Puppies Are On Their Way!
Puppies Are On Their Way!
Your Puppy's First 8 Weeks
Preparing your puppy for life with you!
At South Paw Doodles, we understand that preparing for a new puppy is a big responsibility. That's why we take pride in our week-by-week approach to preparing our puppies for their new lives with their forever families. We believe that early development is crucial for puppies, and we focus on not only ensuring their health but also their socialization and adjustment to the world around them. Our commitment to preparing our puppies for their new homes results in a smooth transition for both the puppy and their new family. By working with our pups and providing the necessary training, we make it easier for you to train and enjoy your new Doodle.
Week One
When bringing home a new puppy, it's important to understand the early stages of their development. At South Paw Doodles, our puppies are born inside our home and receive round-the-clock care from the moment they are born. We assist Miss Bo during labor and begin interacting with the puppies right away, even though they are born unable to see or hear. During the first week of life, puppies primarily eat and sleep as they grow and develop. They depend on their mother and littermates for warmth since their bodies do not yet regulate their body temperature. We also use heating pads to help keep the puppies warm and comfortable. This is a busy time for our family as we care for the puppies and their mother. By providing constant attention and care during these early stages, we ensure that our puppies are healthy, well-adjusted, and ready for their new homes.
Week Two
By the end of week one, you will notice significant changes in your puppy's development. Their front legs will have grown stronger, allowing them to move around more easily and find their mother for milk or cuddling with their littermates for warmth. Around 10 days of age, your puppy's eyes will begin to open, exposing them to a whole new world. Although their vision may be blurry at first, it will continue to develop over time. While they are still dependent on their mother for everything, it's important that we begin handling and cuddling them regularly to promote socialization. At the end of the second week, we start administering worm medicine to your puppy. This treatment is continued every two weeks until they reach 8 weeks old. By staying on top of their healthcare needs, we ensure that your puppy is healthy and well-adjusted, ready to join your family and thrive in their new home.
Week Three
During week three, your puppy's exploration and playtime will increase as their legs become stronger. They will also begin to develop their teeth and mama will start weaning them. This is an important time to start introducing them to new stimuli, such as toys and different sounds, to help with their socialization and development. We make sure to supervise them during playtime and provide a safe environment for them to learn and explore. Additionally, this is the time that we start introducing them to housebreaking. Consistency is key to creating good habits and preparing them for life in their new home.
Weeks Four & Five
During weeks 4-5, South Paw Pups' personalities begin to shine through! We spend a lot of time playing with them and getting to know them individually. They are still with their littermates and learning social cues from each other, but they are also getting more one-on-one time with our family. We introduce them to new toys and experiences to continue their mental and physical development. They are now fully weaned from their mother and eating puppy food. This is also the time when we begin basic training such as potty training and basic commands. It's an exciting time as we watch them grow and mature into their own unique personalities.
Week Six & Seven
As your pup approaches the end of their time with us, we want to emphasize the importance of continued socialization. During this stage, your pup is developing their unique personality and becoming more playful. While they may become a bit hesitant around new experiences, we continue to work with them to ensure they remain excited about new things. This is also a great time for their future families to come and visit, as the pups become more familiar with humans they interact with. Additionally, your pup will receive their first round of vaccinations at this stage, including Distemper & Parvovirus to ensure their continued health and well-being.
Week Eight
As your South Paw Pup reaches week eight, it's time to welcome them into their new home with you! However, keep in mind that this can be a difficult transition for your puppy. They may experience some separation anxiety from their littermates, and may have trouble sleeping through the night initially. It's important to be patient and provide your new furry friend with plenty of love and attention during this time. To aid in the transition, we will provide you with a "goody bag" for your pup, which includes a small blanket with their littermates' scent and a stuffed animal. In no time, your new pup will bond with you and become a cherished member of your family.
"The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog." - Mark Twain