Is an puppy older than 8 weeks still a puppy? Lets answer this timeless question.

Cedar&Co Doodles

3 days ago3 min read

newborn teddybear puppy

A question as old as time.

When it comes to bringing home a new puppy, tradition has long dictated that 8 weeks old is the ideal age for a puppy to leave its mother. However, recent studies and scientific research suggest that some puppies actually benefit from staying with their mother a little longer. During this critical period, a mother dog teaches her puppies essential social skills, boundaries, and etiquette—lessons that are best learned from her.

At Cedar Doodles, we understand the importance of these early developmental stages, which is why we offer the option of adopting an older Mini Goldendoodle puppy. These puppies receive additional time with their mother and littermates, along with specialized training through our Smart Start Program, setting them up for success in their new homes.

Are Older Mini Goldendoodle Puppies Still Puppies?

Absolutely! While a puppy that is older than 8 weeks may not be as tiny as a newborn, they are still very much in their puppy phase. The puppy phase typically lasts up to 12-18 months, depending on the individual dog. This means you still get to experience all the joys of puppyhood—playfulness, cuddles, and bonding—just with added benefits.

meet a teddybear mini goldendoodle puppy

The Advantages of Adopting an Older Mini Goldendoodle Puppy

Choosing to adopt an older Mini Goldendoodle puppy comes with many perks, particularly in terms of ease of training and health advantages. Here are some key benefits:

1. Better Bladder Control

An older puppy has a more developed bladder, meaning they can hold it longer, reducing the frequency of nighttime potty breaks and accidents in the house.

2. Improved Attention Span

Younger puppies have short attention spans, making training sessions more challenging. Older puppies can focus for longer, allowing for more effective training and faster learning.

3. Enhanced Social Skills

Spending extra time with their mother and littermates helps Mini Goldendoodles develop better social skills, learning appropriate behaviors such as bite inhibition and respect for boundaries.

4. Stronger Immune System

Older puppies have had more time for their immune systems to develop, making them better equipped to handle new environments, public places, and social interactions safely.

5. Early Training Through the Smart Start Program

At Cedar Doodles, our Smart Start Program provides essential early training, including:

Potty training foundations
Basic obedience (sit, stay, come, leash walking)
Crate training for smoother transitions into their new homes
Socialization with people, noises, and different environments

Brown puppy with a blue polka dot bow sits on wooden floor, white textured wall in background. Calm expression, text "www.cedardoodles.com" visible. — teddybear mini goldendoodle puppy 10 weeks old

By choosing a Mini Goldendoodle from this program, you can skip some of the most challenging parts of early puppyhood while still experiencing all the love and joy of having a new furry companion.

Meet Puppies

Pros & Cons of Adopting an Older Mini Goldendoodle Puppy

Pros	Cons
More developed bladder control	Slightly past the tiny newborn puppy stage
Longer attention span for training	May require a short adjustment period
Stronger immune system	Could have developed early habits-good or bad, be sure to check with breeder about personality/training
Already started on potty training and basic commands	Less "baby" phase but still very playful!
Better idea of the personality/ temperament

Less Stress, More Love

Bringing a puppy into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be stressful—especially when dealing with potty training, crate training, and initial socialization. By adopting an older Mini Goldendoodle puppy from Cedar Doodles, you can enjoy the fun, love, and companionship of a puppy while bypassing some of the most challenging aspects of early puppyhood.

If you're interested in a Mini Goldendoodle puppy that has already been through our Smart Start Program, check out our available puppies today! Experience all the love—with a lot less stress.

Find Your Perfect Mini Goldendoodle Today at Cedar Doodles!

Older Mini Goldendoodle puppies are still very much puppies! They offer the same love, excitement, and joy as an 8-week-old puppy—just with added benefits like better bladder control, longer attention spans, and early training. Choosing an older puppy means you can experience all the fun of puppyhood with a little less stress. Visit Cedar Doodles today to meet our available Teddy Bear Mini Goldendoodle puppies and find your perfect companion!