The Neonatal Period
/(Weeks 1 and 2)
The neonatal period encompasses the first two weeks of a puppy's life. During this stage, puppies are born with their eyes and ears closed and are unable to regulate important body functions such as body temperature and elimination. According to Another Piece of the Puzzle: Puppy Development by Pat Hastings and Erin Rose Rouse, there is very little difference in brain activity between sleeping and waking during this stage. Research has shown that gentle handling and appropriate early interactions can support neurological development while enhancing motor skills and problem-solving abilities.
One of the most widely recognized early development programs, Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), was originally developed through the U.S. Military's canine program to help improve a puppy's growth and performance. Today, it continues to serve as an important foundation for many puppy development programs.
During the neonatal period, puppies also develop an olfactory imprint of their mother and littermates. At this stage, their senses of smell and touch are the primary ways they experience the world around them. Because of this, we focus on three important developmental activities during these first two weeks.
The first begins shortly after birth with diabetic scent imprinting. During nursing, puppies are gently introduced to the scent of low blood sugar, allowing them to begin associating that odor with the positive experience of nursing from their mother. This scent imprinting continues throughout our Puppy Development Program.
Beginning on day three, each puppy participates in Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) exercises. These gentle exercises are performed daily through day sixteen and introduce carefully controlled, mild stressors that help stimulate neurological development. Research has shown ENS may benefit immune system development, cardiovascular function, and stress tolerance later in life.
Each puppy individually experiences five simple exercises:
• Tactile stimulation (between the toes)
• Head held erect
• Head pointed downward
• Supine position
• Thermal stimulation
Also beginning on day three, we introduce Dr. Gayle Watkins' Early Scent Introduction (ESI) protocol. Each puppy is presented with one new scent each day for approximately five seconds. These scents may include natural materials such as dirt, grass, flowers, herbs, spices, fruit, leather, wood, and game bird scents. During each introduction, we simply observe the puppy's response. Puppies may investigate the scent, move away from it, or show little reaction. According to research, dogs that regularly engage in scent work often demonstrate greater optimism and fewer behavior concerns later in life.
Throughout the neonatal period, puppies spend as little time away from their mother as possible. They are removed only briefly for daily care and developmental exercises before being returned to the warmth and security of the whelping box. Their movements remain limited as they instinctively crawl in small circles, using their sense of smell and touch to remain close to their mother and littermates. Because newborn puppies are extremely fragile, they are closely monitored throughout this important stage of development.
Other Activities
• Nail trims on days 4, 8, 12, and 16.
• First Pyrantel Pamoate deworming at approximately 14 days of age to help protect against common intestinal parasites, including roundworms, hookworms, and pinworms.
