The science becomes more clear all the time: the first few months of life offer an almost magical ability to shape a puppy’s future. That’s why Homeward Trails is introducing a new puppy program based on the best developmental research out there. Our new, focused effort will help us, through the work of our amazing fosters, make the most of the chance to dramatically improve outcomes for our dogs and their adopters.

The guidelines we’ve put together here are taken from the “best practices” used by top trainers, veterinarians and assistance dog organizations all over the world. There is absolutely no reason that our little rescue pups shouldn’t have exactly the jump start given to those lucky dogs! That way, our adopters have the best of both worlds: the satisfaction of adopting a rescue, with the type of developmental advantage given to the most carefully bred dogs in the world.