Resources
Puppy Training
Your puppy arrives with a strong foundation — here's how to build on it.
The foundation we build before you take them home
Every Doods & Dolls puppy receives a comprehensive early development program rooted in Puppy Culture and Early Neurological Stimulation. By the time your puppy comes home, they've already had a head start on becoming a confident, well-adjusted companion.
- Puppy Culture protocol from birth — neurological stimulation, sound desensitization, and early socialization
- Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) performed daily during the critical window (days 3–16)
- Litter box introduction — teaches puppies to think about potty behaviors before they go home
- Crate introduction — puppies sleep in crates and are familiar with the concept before leaving
- Socialization with children, cats, goats, water, and a variety of sounds and surfaces
- Introduction to focalized potty locations and commands
- Handled daily from birth — desensitized to touch, grooming, and nail trims
Tips for your first weeks at home
Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are the keys to a happy, well-trained dog.
Start on Day One
The moment your puppy arrives home, consistency begins. Establish a routine for meals, potty trips, and crate time right away. Puppies thrive on predictability.
Positive Reinforcement Only
Reward what you want to see more of. Treats, praise, and play are your best tools. Avoid punishment — it creates anxiety and confusion in young puppies.
Short, Frequent Sessions
Puppies have short attention spans. Five minutes of focused training several times a day is far more effective than one long session. End on a win every time.
Socialization Window
The critical socialization window closes around 12–16 weeks. Expose your puppy to as many positive experiences as possible — new people, sounds, surfaces, and environments.
Crate as a Safe Space
The crate should be a den, not a punishment. Feed meals in the crate, toss treats inside, and let your puppy explore it freely before ever closing the door.
Enroll in Puppy Class
A good puppy kindergarten class provides structured socialization and professional guidance. Look for force-free, positive reinforcement-based trainers in your area.
A note on litter box training
Your puppy has been introduced to litter box training — a concept that teaches them to think about potty behaviors rather than just acting on instinct. You don't need to continue litter box use at home, but frequent outdoor trips paired with a consistent command will have your pup connecting the dots quickly. The litter box introduction simply gives them a head start on understanding the concept of "going in a specific place."
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