Pregnancy
The gestation period for pregnancy in a canine, regardless of age, breed or size is 58-68 days from ovulation, though day 63 (9 weeks) seems to be the magic number for many breeders/pregnancies.
Week 1
The big day we've been waiting for, puppies are born! After birth, it's important for us to closely monitor mom and puppies. Mom will spend this week recovering from delivery (whether it be a natural birth or a c-section) and bonding with her furbabies. This is a crucial time for her puppies, paying close attention to their growth rate and development is our priority. In some cases we will supplement the puppies with tube-feeding and/or additional nutrients to ensure they continue to thrive and grow at the same rate as their littermates.
Week 2
If you've ever seen a newborn puppy, you likely noticed that their eyes were closed. If you didn't, chances are you were probably distracted by their undeniable cuteness, or just thought they were sleeping. While there's no question that puppies sleep almost constantly during the first few weeks, puppies are actually born deaf and blind. Puppies eyelids remain tightly closed/sealed until 10-14 days of age, to provide a barrier/protection for their developing eyes and eyesight. Even after opening, it will be several weeks before their eyes and vision are developed entirely. Likewise, their ear canals remain closed from birth until approximately 2 weeks of age. The puppies still aren't getting around too much just yet, but are getting stronger and wrigglier by the day. The puppies are being handled daily to familiarize them with human touch and interaction, including ENS exercises.
Week 3
Puppies can now see and hear their surroundings and are beginning to develop more obvious visual differences in their physical features! They are starting to wander around more, interact with littermates and are becoming more vocal. We typically begin offering puppy mush and a water bowl towards the second part of week three, in addition to the milk they're still dependent on from their mom.
Week 4
This is a fun week! The puppies are thriving and we begin observing some personality differences, wagging tails, barking and expressive behavior. We continue our focus on daily hands-on human interaction, socialization and introduce household sound desensitization.
Week 5
The puppies are really starting to get around and are actively engaging with their littermates, our family and their toys, puppy gymnasium and nursery apparatus. We begin introducing the puppies to various surfaces, including outdoor play (weather permitting).
Week 6
Although the puppies have already begun food introduction and gradual weaning practices from 4+ weeks, week 6 is the time they gain the most independence as we work towards weaning completion; they are eating primarily solid food at this stage, giving their momma's plenty of time for rest. Personality differences are more profound from week 5-6 weeks, giving us a good indication of their individual confidence and energy levels. We also begin crate introduction during this timeframe; working towards creating a safe, comfortable and positive association between puppy and crate.
Week 7
Another big week for these adventurous little guys and gals. The puppies receive their first vaccinations (Canine Distemper, Adenovirus Type 1 [Hepatitis], Adenovirus Type 2 [Respiratory Disease], Parainfluenza and Parvovirus), vet-check and microchipping this week!
We also conduct individual temperament testing around this timeframe. It's important to recognize that a breeder cannot guarantee the personality or temperament of any live animal; but appropriate socialization, observation and temperament testing can identify certain traits and tendencies and help predict a puppies overall baseline, trainability potential and confidence level. Temperament is a product of many things, not simply genetics. Their environment, exposure, continued socialization and age-appropriate training beyond leaving our care will ultimately shape their adult personality.
We also conduct individual temperament testing around this timeframe. It's important to recognize that a breeder cannot guarantee the personality or temperament of any live animal; but appropriate socialization, observation and temperament testing can identify certain traits and tendencies and help predict a puppies overall baseline, trainability potential and confidence level. Temperament is a product of many things, not simply genetics. Their environment, exposure, continued socialization and age-appropriate training beyond leaving our care will ultimately shape their adult personality.
Week 8
It's almost time for puppies to join their new families! We are really focusing on establishing a consistent schedule for the puppies, to make their transition into their new homes as smooth as possible. Potty training is well underway, individual crate time is incorporated into their daily routine and continued individual socialization is paramount, in preparation for their big move!
