The First Week

• Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) begin when the puppies are just three days old.

• Puppies are weighed daily to monitor healthy growth and development.

• At this stage, they are blind and deaf, cannot regulate their own body temperature, and rely entirely on their mother for warmth, nourishment, and stimulation.

Week 1

• ENS and ESI continue.

• Puppies become noticeably stronger and begin moving around the whelping area with increasing confidence.

• Nails are trimmed regularly to keep both puppies and mum comfortable.

• They remain completely dependent on their mother's care and warmth.

Week 2

• ENS and ESI continue until Day 16.

• Eyes begin to open, and puppies start pulling themselves up before taking their first wobbly steps.

• Play behaviour and vocalisation begin to develop.

• Gentle noise desensitisation is introduced.

• Towards the end of the week, puppies begin learning to toilet independently.

Week 3

• Toilet training begins with the introduction of litter trays, encouraging puppies to naturally leave their sleeping area to toilet.

• Puppies enjoy their first solid meal, consisting of a high-quality raw diet mixed with goat's milk, while continuing to nurse regularly from their mum.

Week 4

• Balance, coordination, and confidence improve each day through play and exploration.

• Puppies continue transitioning onto solid food while nursing less frequently.

• They are introduced to a variety of different surfaces to build confidence and aid development.

• Noise and environmental desensitisation continues, including everyday sounds such as hoovers, fireworks, motorbikes, hairdryers, and household activity.

Week 5

• Play becomes more energetic as puppies grow in confidence and independence.

• Their mother gradually spends less time with them, including sleeping separately overnight.

• Regular brushing, grooming, and gentle handling continue.

• Toilet training progresses outdoors, with puppies spending plenty of time outside in suitable weather to explore and build confidence.

Weeks 6 & 7

• Early foundation training begins, including manding (sitting politely for attention), recall, and marker word training.

• Puppies enjoy safe outings in their puppy stroller to experience new sights, sounds, and environments before they are fully vaccinated.

• Grooming and body handling continue, and each puppy enjoys their first full bath.

Week 8

• Puppies receive a comprehensive veterinary health check, their first vaccination, and are microchipped.

• They continue exploring the outside world, meeting as many new people as possible to help develop into confident, friendly, and well-socialised companions, ready for life with their forever families.

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