🐾 Puppy Socialization: How We Set the Foundation Before They Go Home




Posted May 27, 2025 | Puppy Training & Breeder Ethics


Bringing home a puppy is a joyful moment—but what happens before they leave the breeder is just as important as what happens after.


At Setareh Yorkies, we believe the first few weeks of a puppy’s life are foundational. That’s why we put intentional time, care, and training into every litter—long before they head to their forever homes.


One of the most impactful things we do?

We raise our puppies using the Badass Breeder Curriculum and Puppy Culture methods—two of the best early socialization systems available for ethical, heart-led breeders.


🐶 Why Early Socialization Matters


Puppies go through critical developmental windows in their first 8–12 weeks of life. During this time, their brains are soaking up experiences like sponges—learning what’s safe, what’s scary, and how to relate to the world around them.


If they miss these windows or experience trauma too early, it can lead to long-term anxiety, fear-based behavior, or trouble adjusting.


Our goal is to raise confident, curious, and connected puppies.

That starts with intentional exposure, gentle handling, and daily enrichment.


🧠 What We Use: Badass Breeder + Puppy Culture


🐾 

Badass Breeder Curriculum


This is one of my personal favorites, because it starts early—right around 3 weeks of age.


We begin by introducing one new object or surface every single day—different shapes, textures, sounds, or mild challenges. These could be:

  • Wobble boards

  • Crinkle mats

  • Mini tunnels

  • Litter box trays

  • Rubber toys

  • Low climbing platforms

  • And more!


By rotating exposure and keeping it low-stress, puppies develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and confidence. They learn that new things aren’t scary—they’re just different.


🧸 

Puppy Culture


We also implement Puppy Culture for things like:

  • Startle recovery

  • Crate conditioning

  • Manding (sitting calmly to say “please”)

  • Emotional regulation

  • Human handling from birth

  • Littermate interaction and conflict resolution


Puppy Culture adds a thoughtful emotional intelligence layer to our daily training—and it shows in how quickly our puppies adapt to change.


💕 What This Looks Like in Real Life


Our puppies aren’t just growing physically—they’re learning daily.


They’re:

  • Exposed to a variety of surfaces, sounds, and environments

  • Handled gently and confidently by multiple people

  • Introduced to crate time, grooming tools, and basic potty routines

  • Socialized with age-appropriate toys, challenges, and safe experiences


By the time they go home, they’re already familiar with many of the things new pet parents often worry about—making the transition smoother for everyone involved.


🌟 Why It Matters


Early socialization isn’t about creating “perfect” puppies—it’s about giving them the tools to thrive.


It means they:

  • Adjust faster in new homes

  • Handle stress better

  • Are more resilient in unfamiliar environments

  • Have stronger emotional bonds with humans


It’s part of what sets ethical, education-focused breeders apart—and we’re proud to lead with heart, intention, and science-backed care.


Want to see our socialization in action?

We share real-time puppy updates, enrichment activities, and daily life at @setarehyorkies. Come follow along for the joy, the chaos, and the cutest behind-the-scenes moments.


With purpose + play,

Heather

Setareh Yorkies

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