Gingerich Goldens
Gingerich Goldens
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    • About Us
    • Our Program
    • The Process
    • Puppies
      • Available Puppies
      • Current Litters
      • Planned Litters
    • Meet the Parents
    • Waitlist
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  • Our Program
  • The Process
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    • Current Litters
    • Planned Litters
  • Meet the Parents
  • Waitlist
  • The Golden Retriever
  • Application
  • Packages
  • Training Packages
  • Reviews
  • Puppy Supplies
  • Legacies
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Our Program

Those Early Weeks

Early Socialization: Giving Puppies the Best Start

Traditionally, socializing a puppy has been viewed as the responsibility of the new owner—taking the puppy to training classes and exposing them to various people, places, and experiences. While that’s still important, research now shows that shaping a stable temperament can begin even before puppies are born.


As breeders, we play a vital role in giving puppies the best possible start. From the moment they're born, we begin laying the foundation for confident, well-adjusted dogs who are ready to take on the world.


The First Three Weeks: A Gentle Beginning

The first three weeks of a puppy’s life are incredibly delicate. Puppies are born blind and deaf—their eyes open around 10 days, and their hearing starts developing around two weeks. During this time, their mother handles most of the care, while we focus on keeping the environment warm, clean, and safe.


Our main interaction with the puppies during this stage is through gentle, intentional touch. Each puppy is handled daily to help them associate human contact with safety and comfort. We stroke them, hold them in different positions, and gently touch their ears, paws, and noses. We also hold them close so they can smell us and hear our heartbeats, which helps calm them if they show signs of anxiety.


We introduce Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) during this stage. These simple exercises help stimulate neurological growth and support their future adaptability. We also play calming instrumental music during naptime and bedtime to promote a sense of peace and relaxation.


By three weeks of age, the puppies begin trying dry food—Dr. Gary’s Best Breed kibble softened with water—though they often just sniff it at first. This is also when we deworm them for the first time.


Weeks Four to Six: Exploration & Exposure

At four weeks old, the puppies are ready to explore. We begin introducing them to new spaces and experiences—taking them outdoors (weather permitting), providing different toys, and even letting them try out a shallow water pool with supervision.


They still tire quickly, so playtimes are short—about 20–30 minutes—before they return to rest in their cozy kennel beds. Around this time, we introduce them to doggy doors, encouraging independence and beginning potty training as they naturally start going outside.


From weeks four to six, we focus heavily on environmental enrichment:


Exposure to new sounds like children playing, traffic, sirens, crying babies, lawn mowers, and leaf blowers.


Introduction to different types of music and a variety of toys and textures.


Regular handling and continued positive reinforcement.


These experiences happen in a safe, nurturing space, helping the puppies develop confidence and curiosity. By six weeks, they are eating kibble regularly and ready to begin the weaning process. We gradually reduce nursing by separating them from their mother for part of the day, eventually leading to full separation.


Seven Weeks: Vet Visits & Temperament Testing

At seven weeks, the puppies go to the vet for their wellness exams, receive their first vaccinations, and are microchipped.


This is also when we conduct individual temperament evaluations, which are essential to our matching process. We assess each puppy in these areas:


Confidence


Assertiveness


Motivation


Nerve Strength


Touch tolerance


Energy level


Sensitivity to sight and sound


Prey drive


Human focus


There’s no “good” or “bad” temperament—only the right fit. An active family might thrive with a bold, adventurous pup, while a laid-back family may be better suited to a calmer, more relaxed companion. These evaluations help make thoughtful, personalized matches between our puppies and their future families.


Evaluation results are shared with the families on our waitlist to begin the official matching process.


Eight Weeks: Going Home!

By eight weeks, your puppy is ready to begin life with you!

We’ve poured time, care, and love into the first two months of your puppy’s life—and now, we pass the torch to you. But you're not alone. We offer lifetime breeder support and provide resources to guide you through every stage of puppyhood and beyond.


Your puppy package includes:


Training tips and tools


Pet insurance information


Health and feeding guides


A plan to help continue what we’ve started



DON'T HAVE TIME FOR TRAINING?

We now also offer training for your puppy. 

For more information go to our

Training Page


Socialization

We are thankful for our friends, Mike & Cathy Having. 

Mike is the master socializer at Gingerich Goldens, where he comes to work several days a week. His primary duties are walking the adult dogs and socializing puppies plus of course, a few belly rubs for Chase, our master greeter. A few games of fetch are a common occurrence as well. He also makes sure things are kept clean & tidy. We realize the importance of exercise and hands-on attention for our Goldens and Mike fills that role superbly. 

Possibly most importantly, he passionately loves dogs!  

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