From Application to Your New Family Member

At Christian Doodles, we've developed a structured process to ensure our puppies transition smoothly to their forever homes. Our journey together begins with your application and continues through the various developmental stages of our puppies.

We believe in transparency throughout this process, providing regular updates and guidance as you prepare to welcome your new family member.

This timeline gives you a clear understanding of what to expect during each stage of the adoption process.

Puppies growing process

Puppy Adoption Timeline

Application

  • Complete a brief Application form, providing your contact and background information.
  • Apply Now

Birth to 4 Weeks

  • Puppies are handled with touch every day, mainly staying with mom to nurse and sleep.
  • First deworming occurs at 2 weeks of age.
  • Puppies are fed probiotics from the first week of life.
  • Kept with mom under infrared heat in our home.

4-6 Weeks

  • Mom and puppies moved to our nursery with a small dog door.
  • Puppies are taught to use the doggie door to go outside to the bathroom starting at 4 weeks.
  • By 5 weeks, puppies are well-trained to go outside in any weather.
  • Started on mushy soaked food at 3½ weeks.
  • Practice baths to expose them to water and sounds.
  • Handled and played with in various settings: living room, enclosed playground, car rides, and kennel time.

6-8 Weeks

  • Dewormed again.
  • Veterinarian check-up and first vaccinations for parvo and distemper (no later than 6 weeks).
  • Microchip implanted.
  • Thorough veterinary examination.
  • Visitors welcome to meet and hold puppies after vet check (clean clothes required to protect puppies).

8-10 Weeks

  • Dewormed again at 8 weeks.
  • Second vaccine for parvo and distemper.
  • One week after second vaccine and fourth deworming, puppies are ready to go home.

Puppy Visits & Delivery Options

Virtual Visits Only

Puppy visits are arranged exclusively via FaceTime and must be scheduled in advance. We do not offer in-person visits except for puppy pick-up and after vet check at the clinic.

Safety Precautions

This policy has been implemented from experience, to protect our mothers and puppies from potential risks, including:

  • Puppy theft incidents
  • Accidental exposure to viruses (eg., Parvo)
  • Preventing bacterial transmission into our farm (e.g., Giardia)

Delivery Options

We offer convenient delivery services:

  • Local Delivery: Professional driver available for deliveries in Alberta and British Columbia (a fee is paid directly by you to the driver)
  • Air Transport: Flights available through WestJet Cargo within Canada

Thank you for your understanding as we prioritize the health and safety of our puppies.

Puppy Socialization Program

Day 1-19: 'Newborn Phase'

  • Baby puppies need warmth, food, massage, and sleep.

Day 20-49: 'Infant Phase'

  • Puppies learn to play.
  • Puppies learn limits.
  • Puppies learn dominance.

Day 50-84 (7-12 Weeks)

  • Puppies learn independence.
  • Puppies develop relationships with people and other animals.
  • Puppies begin to learn fear.

Week 12-16: 'Juvenile Phase'

  • Puppies learn self-confidence.
  • Puppies learn that they must obey.
  • Puppies learn the difference between play and work.

Our Puppy Socialization Practices

We do our best to handle the puppies and expose them to touch. We handle them on their backs and tummies. They have multiple nail trims before they go home as well. This ensures they are used to it before they go home.

Two practice baths with ear cleaning to have them used to water and the sound of water. We try to make their first bath a pleasant experience by talking to them and gently reassuring them that water is ok. A lot of the pups enjoy laying under the warm water and relaxing. Your pup will have their first bath usually at six weeks before their vet check, and again at eight weeks when they go home to you.

Puppies are also socialized with large dogs and cats, some trips in the car in a kennel, and play time in our home.

Finding your new furry best friend!

This structured process ensures a smooth transition for both the puppies and their new families.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

If you're ready to begin the process of adding a new puppy to your family, we invite you to fill out an application today.

Apply Now