Raising a JBK Puppy

Development Standards:

Birth to 6 Months

Every JBK puppy is raised under a structured early development protocol before placement.
What follows is the continuation standard expected after the puppy leaves here.

This page exists so you always have access to the structure—if the handout is misplaced, the standard remains the same.

Part I: Birth to 12 Weeks (Raised at JBK)

Before placement, each puppy is raised under a documented protocol focused on:

Early neurological stimulation
Daily structured handling
Controlled environmental exposure
Surface variation
Sound desensitization (progressive, not forced)
Crate introduction
Short independence sessions
Grooming and veterinary simulation handling
Calm recovery reinforcement

Exposure is intentional, not chaotic.

We do not use:

Flooding methods
Public high-traffic socialization
Dog park style exposure
Forced interaction

The objective is neutral stability, not exaggerated boldness.

Part 2: 8 weeks to 6 Months (New Owner)

After pickup, the structure must continue.

Stability strengthens through repetition.
Instability develops through inconsistency.

8–12 Weeks

Focus: Controlled Continuation

Maintain crate routine.
Short, structured car rides.
Calm exposure to new surfaces.
Controlled introductions to people.
No overwhelming environments.

Avoid overstimulation during this sensitive developmental window.

12–16 Weeks

Focus: Environmental Neutrality

Structured leash walks (short, controlled).
Reward calm behavior.
Public exposure at distance.
Leave before overstimulation begins.
Continue crate independence
.

4–5 Months

Focus: Prevent Reactivity Patterns

No fence running.
No barrier barking.
No uncontrolled dog interactions.
No dog parks.

Increase:

Impulse control.
Duration commands.
Calm engagement work.

5–6 Months

Focus: Stability Under Mild Pressure

Maintain structure.
Controlled environmental exposure.
Consistent correction of unwanted rehearsal behaviors.
Short, focused training sessions.

Hormonal changes begin here.
Consistency becomes critical.

What to Avoid (Entire 8 Weeks–6 Months)

Dog parks
Free-for-all puppy classes
Allowing chasing behavior to rehearse
Rewarding nervous barking
Constant new stimulation without recovery
Removing structure too early

Repetition creates habits.
Do not rehearse the wrong ones.

Indicators of Proper Development

Quick recovery from novelty
Ability to disengage when asked
Calm behavior in crate
Neutrality in public
Focus on handler when uncertain

If You See These Warning Signs

Escalating barking
Fence fixation
Leash reactivity
Inability to settle
Overexcitement at every stimulus

Reduce exposure intensity immediately and increase structure.

The JBK Standard

You are not raising a “social butterfly.”
You are raising a stable working mind.

Stability produces appropriate friendliness.
Structure prevents chaos.

Core Principle

Stability is built through repetition and structure.
Instability develops through inconsistency and overstimulation.