Puppies, Week By Week Development!

After trying to come to terms with pregnancy and puppies, and feeling a little bit frazzled and slightly overwhelmed, I decided to research puppy development just to jot down a few notes on what to expect week by week.  I'll probably do the same for pregnancy after our doctor's appointment, which by the way has been moved thanks to the public holiday on Monday 27th December, to Friday 30 December.  Pffft. 


Hand raising pups has been no joke.  Waking up every 2-3 hours for feeds, getting the formula just right, winding, cleaning and grooming them, keeping them warm but not hot...  but we do it with love.  Mil has been baby sitting for us for the last week, can only imagine she must be exhausted.


Arriving home this morning we were reminded again, we walked in and there was no excited little body shaking and wagging and scrunching up her face she was so happy to see us.  Such a downer, and such a cramp in my heart.


When we saw the puppies we couldn't believe how much they had grown!  Seems they went from lizzards to crocodiles! - all puffed up and 'swollen' to double their size, and totally adorable.


So, today they are 2 weeks old... Seems next week I need to go shopping for tiny toys and teddies!  Wish you could see your little ones Nunu, they are just too gorgeous for words.  We were wondering how many of them will be like you.


Here is a summary of what to expect when you are raising puppies (taken from this website and shortened a little):


Week to week development can vary but most stick to the same growing pattern. Puppies develop quickly within their first two months of life and the changes are so quick that you may miss an important milestone. From the first week to the eighth, you are going see your tiny bundles of joy go from wriggling whimpers to full-blown walking balls of energy.



Week One

The most the puppies can do is wriggle around and whimper for their mother.  During the first week, the eyes will be closed and movement is generally towards their mother or looking for her.  Their days are spent eating and sleeping and being cared for completely by Mom.  

Week Two

Generally, puppies open their eyes during week two although some puppies may take a few days longer.  They are still completely dependent upon their mother for feeding and care. Their eyes may be open but they still are not steady on their feet.

Week Three

This is a week of many firsts for the new litter.  By week three, puppies are starting to really be on the move.  Their adventurous side will begin to show and they will be moving around more often.  The puppies should still be getting their meals from their mother but to place less stress on Mom, you can begin supplemental feedings.  The teeth will start to erupt and puppies will stand and start walking.  Some wet food placed on your hand will be devoured by the three-week old bundles.  Puppies will begin to play so adding some small toys or fabric-type items to their whelping box will provide stimulation.  Pups will also need their first worming at three weeks.

Week Four
During this week, puppies should be eating puppy food without problems but will still be nursing.  They will be walking well and running but will still fall at times.  The puppies will all be interacting together, chasing one another, biting, barking, and wagging their tails. Regular grooming should be introduced which is the beginning of their training that will extend into adulthood.

Week Five

During the fifth week, the puppies should be getting regular supplemental feedings. Small dry kibble should be introduced to wean from an all-wet diet.  This is the preparation stage for full weaning of the pups from their mother by the end of the fifth week.  Take time to interact with the puppies individually so that the young pups begin their socialization training with humans and not just with their littermates.

Week Six

Six-week old puppies should be eating puppy food.  They will also need their second worming at this age.  By the end of six weeks, the puppies should be fully weaned from th but they aren't ready for new homes just yet.

Week Seven

During the puppies seventh week, they are fully on the go and experimenting. At this time, the pups should be fully weaned from their mother and eating regular puppy food from a bowl.  Although the puppies still may not recognize their names, they should still be in training with human interaction, grooming, and regular outside bathroom breaks.

Week Eight

Their attention spans may not be up to par but training should increase during the eighth week.  The puppies should all be learning their names and house breaking should be encouraged.  The once tiny and dependent young will be rambunctious and full of energy.  Leash training can be introduced and as the puppy ages, more extensive training should be encouraged so that you have a well-adjusted and obedient companion.

For many years, eight weeks has been the standard age for puppies to leave the nest and go to new owners. Recently, some who dub themselves "dog experts" have stated that this is far too young for a puppy to leave their mother and/or littermates for psychological reasons.