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Weeks One and Two

It has been one week since your puppy was born—congratulations! During the first two weeks, puppies depend almost entirely on their mother. Newborn puppies sleep about 90% of the day, and when they are not sleeping, they are nursing.

It is normal for puppies to twitch, whimper, or move while sleeping as their nervous systems develop. By the end of the second week, puppies begin attempting to stand and walk. Around this time, their eyes and ears will begin to open, allowing them to slowly start experiencing the world around them.

During this stage, we begin Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS). ENS is a series of gentle exercises performed daily from days 3–16 of life that help stimulate the puppy’s neurological system. These brief exercises help strengthen cardiovascular performance, improve stress tolerance, and support stronger immune systems later in life.

The ENS exercises include:

• Gentle tactile stimulation between the toes

• Holding the puppy in an upright position

• Holding the puppy with their head pointed downward

• Holding the puppy on their back

• Brief exposure to a cool surface

These exercises only last a few seconds and are carefully performed to ensure the puppies remain comfortable and safe.

We also begin gently handling the puppies, touching their faces, paws, and bellies so they become accustomed to human interaction in a calm and positive way.

First round of deworming is given at two weeks old.

Weeks Three and Four

By the third week, puppies become much more active and begin exploring their environment. Their senses are improving quickly, and they begin using sight, sound, and smell to interact with the world around them.

Mom is now producing peak quantities of milk, which supports the puppies’ rapid growth.

This period also marks the beginning of the critical socialization window, which continues for several weeks. Experiences during this time play an important role in shaping the puppy’s confidence and temperament later in life.

To help support healthy development, we begin introducing puppies to common household sounds and environments, including:

• Television

• Vacuum cleaner

• Radio

• Everyday household activity

ENS transitions into continued handling and environmental enrichment, where puppies experience gentle human interaction and safe new stimuli to build confidence.

By week four:

• Puppies begin interacting and playing with their littermates

• Mom gradually stops cleaning up after them

• Puppies begin choosing a corner of the whelping area to relieve themselves (early potty habits)

• Weaning begins, and puppy food is introduced

Second round of deworming is given at four weeks old.

Weeks Five and Six

At five weeks old, puppies are becoming curious, playful, and much more interactive with people.

We begin individual playtime with each puppy to help them become comfortable interacting with humans independently from their littermates. This helps make the transition to their new homes much smoother.

At six weeks, we carefully introduce puppies to new people and environments. This helps them build confidence and learn to adapt to new situations while still feeling safe.

During this stage we continue:

• Gentle handling

• Exposure to new sounds and surfaces

• Positive human interaction

All experiences are kept short and positive so the puppies are never overwhelmed.

Third round of deworming is given at six weeks old.

Weeks Seven and Eight

By weeks seven and eight, puppies are learning rapidly and becoming more independent. They are playing frequently with their littermates and learning early social skills such as bite inhibition and communication.

This is also when puppies are best prepared to transition into their new homes.

At eight weeks old, your puppy is ready to go home with you! This is the perfect time to begin:

• Basic training

• Crate training

• Potty training

• Bonding with your new puppy

Keep training sessions short and fun, as puppies at this age have short attention spans but learn very quickly.

Fourth round of deworming will be given before puppies go home.

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Your Puppies First Week Home

Before bringing your puppy home, make sure you are prepared with the essentials:

• Food and water bowls

• A leash and collar with an ID tag

• Puppy food

• Treats

• Plenty of toys

When your puppy first arrives home, allow them time to adjust to their new environment. Spend some quiet one-on-one time bonding before introducing them to friends and family.

If you have other pets at home, introduce them slowly in a neutral space. Allow your puppy to explore their new home safely and at their own pace.

It is normal for puppies to feel a little anxious during the first few days in a new environment. Be patient and consistent as they settle in.

We also recommend scheduling your puppy’s first veterinary visit within the first week of bringing them home to establish care and ensure they remain healthy.