Puppy Curriculum
Sound Desensitization
Noise phobia is one of the most common — and most preventable — problems in adult dogs.
Why it matters
As soon as ear canals open around day 14, we start playing a library of sounds: thunderstorms, fireworks, sirens, doorbells, vacuums, babies crying, city traffic. Volume begins barely audible and rises over weeks while puppies eat, play and nap.
Because the sounds arrive during the socialization window and are always paired with good things, the brain files them as background rather than danger.
In practice
How we build sound confidence
Week 2–3 · Soft start
Sound tracks played quietly during nursing and sleep.
Week 4–5 · Real household noise
Pots, vacuum, doorbell, TV, kids — the normal chaos of a family home.
Week 6–7 · Startle & recover
A dropped pan or an umbrella opening, followed by treats: the goal is a quick bounce-back.
Week 8 · Out in the world
Car rides and porch time with traffic and neighbours.
What it means for you
At home with your puppy
Calm on the 4th of July
Fireworks and storms are far less likely to become lifelong fears.
A dog you can take anywhere
Cafés, kids' games and city streets don't overwhelm.
Keep it going
We'll tell you how to continue sound exposure through the second fear period.
Keep learning