A Tygold puppy’s first 8 weeks

Transition begins around two weeks of age once the pups can see and ends seven to 10 days later once their ears have opened.

The Transitional Period and Development

The Eyes Although their eyes are open the pups are very nearsighted. Even by three weeks, their retinas remain immature so you'll see them peering myopically at even very large objects. Their eyes are not fully developed until 8 weeks of age.

The Ears At the start of this period, pups' ears are still sealed, but as the week progresses, you will notice the ear canal deepening and by the end of this stage, they can hear. Like their vision, pups don't immediately hear well. They'll notice an alert to sounds, but won't be able to locate them initially.

The Environment This is the week they are introduced to the “play pen” where they will begin to explore their environment. Initially they are scenting, but gradually using their eyes as vision develops.

The Vocals As you will hear, the pups are much more vocal now. Last week, they cried when cold, sick, or hungry. Now they complain loudly when they get separated from their litter mates, their dam leaves them, or most of all when she sticks her head in the box to check on them but doesn't come in to nurse.

The Play They'll begin to engage each other and their mother in play, and will start sending social signals like wagging their tails and even growling.

The Potty Tray The pups can pee and poop on their own and most Mom’s aren’t as very diligent in cleaning up after them, so the whelping box becomes dirtier and I’m changing out bedding more frequent. As the pups mobility improves the potty training will become easier. You will be surprised over the next couple weeks how quickly they pick up on the potty tray.

The Breeders Job My job during the transition period is to provide an environment and activities that keep puppies safe and stimulate their senses and brains. One of the most important things during this period is providing proper stresses in their lives during the transitional period. Small amounts of controlled stress are beneficial to puppies. Challenges like climbing over mom or toys in the whelping box are perfect stressors for pups this week and the play area is full of various stuffed toys. These experiences enable the pups' body to feel stress but then to return to a calm state in a relatively short period of time, thus setting the stage for healthy stress management and adulthood.

As with every phase in their first 8 weeks, it is important that they are exposed to the age appropriate experiences. Giving them “play” time in the play area, exposing them to different textures, toys and soon a coupe snuggle beds all play an important part in their development.