A Thoughtful Head Start for Your Puppy
Beginning at 8 Weeks Old
At Doodles of NC, we believe puppy training should begin early, gently, and intentionally, right when your puppy is most open to learning. Our Puppy Training Program starts at 8 weeks old and is designed to build confident, well adjusted puppies who transition seamlessly into family life. This program is ideal for families who want a smoother go home experience, a strong foundation in crate, potty, and basic manners, and continued breeder involvement during a puppy’s most formative weeks.
Why Start Puppy Training at 8 Weeks?
The 8–16 week window is a critical developmental period for puppies. During this stage, puppies are forming habits, confidence, and emotional responses that can last a lifetime.
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By starting early, we help puppies:
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Learn faster with less stress
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Develop confidence in new environments
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Build positive associations with people, routines, and handling
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Avoid common behavioral challenges before they begin
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Because we raise and train puppies from day one, our program is uniquely effective. This is not outsourced training. It is built into how your puppy is raised.
Puppy Training Paths Designed for a Smooth Start
2 Weeks
Early Foundations
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Crate trained
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Early potty training
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Gentle socialization
A calm beginning
4 Weeks
Strong Habits Begin
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Scheduled Potty Routine
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Name recall
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Basic commands
Structure takes shape
8 Weeks
Confidence & Manners
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Solid potty training
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Leash trained
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Calm transitions
Routines feel natural
12 Weeks
Go Home Ready
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Steady routines
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Leash & recall skills
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Advanced manners
Ready for home life
Puppy training is available starting at $750 per week, with program length and outcomes tailored to each puppy’s age and development.
Is This Program Right for Your Family?
This program is perfect if you want a smoother transition when your puppy comes home, prefer your puppy start training before joining your household, value breeder led structure and early development, and want support, not just a puppy.Many families tell us this program makes the first few months at home dramatically easier.
Our training methods are tailored specifically to goldendoodle temperaments. Intelligent, social, sensitive, and eager to please.We focus on positive reinforcement, confidence building rather than correction, and creating puppies who enjoy learning.
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The program is offered on a limited availability basis and must be reserved in advance.It is designed to complement our puppy raising program.Because this is a hands on, individualized program, spots are limited per litter.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does training start?
Training begins at 8 weeks old, once puppies are developmentally ready.
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Will my puppy still bond with my family?
Absolutely. Early training enhances bonding by helping puppies feel secure, confident, and adaptable.
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Is this obedience training?
This is foundational puppy training, not advanced obedience.
The difference between a shorter and longer program is how deeply habits are formed.
With 2 weeks of training, puppies are introduced to routines and expectations.
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With 12 weeks of training, those same routines become consistent, reliable habits that puppies can carry into home life.​
​​Can this help with potty training?
Yes, and the length of training matters.
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In a 2 week program, puppies are introduced to a potty routine and begin forming awareness of appropriate habits.
In a 12 week program, puppies have time to practice that routine daily, leading to stronger consistency and fewer accidents for their age.
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Longer programs allow habits to move from learning to understanding.
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What does a longer training program really provide?
A longer training program gives puppies time to move from learning to consistency.
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In shorter programs, puppies are introduced to routines and expectations.
In longer programs, those same routines are practiced daily across multiple developmental stages, helping puppies become more confident, adaptable, and emotionally regulated.
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This additional time often results in an easier transition home and fewer early challenges for families.
