Our Training Program
Since 2004, Okefeild Acres has proudly developed a premier puppy socialization and training program.
Recognizing the importance of a smooth transition to new homes, we created a program that goes above and beyond the norm—one that lays a lasting foundation for lifelong success. Using proven Puppy Culture protocols, our experienced team works daily with each puppy to foster intelligent, eager-to-please temperaments that are easy to train, adaptable to new environments, and ready to integrate seamlessly into family life—or move confidently into therapy or service training.
Every one of our puppies receives this early training at no additional charge, giving you the best possible start with your new companion. Explore our program below and discover the daily individual sessions that make all the difference!
Early Neurological Stimulation
At Okefeild Acres, we incorporate the Bio Sensor program—an early neurological stimulation method developed to give puppies a lifelong advantage. This protocol involves six targeted exercises designed to gently activate the neurological system during a puppy’s most critical early developmental stage.
Benefits include:
• Enhanced cardiovascular function
• Stronger heartbeats
• Improved adrenal function
• Greater tolerance to stress
• Increased disease resistance
We have been consistently implementing Early Neurological Stimulation with every litter for many years. The results speak for themselves—our puppies tend to be easier to train, more resilient under stress, and better equipped to adapt to a variety of environments, including therapy or service roles.
Sound Conditioning
Research has shown that puppies begin to hear around 21 days of age. During this early stage of hearing, their startle response is minimal—making it the perfect window to begin sound desensitization. At Okefeild Acres, we take advantage of this critical period by gently introducing a variety of everyday noises while puppies are engaged in positive experiences like mealtime. This helps them associate unfamiliar sounds with calm, pleasant moments, laying the groundwork for confident, well-adjusted behavior.
We use a high-fidelity audio system featuring real-life sounds such as:
• Thunderstorms and wind
• Alarm clocks, lawn mowers, and power tools
• Doorbells, buzzers, and household bangs
• Children playing and other environmental sounds
This proactive exposure helps ensure our puppies are less likely to be fearful of everyday noises, preparing them for busy households, family life, or even public therapy work.
Conditioned
Emotional Response
Did you know the 4–5 week developmental stage is one of the most influential times in shaping a puppy’s future temperament? At Okefeild Acres, we thoughtfully use this window to introduce gentle handling techniques that build lifelong trust and resilience.
During this stage, our puppies experience calm cuddling while being carried, full-body and mouth exams, and early grooming routines. We also begin Conditioned Emotional Response training—carefully simulating real-life touches such as ear handling, paw squeezing, gentle restraint, nail trimming, and even mock hugs around the neck.
To create a positive association, each interaction is paired with something they love—like a spoonful of Greek yogurt. This helps the puppies remain calm and cooperative, preparing them to handle future experiences with young children, grooming visits, or life as a therapy or emotional support companion.
This short but powerful investment of time creates calm, confident, and tolerant puppies—ready to thrive in family life or specialized environments.
Enrichment
At Okefeild Acres, we believe confident puppies make the best companions. During their early development, we introduce our puppies to a variety of enriching toys, new environments, and gentle physical challenges—like ramps, tunnels, and small obstacles to climb or step over.
These playful experiences are carefully designed to spark curiosity, build problem-solving skills, and help each puppy develop independence and emotional resilience. By encouraging exploration in a safe, supportive setting, we set the stage for well-rounded dogs who adapt easily to new places, people, and situations throughout their lives.
Introduction To Cats
To help ensure a smooth transition into homes with feline family members, we thoughtfully introduce our puppies to cats during their early socialization. These early interactions teach puppies to approach calmly, respect boundaries, and become comfortable with another species’ body language and behavior. As a result, our puppies are less likely to chase or show fear-based reactions, making them better equipped to live peacefully and confidently alongside cats. This early exposure lays the foundation for a harmonious multi-pet household and gives our families added confidence that their new puppy is ready to blend in beautifully.
PlaytimeWith Children!
One of the most meaningful parts of our socialization program is gentle, supervised playtime with children. These interactions help shape a puppy’s ability to trust, bond, and respond appropriately to the natural energy and unpredictability of little ones.
Through positive, respectful handling and playful engagement, our puppies learn patience, tolerance, and how to read social cues—essential qualities for becoming loving family companions or future therapy dogs. Early exposure to children creates confident puppies who feel safe and comfortable in busy family environments, prepared to become both playmates and loyal protectors.
Grooming Desensitization
To help ensure lifelong success with coat care and regular grooming, we begin introducing our puppies to the sights, sounds, and sensations of grooming from a young age. Through gentle, positive exposure to bathing, blow drying, nail trimming, brushing, clippers, and handling of paws, ears, and face, our puppies learn that grooming is a normal and even enjoyable part of life.
This early desensitization reduces fear and anxiety, making future grooming appointments less stressful for both puppy and owner. Whether you choose to groom at home or use a professional, your puppy will be well-prepared, cooperative, and confident—setting the stage for a lifetime of easy maintenance and a healthy, beautiful coat.
Crate And Potty Bell
We make housebreaking easier by introducing crate training and potty bell use early in your puppy’s development. From the very beginning, puppies learn that their crate is a calm, positive space, and they are encouraged to ring a potty bell before going outside. This structure helps form consistent habits, making the transition to your home smoother and faster. While some adjustment is expected the first few nights, most puppies are sleeping soundly through the night by the end of their first week with their new family.
Climbing Steps
Learning to climb up and down stairs is a key milestone in your puppy’s development. We gently introduce our puppies to steps as part of their early training to build confidence, coordination, and independence. This early exposure not only helps your puppy feel secure navigating new environments but also saves you time and effort once they come home—no more carrying them up and down! Whether you live in a multi-story home or plan to travel with your puppy, this important skill ensures a smoother transition and everyday ease.
Temperament Testing
Every puppy is born with instinctive behaviors inherited from their parents, grouped into three primary drives—prey, pack, and defense. The balance of these drives helps shape a puppy’s unique personality, temperament, and the way they experience the world.
To better understand and evaluate these traits, we use the Volhard Canine Personality Profile, developed by Jack and Wendy Volhard. This trusted method assesses ten key behaviors that offer insight into a puppy’s natural strengths across each drive. While not exhaustive, the Profile serves as an excellent foundation for predicting future behavior and training potential.
At Okefeild Acres, this temperament testing plays a vital role in matching each puppy with the right family. We combine the results with our expert observations to guide you in selecting the puppy that best fits your lifestyle and goals. Families love having access to this detailed information—it brings confidence, peace of mind, and assurance that they’re welcoming the right companion into their lives for years of joy and fulfillment.
Early Recall
Learning the recall command is one of the most important skills your puppy can develop for safety and responsiveness. At Okefeild Acres, we begin early by conditioning our puppies to come eagerly to the phrase “puppy puppy puppy” at mealtime, creating a positive association with coming when called. We then build on this foundation by using treats and praise, reinforcing the behavior consistently. This early start not only makes future training easier but helps ensure your puppy will respond quickly and reliably when it matters most.
Walking Politely
Teaching your puppy to walk politely on a leash is essential for enjoyable outings and effective communication. At Okefeild Acres, we introduce leash training early on to help each puppy learn how to stay close and respond calmly to gentle guidance. A puppy that walks nicely on leash is easier to manage in public spaces, safer near roads or crowds, and more likely to be welcomed in pet-friendly places. Early leash manners lay the foundation for confidence, trust, and a lifetime of pleasant walks together.
Manding For Attention
Manding—sitting calmly to request attention—is one of the foundational behaviors we reinforce early in our program. Rather than jumping or barking to get noticed, our puppies learn that polite behavior earns praise, affection, and rewards. Teaching a puppy to mand sets the tone for respectful communication, reduces pushy or overwhelming behavior, and helps children and guests feel more comfortable during interactions. This small but powerful habit builds self-control and lays the groundwork for a lifetime of good manners.
Travel Conditioning
To ensure a confident and adaptable puppy, we introduce our little ones early to Jeep rides in their travel crate. These positive experiences help prevent motion sickness and anxiety, making future trips—whether to the vet, training class, or family vacations—much easier. Puppies also learn to climb a ramp into the vehicle, building coordination and confidence with gentle elevation changes. In our extended training level, we begin conditioning them to comfortably wear a harness while secured inside the vehicle. These early steps lay the foundation for safe, stress-free travel and help prepare puppies for roles as therapy or service companions where calm transportation is essential.
Mobility Aids
Early exposure to mobility aids like wheelchairs, canes, walkers, and strollers is essential in preparing our puppies for potential therapy or service roles. By calmly introducing these unfamiliar sights and sounds during critical learning periods, we reduce fear responses and build confidence. This kind of socialization helps ensure our puppies remain steady, curious, and relaxed in environments where mobility aids are part of daily life. Whether visiting hospitals, assisting individuals with special needs, or simply navigating public spaces, these experiences give puppies the confidence to focus and serve with ease.
