Puppy's First 8 Weeks
Newborn
This is our whelping box set up where our mamas bring their little ones into the world. Our role is to be on hand and provide love and support as needed. This includes giving calcium supplements, water and laying down clean towels.
Once all the puppies have arrived, had their weights recorded, and settled in for a well-earned nap, Mama gets a quick spa moment (a gentle bath) before snuggling back up with her babies. She will remain very close with them for the first week or two making sure they’re happy and thriving. During this time, we keep a close watch on Mama, making sure she’s recovering smoothly, staying well-fed and hydrated, and feeling calm and comfortable.
Warmth is very important to young puppies. To aid in this, we tuck a heating pad under soft bedding, choosing materials that help tiny paws get good traction as they start finding their footing.
If the puppies look alike, we’ll give them tiny colored collars to tell them apart and keep track of their weights as they grow.
Week 1
After one week, their eyes and ears are still closed, as they rely entirely on their mother for warmth, nutrition, and care. These tiny newborns spend most of their time nursing and sleeping, growing rapidly with each passing day.
Puppies which are thriving well should have doubled their birth weight by this point. The ones which are smaller at birth often catch up rapidly when weaned.
Week 2
Around this time, the puppies’ eyes are beginning to open, though their vision is still developing and will remain blurry for a while. It’s during this week that we begin some daily handling to get them used to human interaction, this will help set the foundation for confident, well-socialized puppies.
Also at 2 weeks, the puppies are given Nemex 2 dewormer to help prevent and eliminate roundworms, a common parasite in young puppies, ensuring they are off to a strong and healthy start.
Week 3
At three weeks old, our puppies are growing more active and curious about their surroundings. Their littler eyes and ears are now open, and they start noticing sights and sounds, making this an exciting stage. They take their first wobbly steps, interact more with their littermates and us, and even begin playful nibbling. Their tiny growls and attempts at communication are absolutely heart-melting!
At the three-week mark, the pups get their first taste of the big-kid menu as we start introducing solid food!
Week 4
At four weeks old, the puppies are little bundles of energy and curiosity! They’re wobbling around with more confidence, starting to play with their littermates, and showing off their tiny personalities. Their teeth are beginning to come in, making them extra eager to explore solid food (and maybe nibble on a few unexpected things!) Some of the things you see at this stage include adorable head tilts and little tail wags.
At 4 weeks, the pups get given their second round of Nemex 2 dewormer.
Week 5
They are now quite sufficient eaters and enjoy solid food that has been slightly softened with goats milk which they will gobble up instantly upon seeing it!
Playtime is a full-contact sport now, featuring dramatic pounces, exaggerated barks, and the occasional accidental somersault. Their little baby teeth are coming in, which means everything is fair game for chewing—your fingers, their toys, and probably their own tails.
The best part about week 5 is they’re starting to develop their unique personalities, from the bold adventurer who leads every expedition to the sleepy cuddlebug who prefers to nap in a puppy pile.
One thing’s for sure – our kiddos love to play, ensuring the pups get plenty of human interaction.
Week 6-7
Puppies are typically fully weaned by now and eating solid food, though some may still nurse occasionally if the mother allows it.
As they live with us in our home, they are exposed to a number of different sounds. From vacuums running, dishwashers and washing machines, and everyday random noises from a household with four children. Pups begin to develop their little voices at this time and will be eager to use it to let you know when they want to be played with or held. This is when you can start to see their individual personalities really begin to come out.
At six weeks of age, the puppies, along with their mom, receive a three-day course of Safeguard dewormer.
Week 8
The long wait is over! At week 8 your puppy is ready to leave the litter and join you in their new forever home. Before they do, each puppy receives a thorough vet check-up to ensure they are healthy and thriving. They also receive their first set of vaccinations, providing protection as they begin exploring the world beyond their litter.
At this time, they are also given their 8-week deworming with a three-day course of Safeguard, just as they were at six weeks. This helps maintain their health and prevent any parasite issues.
By this point, they will weigh approximately 3 lbs.