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Our Puppy Raising Approach
From the whelping box to the day they leave our arms, each Thistle Hill puppy is raised with intention, care, and a deep respect for their developmental journey.
A Thoughtfully Designed Start
Our puppies are born and raised right in our home in a dedicated, temperature-controlled whelping room. We’ve invested in high-quality equipment like EZWhelp boxes, washable pads, and safe enclosures to keep mom and pups comfortable and clean. From day one, they are handled daily and carefully monitored for health, weight, and development.
Building Strong Foundations
As they grow, puppies move into a thoughtfully structured enrichment space. Here, they learn to navigate toys, textures, sounds, and obstacles. We introduce novel objects, build confidence, and encourage natural curiosity. All of our puppies begin potty training on real grass pellets — helping ease the transition to outdoor potty habits.
Training Starts Early
We use a science-backed blend of Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), Early Scent Introduction (ESI), and Puppy Culture protocols. These practices support neurological development, stress resilience, and early social skills. Each puppy is gently exposed to grooming, nail trims, crate time, car rides, and age-appropriate challenge exercises.​
Nurtured with Love
The most important thing we give our puppies is time — time being held, talked to, and loved. Every pup is part of our family until they join yours, and we are incredibly intentional about the bond we build. It’s this foundation that allows them to confidently adjust to their forever homes.
