How Our Puppies Are Raised
Life With a Curriculum — and a Plan to Be Their Best
Raising exceptional Goldendoodle puppies doesn’t happen by chance. It requires intention, structure, and a thoughtfully designed curriculum that supports each puppy’s emotional, physical, and cognitive development from the very beginning.
Our puppies are raised in a home-based, enrichment-focused environment where every experience is purposeful. From their earliest days, we follow a carefully planned puppy-raising program designed to build confidence, resilience, adaptability, and trust—the qualities that create outstanding family companions, therapy dogs, and service prospects.
A Structured Puppy Curriculum
Each puppy progresses through age-appropriate stages that support healthy development:
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) to promote stress tolerance and resilience
Gentle daily handling to build trust and human connection
Sound, surface, and environment exposure to encourage adaptability
Problem-solving and confidence-building activities
Early crate introduction and routine building
Foundational manners and engagement work
This structured approach gives our puppies a strong foundation before they ever leave our home.
Raised in Our Home, Not a Kennel
Our puppies are raised as part of our daily life, not isolated in a kennel setting. They experience household sounds, routines, and interactions that prepare them for real-world living. This creates puppies that are well-adjusted, people-focused, and ready to transition smoothly into their new homes.
Preparing Puppies for Life
Our goal isn’t just to raise puppies—it’s to raise dogs who are emotionally sound, confident, and capable of thriving in whatever role their future holds. Whether that’s a beloved family companion, an active sporting partner, or a service or therapy prospect, our curriculum provides the foundation for success.
Life with a curriculum means life with purpose. It’s how we give every puppy the very best start—and why our families see the difference from day one.
Our Puppy Raising Curriculum
Life, Learning, and Love: 8 Weeks to Your Goldendoodle
Our goal is simple: raise confident, adaptable, happy Goldendoodles who are ready to thrive in their forever homes. Each puppy progresses through an intentional, science-backed curriculum designed to develop brain function, confidence, social skills, and trust.
We believe in hands-on, heart-centered raising, where every interaction is positive, respectful, and empowering.
Day 3–16: The First Touch
We are honored to be the first hands and hearts these puppies experience.
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) & Early Scent Introduction (ESI): Stimulate brain development and scent awareness.
Bonding: Puppies are held close to our heart and face to begin trust-building.
Respectful Handling: Interactions are brief and always end positively.
Daily Weights: Ensure puppies receive proper nutrition and growth support.
Week 3: Gentle Touch & Sound Exposure
The foundation of confidence begins:
Puppy Massage: Gentle daily handling builds touch tolerance.
Novelty Introduction: New, safe items placed daily to encourage curiosity and high-approach confidence.
Sound Exposure: Motors, sirens, household noises, music, and movies.
Potty Training: Introduction of trays in the whelping box.
Week 4: Expanded Exposure & Stranger Interaction
Puppies start exploring beyond the whelping box:
Increased Massage Pressure: Strengthening touch tolerance.
Confidence & Nerve Training: Focus on startle recovery and approach behaviors.
Gentle Stranger Interaction: Positive exposure to calm, respectful visitors.
Weaning: Introduction of puppy mush as teeth emerge.
Potty Transition: Gradual move to puppy stall with doggie door.
Week 5: Exploring the World
Fun begins in earnest:
New Environments Daily: Exposure to textures, sights, sounds, and smells.
Interactive Curriculum: Obstacle courses and varied play settings.
Stranger Interaction: Additional people involved in gentle handling and massage.
Potty & Feeding: Puppy mush becomes firmer; trays encourage outdoor potty habits.
Week 6: Participation & Confidence Building
Puppies are now active learners:
Structured Curriculum: Participation is encouraged with motivation and positive reinforcement.
Obstacle Courses & Walkabouts: Build independence, coordination, and confidence.
World Exposure: Car rides, puppy stroller adventures, and friendly dog introductions.
Crate Introduction: Optional crate use with beds inside.
Personality Tracking: Begin documenting traits like confidence, nerve strength, and startle recovery.
Week 7: Advanced Curriculum & Veterinary Care
Puppies are thriving and ready for the next steps:
Play & Exploration: Diverse settings and obstacle courses continue.
Car Rides & Stroller Exposure: Familiarity with transportation and new environments.
Temperament Testing: Insight into personality and adjustable traits.
Vet Visit & Chiropractic Adjustment: Vaccinations, microchipping, and wellness checks.
Puppy Picks Preparation: Families are prepared for “Gotcha Day.”
Week 8: Gotcha Day
The day you’ve been waiting for:
Going Home: Puppies transition to their forever families.
Continued Development: Families are guided in continuing puppy massage, marker words, and confidence-building practices through 16 weeks.
Empowerment & Personality Growth: Puppies continue developing social, emotional, and cognitive skills in their new homes.
Key Principles of Our Curriculum
Respect & Trust: Every interaction is gentle, positive, and mindful.
Confidence & Nerve Strength: Early socialization, exposure, and problem-solving.
Consistency & Bonding: Marker words like “GOOD!” and “YES!” reinforce positive experiences.
Holistic Development: Physical, emotional, and cognitive growth are all nurtured.
Family Integration: Puppies are prepared to transition smoothly into their forever homes.
This curriculum ensures our Goldendoodles are well-adjusted, confident, and ready to thrive as lifelong companions, therapy dogs, or service prospects.