Puppies first New Years

Happy New Year!

New Year’s Eve is loud. There is no avoiding that. Fireworks, raised voices, sudden noises, and an energy shift that dogs pick up on immediately. Rather than trying to shield the puppies from it, we use it as an opportunity to give them positive, controlled exposure.

The puppies spend time outside during the fireworks, playing, exploring, and doing what puppies do best. The noise becomes part of the background, not something to fixate on. They are not restrained, not forced to interact, and not made to sit still. They are simply allowed to exist in the environment while good things are happening around them.

Some barely notice the noise at all. Others pause, look up, then go straight back to what they were doing. That is exactly what I want to see. Calm processing, quick recovery, and no panic.

Maya is always there. She does not fuss, she does not hover, and she certainly does not react to the fireworks herself. Her calm presence tells the puppies everything they need to know. If mum is relaxed, the world must be safe.

This kind of exposure is not about flooding puppies or pushing them past their limits. It is about setting them up early so that loud noises are just part of life. Fireworks, storms, traffic, crowds. None of it should be a shock later on.

New Year’s with puppies is not quiet or predictable, but it is incredibly valuable. These small moments of thoughtful exposure make a big difference as they grow. They help create dogs who can move through the world confidently, without fear of noise or sudden change.

And as the night winds down, we bring the puppies back into their whelping box, a familiar, safe space where they can settle and sleep. After the excitement, they curl up together with mum close by, reassured and content. It’s the perfect way to end a big night: comfort, safety, and the steady rhythm of home.

It is one of those things that looks simple from the outside, but plays a huge role in shaping well adjusted, resilient dogs.