The First Eight Weeks

Birth – 2 Weeks

Gentle Beginnings

In the earliest days, development happens quietly. Puppies sleep, nurse, and grow — but their nervous systems are rapidly forming.

From days 3–16, we incorporate Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) — short, gentle exercises designed to introduce mild, safe challenges during a critical growth window.

We also practice Early Scent Introduction (ESI), offering one new scent each day to encourage early environmental awareness.

Handling is calm, consistent, and predictable. Even simple touch — paws, body, gentle repositioning — begins laying the groundwork for trust and cooperative care later in life.

These moments are subtle, but they matter.

3 – 4 Weeks

Awareness Awakens

As eyes and ears open, the world expands.

Puppies begin to move with intention. They notice more. They respond more. Curiosity starts to show.

During this stage, we gradually introduce mild environmental variation — different textures underfoot, soft sound exposure, and continued daily handling.

Nail trimming begins early and continues throughout the eight weeks in calm, routine sessions. The goal isn’t just grooming — it’s helping puppies feel safe and steady during care.

4 – 6 Weeks

Early Structure & Confidence

As coordination improves, structure becomes more visible.

We begin gently guiding puppies toward designated potty areas separate from their sleeping space. It’s not about perfection — it’s about awareness and early habit formation that supports families later on.

Crate introduction also begins around this time. Crates are introduced in short, positive sessions and treated as calm resting spaces, not confinement. These early experiences help make transitions into new homes smoother.

Sound exposure expands gradually. Household noises, controlled recordings, and mild environmental sounds are layered thoughtfully — always age-appropriate, always measured.

Principles from the Puppy Culture framework guide this stage, emphasizing confidence-building through positive, supported experiences.

As personalities begin to emerge, we quietly observe. Recovery from small surprises. Curiosity toward new objects. Responses to structured cat exposure when appropriate. Patterns begin to reveal themselves long before formal testing.

7 Weeks (Around Day 49)

Understanding Temperament

Around seven weeks of age, we conduct a structured Volhard temperament evaluation.

This assessment offers insight into how each puppy responds to social interaction, mild stress, new stimuli, and environmental change. It helps highlight emerging tendencies — confidence, engagement, independence, and recovery — that are becoming more visible at this stage.

But it’s only one part of the full picture.

By this point, we’ve already spent weeks observing and documenting each puppy in everyday settings. The formal evaluation helps confirm and clarify patterns we’ve seen developing over time — it doesn’t replace them.

7 – 8 Weeks

Preparing for Transition

As puppies approach the time they will leave for their new homes, exposure continues in small, thoughtful ways.

We may introduce mild dynamic elements, such as a low, stable teeter, allowing puppies to experience gentle movement and shifting balance in a safe and supported setting. These final exposures aren’t about performance — they’re about comfort and adaptability.

By this stage, we have a clear understanding of each puppy’s developing temperament. Placement decisions are made with care, considering confidence, sensitivity, energy level, and long-term compatibility with the home ahead.

Each puppy leaves having been observed, supported, and intentionally prepared for their next chapter.

We can’t shape every moment of a dog’s life — but we can shape how it begins.