Week 3 Development

Puppies begin seeing as early as 2 weeks of age and start hearing at approximately 3 weeks old. It is important to spend time during these development stages to begin introducing your litter to many new sights, sounds, smells, things, and people.

We work toward all of these items during this busy week:

• Continue the daily handling exercises as outlined in weeks 1-2.

• Carefully clip puppy nails every three days.

• Introduce 1 new toy or object everyday into the whelping box - continue this at home!

• We will add a potty area to the whelping box in order to begin the house training process.

• Will introduce the practice of startling the puppies in a friendly way and watch their recovery times - for example rattle keys, drop toys, shut doors, start vacuums etc. Puppies may initially startle react but should subsequently investigate. (This starts when the ears are opened)

• Puppies will begin to be separated from the litter for 5-10 minutes a minimum of 2 times during the week - we will practice the handling exercises from weeks 1-2.

• We will be introducing and socializing the puppies to other people without overdoing it! It’s a good idea to start gradually here and at home. But always socialize!! If your visitors have been around other sick pets, please take extra caution.

• Making sure all interactions are positive! That is a good tip for home as well.