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.

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.
  • Visitations can be arranged after vet check. (See Puppy Visit Policy below)

Puppy Visit Policy & Delivery Options

No Property Visits

We do not allow visitors to our home or property. This protects our puppies from parvovirus, which can be carried in on shoes, clothing, hands, or tires—even without contact with other dogs.

In 2021, a visitor unknowingly introduced parvo. We lost nine puppies. Because the virus is highly contagious and can survive outdoors for months, prevention is our only reliable protection. Our no-visitor policy has no exceptions before vaccination.

Meeting Your Puppy

  • In person: Meet and hold your puppy at their first vet appointment in town (after the check), at our vehicle.
  • From a distance: One scheduled FaceTime visit, plus regular photo updates.

If You Meet Before Going Home

Please:

  • Arrive freshly showered
  • Wear freshly laundered clothes not worn in public since washing
  • Wash and sanitize your hands before handling your puppy

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

Our dogs and puppies are not only our livelihood, but very much part of our family. For their safety and well-being, we maintain a strict no-visitor policy with no exceptions prior to vaccination.

We understand this may be disappointing, and we do not make this decision lightly. It comes from experience, love, and a deep responsibility to protect every puppy in our care.

Thank you for helping us give every puppy the safest start.

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