The Puppy Program

The Puppy Program at Black Label Canine

At Black Label Canine, we don’t just raise Doberman puppies—we raise family members. From the moment they are born, each pup is nurtured, handled, and prepared for life beyond our home. Our program blends science-backed methods with a deeply personal touch. We believe the foundation for an emotionally stable, socially confident, and physically healthy dog is laid in the earliest days of life. This is why our Puppy Program is at the heart of everything we do.

Our Philosophy

We raise our puppies with intention. Every day of their first eight weeks is part of a carefully structured experience that includes Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), exposure to diverse stimuli, and one-on-one time with both humans and littermates. By the time your pup is ready to join your home, they’ve already experienced sights, sounds, textures, challenges, and affection—making the transition to your family smoother and more natural.

The First Eight Weeks: A Week-by-Week Guide

Day 1–3: Welcome to the World

  • Born into a quiet, temperature-controlled whelping area

  • Immediate bonding time with mom and littermates

  • Daily weight checks to ensure growth

  • Gentle handling for scent recognition

Day 4–16: Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)

Following the Bio-Sensor program developed by the U.S. military, we perform five ENS exercises daily:

  1. Tactile Stimulation – A Q-tip is gently rubbed between each pup’s toes.

  2. Head Held Erect – Pup is held upright to encourage balance.

  3. Head Pointed Down – Pup is held with head facing downward to stimulate vestibular development.

  4. Supine Position – Pup is laid gently on its back in our hands.

  5. Thermal Stimulation – Pup is briefly placed on a cool, damp cloth.

These exercises, done for 3–5 seconds each, promote better cardiovascular performance, stronger adrenal systems, improved stress tolerance, and greater disease resistance.

We also continue daily handling and introduce light scents (lavender, grass, leather) to expand olfactory awareness.

Week 3: Eyes Open, Ears Awake

  • Eyes and ears are open—world exploration begins

  • Begin gentle desensitization to household noises (TV, vacuum, doorbell)

  • Start nail trimming and gentle brushing routines

  • Begin light environmental enrichment: soft toys, textured blankets, and short supervised wobbles outside the whelping box

Week 4: Social Beginnings

  • Puppies begin interacting with each other

  • Introduced to different textures (grass, concrete, wood, carpet)

  • Begin crate exploration (open door only)

  • Start of potty pad training

  • Begin short car rides (with mom when possible)

Week 5: Confidence Builders

  • Begin exposure to new humans each day

  • Encourage problem-solving through simple challenges (step over a broomstick, follow a trail of kibble)

  • Gentle leash introduction (just dragging, no pressure)

  • Begin mealtime with separated feeding to reduce food guarding

  • Introduce new indoor and outdoor play areas

Week 6: Developing Independence

  • Crate training begins with short, positive sessions

  • Continue leash familiarity

  • Exposure to new sounds: thunder, fireworks, city noise (recorded)

  • Supervised interactions with well-mannered adult dogs

  • Start manding (puppy sits to ask for attention)

  • Begin name association exercises

Week 7: Pack Practice

  • Begin recall practice (using name + positive reinforcement)

  • Longer crate training periods (with naps)

  • Explore more complex toys (puzzle feeders)

  • Practice handling exercises: ears, mouth, paws

  • Vet visit (wellness check and vaccinations)

Week 8: Ready for the World

  • Final temperament evaluation

  • Puppy aptitude test

  • Go-home prep: bath, nails, microchip

  • Practice riding in a crate for travel

  • First basic obedience: sit, come, touch

  • Final photos and send-off ceremony with family

Your Role in the Journey

We’ll send your puppy home with a detailed transition packet, scent blanket, vaccination records, training tips, and lifetime breeder support. You won’t just be taking home a puppy—you’ll be joining the Black Label Canine family.

Let’s raise something exceptional, together.

Interested in our next litter? Apply Here or reach out directly—we’d love to get to know you and learn what you’re looking for in your next best friend.