PUPPIES 1ST 8 WEEKS
I want to give everyone an overview of what to expect when purchasing an ERBEKEES Keeshond puppy. This explains what I do during the first 8 weeks, how I interact with the puppies, and how I communicate with my clients while you wait to bring your new puppy home.
Birth Announcements & Sorting Deposits
Once the puppies are born, I send out birth announcements to all puppy buyers with details about the whelping and the puppies. At that time, I sort puppies in deposit order. Some families may not receive the sex they originally requested, so they may choose to switch sexes or wait for the next litter. Because of this, your original pick number may change.
The “Info Dump” Email
I now send one comprehensive email—what I call an “Info Dump”—containing all important information in one place. Over the years, I’ve learned that many people miss individual emails, so this ensures you can easily refer back to everything you need.
Photos & Videos
I am transitioning to social media for all video updates and photos. I no longer do the individual albums. I will post individual pictures on Facebook at 5 and 6 weeks of age but all other updates will be random videos I post.
Please follow me to view reels and weekly updates:
YouTube
@Erbekees-Keeshonden
https://www.youtube.com/@Erbekees-Keeshonden
https://www.facebook.com/erbekees/
Important Dates Email
You will receive one email listing all Important Dates, including:
• When photos will be posted
• When payments are due
• When puppy picks begin
• When delivery arrangements must be made
• And other key deadlines
Where Puppies Are Raised
Our puppies are born and raised inside our nursery located right off our dining room for the 8 weeks they are with me.
I follow both the Bio Sensor Program and the Rule of 7 to ensure each puppy is well‑adjusted, confident, and socialized before going to their new home.
As they grow, I begin laying the foundation for:
• Early house training
• Basic manners
• Exposure to household sounds
• Gentle handling and routine care
While I do not claim to fully housetrain puppies, families who remain consistent often find ERBEKEES puppies very easy to train due to the structure they receive here.
Developmental Stages
During the first 5 weeks, puppies grow rapidly:
• Week 2: Eyes open
• Week 3: Puppies begin lifting their bellies and moving around
• Weeks 4–5: They learn to walk, play, explore, and begin eating solid food
I take group photos until week 5. At that time, each puppy receives a collar and I begin taking individual photos so families can start choosing their puppy. Picks are made in deposit order.
Week 6: Veterinary Visit & Microchips
At 6 weeks, all puppies visit my veterinarian for their first full exam. Each puppy receives:
• A complete head‑to‑toe physical
• A stool sample test for parasites
• A personalized Puppy Report Card
While it is true that “all puppies have worms,” a proper deworming schedule eliminates them by week 6. Deworming is a simple, inexpensive, and essential part of responsible breeding.
Puppies also receive their microchip at this visit. Microchip numbers are documented by both my vet and myself. I match microchip numbers with AKC registration numbers so each puppy can always be traced back to me if needed.
I can verify microchip numbers at pickup, and I also make microchip numbers for my adult dogs available so clients can confirm they match the health testing results posted on OFA.
Your Puppy Folder
Your take‑home folder includes:
• Complete veterinary records
• Copies of all health testing certificates
• AKC pedigrees
• Litter pedigree
• Individual Puppy Report Card
• Microchip registration information
• My veterinarian’s contact information
• A Keeshond breed information pamphlet
• A puppy care booklet
• Copies of all agreements
• Several business cards
Health Testing Transparency
I proudly post all health testing publicly on the OFA website.
If a breeder does not post on OFA, you should ask why.
Certificates can be copied or faked—always verify that certificate numbers belong to the dog being advertised. Transparency is one of the highest marks of a responsible breeder.
Lifetime Support
I offer lifetime support and friendship to all my clients. I stay in touch with updates and announcements, and I am always available to help with:
• Training questions
• Behavioral concerns
• Puppy development
• Adult dog issues
• General Keeshond care
Puppies, like children, go through many stages. Whether it’s a funny quirk or a new challenge, I am always here to help.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the process or what to expect during your puppy’s first 8 weeks, feel free to call or email me. I am always happy to provide more information.