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At the heart of our breeding program is a simple belief: every puppy deserves an loving, well-rounded start. That’s why we follow a puppy culture–inspired curriculum (often used for larger-breed dogs) that we’ve thoughtfully customized for our smaller dogs. The result is a program designed to build confident, and adaptable puppies who transition into their new homes with ease. Because small puppies deserve a great start too!
During the first precious days of life, our priority is creating a peaceful, nurturing environment. Puppies receive steady warmth, spotless surroundings, and gentle, intentional handling. We also ensure ample time for bonding with their mama, because security, comfort, and early emotional stability begin right at her side.
From days 3-16, we introduce Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI). These brief, structured exercises gently challenge a puppy’s developing systems, supporting stronger stress responses, improved cardiovascular health, enhanced scent recognition, and overall resilience. These early experiences help shape confident puppies who handle new situations much easier compared to puppies that haven’t received this exposure.
As the puppies grow, we expand their world. They’re introduced to a variety of safe surfaces, textures, sounds, objects, and age-appropriate challenges. These range from crinkle toys to tunnels, obstacle courses to new environments. Each experience is designed to nurture curiosity and confidence, helping them develop into secure, well-adjusted companions.
We begin foundational potty training by creating clear, separate “clean” and “mess” areas from a very young age. This early distinction helps pups understand where to eliminate and sets families up for easier potty training once their puppy goes home.
Our puppies receive gentle, positive crate introduction and experience short, calm car rides. We also introduce grooming tools early through gentle brushing and weekly nail, face, and sanitary trims. Non-shedding dogs require regular professional grooming for their whole lives, so it’s best to start as early as possible to help it become a positive experience!
These early exposures reduce stress later and ensure that the transition to a new home feel safer.
True socialization is so much more than meeting people or playing with other dogs. It’s about building positive associations with a wide range of sights, sounds, smells, textures, environments, and situations. We want to teach puppies appropriate reactions, to be confident, and curious rather than overwhelmed or fearful.
Desensitization and socialization go hand in hand: we gradually expose puppies to new experiences at a level they can handle, ensuring every interaction is safe, uplifting, and confidence-building. This teaches them not just to tolerate novelty, but to trust it.
We don’t just raise puppies. We shape future family members! Every step of our program is intentional, rooted in care, and aimed to support lifelong confidence and adaptability. Our families consistently tell us how impressed they are with their puppy’s temperament, ease of training, and readiness for new experiences when they first come home. This is because we put in the foundation work long before the pups go home!
We’re proud of what we do, and we want you to feel just as proud of the incredible start your puppy receives here at True North Teddies.
The first step is sending in an application! We’d love to hear about you, your family, and the home you’d provide. Prior experience with dogs is fabulous, but not required – we’re here to support, no matter your experience level.
Getting to know your future puppy is an exciting part of the journey, and we want every family to feel supported and informed. Before our puppies receive their first vaccinations, we protect their health by offering virtual meetings through phone conversations, Zoom calls, and email. Through Zoom, families can see the puppies in real time and ask any questions they may have. Those who have placed a deposit on a litter will also receive weekly updates by text so they can watch their puppies grow! Once the pups are older, families who have placed deposits and are on our Selection List are invited for in-person visits to meet, play with, and choose their puppy. If any puppies remain available afterward, additional families are welcome to schedule a visit as well. For those who live far away or cannot travel, virtual visits remain an option. No matter how you meet them, we’re here to make the experience fun, memorable, and helpful as you find the perfect companion for your family!
We’ve worked hard to lay a strong developmental foundation for your puppy – but the most important part begins with you. Continued exposure, positive socialization, and consistent training are essential to building on everything we’ve started. Without follow-through, even the best early groundwork can fade, so we encourage families to stay committed, patient, and proactive in their puppy’s learning.
To help you succeed, every puppy goes home with information sheets about what to expect during those first few days, along with a socialization guide to walk you through ongoing enrichment, desensitization, and confidence-building activities. We also highly recommend enrolling in puppy classes, regardless of your experience level. Professional guidance during this critical stage helps prevent unwanted behaviors before they start and strengthens your bond through clear communication and structure.
A few helpful tips for those first days: keep the homecoming calm, allow plenty of quiet time for rest, stick to a predictable routine, and introduce the crate as a safe, comfortable space. With consistency and the right support, you’ll help your puppy grow into the confident, well-adjusted companion they’re meant to be, thereby continuing the journey we began together.
Sweet Sophie is a total cuddlebug. She loves to go on runs, and play with friends. Sophie is a Shichon x, and is smart, loving, and outgoing.
Our laid-back girl, she has a soft, gentle nature. She loves to curl up and sleep in the sun. Elsie is a Yorkshire Terrier (a.k.a. Yorkie).
Zara is so affectionate and loving, she loves to snuggle! She is a Shihtzu x, and she lives in an incredible guardian home with her half-sister Zoey.
Miss Zozo has an adventurous soul and absolutely loves her walks! Her and her sis Zara love their guardian family so much. She is a Shihtzu.
Welcome to True North Teddies! We are a small in-home dog breeder located in Edmonton, Alberta. Our dogs are first and foremost our pets, and we raise our puppies in a loving family environment to help produce puppies with well rounded personalities.
