Teaching a puppy to learn about the world at an early age is very important in creating a well-balanced adult dog. Have you ever thought why some dogs are so calm around loud environments, while others look anxious and stressed?

If you think about it, we live in a world full of loud, new and unusual sounds. All of these sounds our dogs will encounter—from noises inside the home (such as the vacuum or dishwasher); to environments such as the dog parks (birds chirping or dogs barking); and the outside world (traffic, storms, fireworks). Teaching a puppy to be comfortable with all sorts of sounds is key to having a well balanced and behaved dog.

Research has shown that socializing and character development can start right when the puppy is born. Here at Matthews Legacy Farm (MLF) we have spent years researching to ensure our Goldendoodles are off to a great start and ready to adapt to new sounds and situations they will encounter with their forever families.

Did you know that puppies are born blind and deaf?

Puppies are born with both their eyes and ears sealed shut. For their first two weeks of life, newborn pups experience the world entirely through touch and smell. We start Early Neurological Stimulation and Early Scent Introduction at day 3 of age so they know human touch is a positive and safe experience. During the third week their eyes and ears open, giving tiny pups a whole new way to experience life. At this time is when we start sound training.

What is sound training?

Sound training is designed to help dogs get used to different noises that they will encounter. Here at MLF we start sound training and conditioning right when the puppies are 3 weeks of age up until they go to their forever families. Sounds on our Spotify playlist include: farm animals, baby cries, barking dogs, fireworks, grooming, kids playing, city traffic, vacuum cleaners, dish washer running, and many more.

As breeders, we highly suggest continuing sound training once the puppies go to their new homes so they can continue to get used to different sounds that they will encounter. Below is a video of one of our families that has continued the sound training. Meko and Milo are not anxious or stressed around the vacuum. Talk about AMAZING!

Is it too late to sound train my dog?

It is not too late to get your dog familiar with sounds! Sound Proof Puppy Training can help older dogs with existing fears such as fireworks, groomers, etc. Owners can help desensitize their dog to sounds and noise that they are frightened of and create a positive experience by offering praise or a treat during the training session. Visit our Spotify playlist for a variety of different sounds to help your adult dog.

Testimonials on how sound training has benefited our dogs and owners

“We are so happy to have found such experienced and knowledgable breeders. Meko and Milo do not budge when they hear the vacuum and can sleep through a storm. When they har our niece or nephew cry, they don’t run away; instead, they are very comforting. Even when we are on walks, they notice cars going by and might turn to see what it is, but they never seem anxious or nervous. It gives us peace of mind knowing our boys aren’t scared at every single noise they hear.” — Meko & Milo

“Sound training has been very beneficial for our puppy, Davis, and our family. Davis is a confident pup and is curious instead of being fearful in new surroundings and sounds. Sound training has been a huge benefit for our family especially because we live in a busy city with many loud sounds.” — Marina Kananova & Doodle Davis

“When we brought Tucker home, we had a 9 hour road trip to get back. I was nervous how he would do on the road, especially with road noises and busy rest stops. Seriously nothing phased this guy! Semi trucks, honking horns, barking dogs... nothing upset or even startled him. For the next few weeks being home with Tucker, I noticed how calm he was around other loud noises that normally startle my other dogs such as the blender, dishwasher, or vacuum. I also realized because he was so calm around noises, he was able to sleep anywhere easily during the day, which made crate training so much easier.”—Sarah Sheppard

“Maui does not react to anything such as the vacuum or the construction that’s been going on in our basement. Both pups for New Years weren’t jumpy during fireworks.” —Danielle Kuresa