** 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 the pups’ development—the beginning of socialization, confidence building, and lots of playful exploration. It’s an exciting (and adorable!) time for everyone involved.
So Much More Than Playtime
At five weeks old, the puppies are starting to reveal their unique personalities. Some are brave and bold, others are snuggly and sweet—but all are curious about the world around them. This week is about gently introducing them to new sights, sounds, and people in a way that sets the foundation for happy, well-adjusted dogs.
While you might see a flurry of puppy play and zoomies in our video, there’s actually a whole lot of learning happening behind the scenes. Our socialization process is carefully designed to help these pups grow into confident companions.
What We Worked on This Week
🐶 Puppy-to-Puppy Socialization
At this stage, littermate interaction is critical. The puppies are learning boundaries—how hard is too hard to bite? What does it mean to share toys and space? These lessons come through playful wrestling, playful barks, and even the occasional growl, all in the name of learning social skills.
👋 Meeting New People
Our human helpers play an important role this week! We make sure the puppies meet people of different ages, genders, and energy levels. These early introductions are important for building trust and reducing fear in new environments.
We let each puppy approach at their own pace—some are quick to greet, others need a little encouragement. There’s no wrong personality, just different styles of connection.
🎶 Exposure to New Sounds
From kitchen clatter to soothing music, we slowly introduce the puppies to a variety of household and environmental noises. This helps desensitize them and prepare them for life in a busy family home. The goal is to make these sounds feel normal—not scary.
💤 Building Confidence Through Routine
We’re also establishing a predictable routine that includes structured nap time, feeding, social play, and downtime. Puppies thrive on rhythm, and by reinforcing calm periods between play, they learn to self-soothe and settle—an invaluable skill for a happy transition to their new home.
A Few Notes for Puppy Parents 📝
If you’re one of the families on this litter, we’re getting close! Just a couple weeks left before pick-up day, and we want to set you and your puppy up for success. In the coming days, we’ll be sending additional materials about preparing your home, continuing early socialization, and our recommended training strategies.
Don’t worry—we’re here to support you every step of the way!
