My puppies are whelped and raised by me inside my home. For the first few days, I am awake almost 24/7 making sure that the puppies and the mother are safe and being monitored at all times. I make sure that the puppies are not being laid on by the mother and that they are all warm, nursing as they are supposed to and I give any assistance needed. The first week and the first three weeks are the most important in making sure that puppies are healthy and thriving. I start deworming my litters at 2 weeks of age and continue this every 2 weeks until they are old enough for a monthly heartworm preventative/dewormer and flea/tick medication. They are on a vaccination schedule for 6, 9, and 12 weeks of age, so they will always go home with their first set of vaccinations and be kept up to date on vaccinations as long as they are with me. My litters are socialized with my other dogs and cats as well as family, friends, and clients that come visit. I do not allow outside dogs on my property for the safety of my own animals, especially the puppies, as there is a risk of transmitting diseases, viruses, and parasites. My litters get time outside to play when weather permits as much as possible. They have safe areas inside to play with plenty of toys. They are exposed to different noises and sounds in my house and on my farm so they will be fairly desensitized to these things by the time they go home. Puppies are started on basic commands, manners, and potty training as soon as they are able. They are weaned off the mother's milk by the time they reach 5 weeks of age and will go home at 8 weeks old with the current food they are on so they can be transitioned on to their new food over about a 7-10 day period gradually increasing the amount of new food and decreasing the old. They are also sent home with vet records and a toy with their littermate's scent.