The Fairfax Pines Puppy Protocol

We want you to feel connected as families, friends and followers... We post puppy photos and videos daily because we genuinely believe that families deserve to witness our journey every step of the way. This commitment reflects our thoughtful approach to breeding and raising puppies, ensuring that families are well-informed about our practices. We want them to feel assured that the well-being of our puppies is always our top priority.

By sharing regular updates, we not only cater to the curiosity of families but also foster a caring environment where they can feel connected with the puppies throughout the entire first eight weeks of their lives. This period is crucial for puppies as they undergo significant developmental stages, and we want families to feel involved and engaged in this process.

Our dedication to transparency means that families can follow along with each adorable moment, whether it's a playful romp in the grass or a peaceful nap in the sun. We aim to create a sense of community and connection, allowing families to develop a bond with their future puppy even before they bring them home. This thoughtful engagement helps ensure that when the time comes for families to welcome their new puppy, they do so with excitement and confidence, knowing that they have been part of this journey from the very beginning.

How we do it!

All of our Fairfax Pines puppies are born inside our home, in our cozy sunroom located just off the living room. This welcoming space serves as a nurturing environment for our newborns, and it features a delightful nap swing, which I can assure you comes in handy during the intensive birthing process and for the following two weeks as we care for these fragile beings. The sunroom, with its warm ambiance and rugged log walls, transforms into our favorite sanctuary, where we often find ourselves drifting into an afternoon nap when not attending to our puppies.

Once the puppies reach about the two-to-three-week mark, they transition to our Puppy Nursery Building. This facility is dedicated solely to the puppies and their nursing mothers, ensuring a peaceful and distraction-free environment. We believe that creating a space where our mothers feel safe and secure is paramount. By keeping the nursery exclusive to these delicate family units, we minimize the potential for stress that could arise from the presence of other dogs, thus fostering a more caring atmosphere.

The nursery is equipped with climate control, featuring an independent radiant floor heating system that maintains a consistent temperature tailored to the needs of our puppies and their mothers. Unlike traditional heat lamps or potentially hazardous electric and kerosene heaters, our system prioritizes safety and comfort. Additionally, we utilize vinyl composite puppy quarters that are easy to clean and sanitize, eliminating the risk of snagging collars on cold chain link fencing that can lead to stress or kennel phobia. The nursery also boasts hot and cold water facilities, along with numerous light-filled windows that provide beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

To further enhance their development, the nursery includes an outdoor play area designed for enjoyment and socialization. During the summer months, our puppies have the chance to splash in their own puppy pool, allowing them to gain supervised experiences with water. There's also a ball pit and slide that provide opportunities for interactive play, fostering a sense of love and connection among the puppies as they explore their environment.

A significant focus goes into the socialization of our puppies during their first eight weeks, which is crucial for their development into well-adjusted adult dogs.

• Handled gently from birth: From their very first moments, we ensure that each puppy receives gentle handling, reinforcing a sense of safety and love. Our grandchildren and expert neighbors help in all our puppy socialization activities!
• ENS protocol completed (Days 3–16): Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) techniques are employed to enhance their adaptability and resilience.
• Exposed to at least 10 distinct sounds, objects, and textures: We introduce the puppies to a variety of sounds, objects, and textures to help them become well-rounded individuals. This thoughtful exposure aids in reducing fearfulness and promotes confident exploration. Trust me there are many sounds here on the farm! from mooing cattle, to neighing ponies! and of course purring kitties!
• Crate introduced in a positive context: Puppies are introduced to crates in a manner that is positive and reassuring, helping them to view this space as a safe haven rather than a source of confinement.
• Experienced supervised separation from dam and littermates: Gradual, supervised separations are conducted to help the puppies develop independence while ensuring they remain emotionally secure.
• Exposed to both indoor and outdoor environments: We take care to expose our puppies to a variety of settings, both indoors and outdoors, which enhances their adaptability and encourages healthy socialization.
• Potty training and recall initiation began: Early potty training techniques are implemented, along with the initiation of recall training, laying the groundwork for their future interactions with people and their surroundings.

By investing this level of thoughtfulness and care into each puppy's upbringing, we ensure they are not only well-socialized but also prepared for a loving transition into their forever homes. Each step we take during these formative weeks is aimed at nurturing their natural instincts and fostering a caring, loving demeanor that will serve them well throughout their lives