The Stokeshire Puppy Curriculum
A Complete Week-by-Week Guide (0–8 Weeks)

Why a Structured Puppy Curriculum Matters

A puppy's brain develops faster in the first eight weeks than at any other stage of life. What they see, hear, smell, and experience today shapes who they become tomorrow. A structured curriculum ensures rich exposure without overwhelm—and builds confident, adaptable dogs.

Week-by-Week Curriculum Overview

Week 1: Foundation & Early Handling

ENS/ESI, gentle handling, warmth, scent introduction, and early neurological stimulation.

Week 2: New Sensations & Movement

Different textures, mild temperature changes, early crawling encouragement, and daily tactile exposure.

Week 3: Visual & Auditory Awareness

Soft sounds, slow lighting changes, rooms with intentional novelty, and gentle startle-and-recover games.

Week 4: Confidence Foundations

Early crate exposure, beginner problem-solving, mild climbing obstacles, and expanded handling from multiple people.

Week 5: Socialization & Novelty

New objects, controlled noises, grooming tools, supervised outdoor exploration, and structured play intervals.

Week 6: Beginner Training Skills

Name recognition, recall foundations, sit shaping, loose-lead intro, and exposure to simple routines.

Week 7: Real-World Preparation

Household appliances, short car rides, supervised guest interactions, varied textures, and structured curiosity.

Week 8: Transition-Ready Puppies

Crate naps, grooming practice, boundary introduction, and transition guides to prepare for their new homes.

Therapy-Informed Curriculum Option

For breeders or families planning for emotional-support or therapy roles, our curriculum extends deeper into:

• Emotional regulation
• Low-stress handling
• Sensory awareness
• Neutrality around distractions
• People-focused engagement