At Sage & Paws, we raise our puppies with intention, structure, & science-backed methods. Our comprehensive curriculum supports every stage of a puppy’s development, from birth to beyond the go-home transition. We offer two distinct programs tailored to meet the needs of our puppies & their future families:

During the first 8 weeks of life, our puppies are introduced to foundational experiences that prepare them for their journey home. This program focuses on the key stages of growth and socialization, ensuring a well-rounded start to life.

Key Elements Include:

• Early Neurological & Scent Stimulation [ENS/ESI] begins at just 3 days old to enhance cognitive development.

• Developmental Handling and Problem-Solving Tasks to encourage emotional resilience and learning.

• Socialization Exposure to people, environments, and basic stimuli, fostering confidence.

• Early Crate Training and Potty Training Foundations to set up good habits.

• Sound Desensitization to prevent future anxiety around everyday noises.

At the end of this phase, puppies are well-socialized, confident, and prepared for a smooth transition to their forever homes.

For puppies staying longer, our 16-week Extended Stay Program builds on the early foundation and continues to develop the essential skills and experiences that prepare puppies for therapy roles, service paths, and balanced family life.

This program combines the best of Badass Breeder, Puppy Culture, and foundational service dog training philosophies to provide a structured and enriching environment tailored to each puppy’s needs.

What Sets the Extended Stay Program Apart:

• Continued Early Neurological & Scent Stimulation to reinforce brain development.

• Developmental Handling & Problem-Solving Tasks are increased in complexity to enhance emotional intelligence.

• Advanced Potty Training and Crate Exposure to create consistency and comfort in daily routines.

• Confidence-Building Activities through new textures, obstacles, and environments to prepare puppies for real-world challenges.

• Core Obedience Foundations including sit, touch, recall, leash walking, and focus to ensure reliable behavior.

• Public Access Socialization that exposes puppies to everyday distractions, people, and places, reinforcing their confidence in various environments.

Every day from 9 to 16 weeks is mapped with intention, supporting puppies' social, emotional, and physical growth. Puppies in this program gain critical life skills that set them up for success in homes, therapy roles, or service paths.

Our Approach is Unique:
At Sage & Paws, we believe in raising puppies with a thoughtful, structured approach. While our curriculum draws inspiration from leading methodologies, it is uniquely designed through years of experience and refinement, ensuring that each puppy’s journey is tailored to their individual needs and future goals.

Follow Our Journey:
Want a closer look at how we raise our puppies? Follow us on Instagram [@sageandpaws] for daily milestones, behind-the-scenes activities, and adorable moments from our puppies' daily adventures.

Note: To preserve the integrity of our program, we do not share our full daily curriculum publicly.