If you would like to be considerd as a new family for one of our puppies, click HERE for an application If you are approved we will put you on our waiting list. Please Note! Please put our email address in your address book so our replies to you are not flagged as SPAM. We are having some people tell us they are not getting our reply emails. (jeanesbostons@thewholedog.org) Thank You! We do not let puppies go to new homes any earlier then 10 weeks of age and normally not until they are at least 12 weeks old. Puppies that are taken from their littermates and other dogs in the household before 10 weeks often have not learned how to be submissive or cautious. Puppies require this time with their littermates and adult dogs to learn the skills of getting along with strangers, both human and animals. JeanE's Bostons does not make puppies available for viewing or release from our home before 10 weeks of age. As long as the pups have sufficient human contact, they adjust better in weeks 8, 9, and 10 living with littermates and and other dogs. While each week of a puppy's life is developmentally different, the existence of various physical and emotional stages is fairly standard and has been documented across breeds. Over a period of thirty or more years, the developmental periods of puppyhood have been separated and labeled with a variety of terms by several researchers. Though the terms vary, the developmental stages remain fairly similar. They are now called "sensitive periods", and breeders need to be familiar with them if they are going to raise mentally stable puppies. Sensitive periods are developmental stages where the pups exhibit heightened awareness of particular senses and are responsive to specific stimuli. At eight weeks old the dog moves into the puppy fear or sensitive period, which usually lasts one week. At this time, the most ordinary events may frighten the puppy and have a profound and possibly lasting effect on its personality. Breeders can minimize stress to the pups by keeping the litter together for another two to three weeks and maintaining the familiar, stable environment. Interactions between littermates during this week become more intense and serious in forming the submissive and dominant hierarchy. What used to appear as playfulness over a toy now literally becomes tug-of-war and a serious challenge for social position. These interactions involve complex body language and vocalizations, and prepare the animal for future canine relationships Pups begin to display independence and increased exploratory behavior at 9 to 10 weeks, steadily and gradually showing more confidence, curiosity and willingness to learn. Inter-litter social relationships are in place. The dog that has been regularly exposed to human contact eagerly seeks out social relationships and contact with any person present. The primary socialization period for canines as defined by researchers, three to sixteen weeks, specifically means dogs that have not been exposed to people and other dogs during this period run a very high risk of being fearful of humans and canines and mis-understanding other canine body language. Prolonging the litter experience may cultivate a secure, confident and calm adult dog. The litter environment is usually a nurturing, socially enriching and very educational experience for the pup. The litter is where the pup can learn how to interact with other dogs, interpret body language and feel secure and comfortable until developmentally mature enough to cope with other conditions. The litter is the place for puppies to learn and develop a strong and stable temperament that will enable them to excel in all aspects of companionship, obedience and/or breed competition. We care for and work with our puppies 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Our dogs are members of the household and We constantly handle the puppies and play with the dogs throughout the day. With this type of care, our puppies are predictably social and eager to play with both humans and animals. Many people, trainers, writers, and your friends may have different ideas about picking out a puppy. One popular idea is that you need to pick up your dog on day 49 in order to bond properly with the dog. We have found, over the last two decades and many puppy experiences (in our home and the homes of clients), that the longer a young puppy can stay with its littermates and the rest of the "pack" (within reason) the better the puppy is socialized and more adaptable with other animals and people outside of the owners. We use Early Neurological Stimulation" on our puppies and they are raised in our home with lots of love, socialization, fresh county air and sunshine. We require only the most loving homes for our "babies" and encourage new owners to participate in Obedience, conformation, agility, flyball or therapy with their new companions. Bostons excel at all of these activities. Please read our articles: Before You Buy A Puppy How To Find A Reputable Breeder If you do not have a fenced yard, or live in the city and would like to train your new puppy to potty in an "indoor potty" we highly recommend Wizdog - Indoor Dog Potty All pictures, text, graphics, and all other content are the property of JeanE's Boston Terriers and/or the professionals who created them. No unauthorized use is permitted. Only express,written permission is considered authorization. Copyright© 2007 JeanE's Boston Terriers, The Whole Dog, All rights reserved Webmaster and Website designed by JeanE