are sent to every customer prior to their puppy going home.
