Puppies week 1-10
Newborn > Going home
Week Zero:
Let's actually start even before the puppies arrive ---- way back during the nine weeks of pregnancy. Throughout this time, my girls are on a diet tailored to support pregnancy, they are closely monitored from start to finish. That final week before week is especially important!
Starting about one week before their due date, I will begin taking their temperature daily --- then twice a day as we get closer. A dog's normal temperature runs a bit higher than a human's, but every pup has their own "normal." For example, Reign's normal is about 100.5, where Tootsie's is 101.5.
About 24 hours before active labor begins, their temperature will drop by a couple degrees, and that's our main sign to be ready! Along with timing their due date, I also watch for nesting behavior, restlessness, and eventually, the start of contractions.
Week One:
During the first few days, I keep 24-hour eyes on my girl and her brand-new babies. I'm carefully monitoring to make sure she is producing enough milk, staying comfortable and relaxed with her puppies, and that she's eating, drinking, and getting outside for potty breaks. Most moms don't want to leave their pups at all during those first few days --- even just to pee!
In this first week, the puppies are doing three things: nursing almost constantly, sleeping deeply, and gaining weight steadily -- about an ounce per day. Their eyes and ears haven't opened yet, so they navigate by scent and touch, wiggling around as they build strength.
Week Two:
By week two, the puppies will have doubled in size! They'll start scooting around more confidently to find their mom, making little noises, and beginning to find their voices --- it's adorable.
Toward the end of this week, you might start to see their eyes and ears begin to open. Puppies are born with their eyes shut and their ear canals closed, and it takes a bit of time for everything to fully open up. Eyes usually take about two days to open completely, and once those ears open, they start responding to sound, too!
Week Three:
By week three, the puppies' eyes are open and they're starting to see the world! They'll begin watching their mom --- and me --- move around the room, and this is also when they start trying to walk. They might stumble and wobble (a lot), but it's this week they figure out they've got little legs!
Their personalities also begin to shine during this time. I start to notice all the unique differences --- some are vocal and let you know when they're hungry, while others are more laid-back and love to be held and nap in your arms. It's a fun week to watch them develop into tiny individuals.
This is also when I begin trimming their nails, regularly, It's an important part of early handling and helps them get used to grooming right from the start. Weekly trims from here on out make a big difference down the road --- especially with dachshunds, who are known for being a bit dramatic about their paws!
Week Four:
We've got some little movers this week! The puppies are officially walking, starting to explore their environment, and even playing with toys. Their coordination is improving quickly, and their curiosity is kicking in.
This is also the very beginning of potty training. At this stage, I line the entire pen with potty pads and place their bed in one corner. That way, no matter where they go, it's on a pad --- helping them to naturally start to build good habits.
Socialization ramps up this week, too! I start gently introducing them to new sights and sounds, and even let them meet some of the other dachshunds in the house.
We also start introducing kibble into their diet by soaking a few tablespoons in warms water until it becomes soft and mushy. For the first few feedings, it's more of a liquid they can lap up, and over the next few weeks, it gradually becomes thicker as they adjust to eating solids.
Week Five:
By week five, the puppies are starting to look --- and act --- like actual puppies instead of little blobs! I begin letting them explore out of the puppy pen for short bursts, always under close supervision. Many of them have already figured out how to use the dog door on the one just from watching their mom --- it's amazing how quickly they pick things up!
They're also becoming more confident with eating. I gradually transition them from fully soaked kibble to a softer mix with a few crunchy bits. By the ends of the week, most are able to eat regular kibble without it being smoked. They're still nursing at this stage, but being introduced to kibble gives them a great head stay towards fully weaning in the coming weeks.
Week Six:
​In my opinion and experience, this is the hardest week! The puppies are fully "aware of life" as I like to say --- they're busy, curious, and absolutely everywhere.
This is when we start working on crate training. Their mom usually stops sleeping with them around this time, so they begin spending the night together in a crate. It's a big step toward independence and sets the foundation for future routines.
Potty training becomes a major focus this week. After every nap and meal, the puppies go outside with me. They get to watch their mom and the other dachshunds go potty outside, which really helps them understand that this is what they're supposed to do, too!
In their pen, I will also begin to gradually lay down less potty pads. They catch on quickly and start choosing the pad over the floor --- it's all about consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement!
Week Seven:
For some reason, everything seems to click this week --- the puppies make huge developmental strides almost overnight! By now, most are doing really well with crate training, using potty pads, going outside, and even using the dog door on their own.
This is also the week I conduct their official temperament testing. While they've already been exposed to plenty of sights and sounds --- like the vacuum, tv, being held, and exploring outside --- this structured test gives me deeper insights into their personalities.
I assess things like recall, response to a toy, how reaction to a sudden noise, and how they handle being held on their back or having their ears and paws touched. These small moments reveal a lot, and the results help me match each puppy with the home that best suits them.
Week Eight:
While this is the standard age for puppies to go to their new homes, I've found that they're just now really starting to understand how to "be a dog." Every puppy and litter is different, and this stage is so important for their social and mental development.
They're fully weaned by now, but their mom still plays a big role in teaching them manners and how to behave. They're usually in a great routine at this point --- often putting themselves to bed when they're tired or curling up on the couch when we watch TV.
At the beginning of this week, they also head to the vet for their full checkup, first round of vaccines, and microchipping --- all part of getting them ready for their next big step!
Week Nine & Ten:
The final weeks are all about consistency. We continue building on everything the puppies have learned --- potty & crate training, socialization, and spending quality time together.
I've found that giving them this extra time makes w world of difference. It helps reinforce routines, builds confidence, and truly sets them up for success as they transition into their new homes.
