From Whelp to Woof!
Our Puppy Development & Enrichment Program
From Whelp to Woof! is Harley & Co’s signature puppy development program, created from more than two decades of experience raising puppies and working with different puppy development curriculums.
From birth through to going-home day, our puppies experience a carefully planned progression of age-appropriate neurological and sensory experiences, handling, socialisation, enrichment, problem-solving activities and early training foundations. Each stage is designed to provide positive experiences that support confidence, curiosity, adaptability and a smooth transition into family life.
Our Story
From Whelp to Woof! grew from our desire to give every puppy the very best start possible.
Over more than two decades of raising puppies, we have explored different approaches to early puppy development, learning from established programs while continually refining what worked best for the puppies in our care.
Over time, those experiences evolved into our own structured approach — From Whelp to Woof! — bringing together early neurological and sensory experiences, socialisation, enrichment, problem-solving and early learning in a program that develops alongside each puppy.
What began as the way we raised our own Harley & Co puppies eventually became something we wanted to share with others. That led to the creation of our From Whelp to Woof! book, giving breeders and puppy families practical ideas for creating thoughtful, age-appropriate experiences during those important first weeks.
The First Eight Weeks
Our puppies change enormously during their first eight weeks, so our From Whelp to Woof! program evolves with them. Each stage introduces carefully chosen, age-appropriate experiences designed to support their physical, emotional and social development while preparing them for life beyond our home.
Birth–2 Weeks | Gentle Beginnings
During the earliest days, our focus is on warmth, security, gentle handling and positive early experiences. We introduce Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) at appropriate stages, alongside daily handling and careful observation of each puppy’s development.
2–4 Weeks | Discovering the World
As eyes and ears open and puppies become more mobile, their world begins to expand. We gradually introduce different textures, surfaces, sounds and age-appropriate enrichment, encouraging curiosity and giving puppies opportunities to explore at their own pace.
4–6 Weeks | Play, Learning & Socialisation
This is an exciting period of rapid development. Puppies experience increasingly varied enrichment, problem-solving activities, household sounds, indoor and outdoor environments and positive interactions with people and our other dogs. Play becomes an important part of developing communication, confidence and social skills.
6–8 Weeks | Preparing for Family Life
As going-home day approaches, we focus increasingly on practical life skills. Puppies begin foundations in crate and toilet training, individual learning sessions, grooming and handling experiences, car travel and new environments. We continue building positive experiences that help prepare each puppy for a confident transition into their new family.
