The Transitional Period
/(Weeks 3 and 4)
The transitional period spans approximately weeks three and four of a puppy's life and marks one of the most exciting stages of development. During this time, puppies begin opening their eyes and ears, becoming increasingly aware of the world around them. Their coordination rapidly improves, teeth begin to emerge, potty training begins, and vocalizations become more intentional. Puppies also begin interacting and playing with their littermates, laying the foundation for important social skills.
Week 3
During week three, our puppies graduate from the whelping box into what we affectionately call their "toddler center." Their living space expands to encourage exploration while remaining safe and age appropriate.
A designated potty area is added to begin establishing good potty habits using either puppy pads or wood chips. At the same time, we increase one-on-one interaction with each puppy while continuing our socialization and confidence-building program through an expanded version of Dr. Carmen Battaglia's Rule of Seven.
One of the most important developmental opportunities during this stage is that puppies can physically startle but have not yet developed the emotional fear response associated with startling. We carefully use this brief developmental window to introduce a variety of everyday sights and sounds in a positive, controlled manner.
These experiences may include:
• Cabinets closing
• Dropped household objects
• Hair dryers
• Vacuum cleaners
• Blenders
• Music and radio
• Pots and pans
Each day, a new object is added to their environment for exploration. This may include a large stuffed animal, a chair, a floor fan, a piece of fruit too large to swallow, or other safe household items. These experiences help puppies learn that new sights and sounds are simply part of everyday life while developing healthy recovery skills.
Week three also marks the beginning of weaning. Puppies are introduced to trays of milk replacer as they begin learning to eat independently. Soft toys are added for chewing and play as their teeth begin emerging. It is an exciting week filled with exploration and rapid learning.
Week 4
Week four, sometimes referred to as the Awareness Period, is the first time puppies have access to all of their senses. Their curiosity grows tremendously as they continue experiencing new environments, sounds, textures, and objects.
Although their mother naturally begins spending more time away from the litter, her role remains incredibly important. During this stage, she teaches valuable lessons including bite inhibition, appropriate social interactions, submission, and how to settle after becoming overly excited.
As the puppies become more active, their toddler center expands to provide additional room for play and exploration. Their meals also progress as ground kibble is mixed into their milk replacer, creating a soft food mixture that gradually prepares them for solid food.
During feeding time, puppies are enthusiastically called using a cheerful, repeating "Puppy, puppy, puppy!" This helps establish a positive association with coming when called, creating the early foundation for a reliable recall.
Week four also marks the beginning of our advanced puppy enrichment program. Enrichment items may include:
• Water bottles
• Crinkly and squeaky toys
• Slightly elevated surfaces
• A variety of walking textures
• Household objects that make gentle noise
• Elevated resting areas
• Shiny objects
• Rolling toys
These experiences encourage curiosity, confidence, and problem-solving. Puppies begin learning simple challenges, such as climbing over small barriers to reach their food, helping them develop persistence and independence.
Good manners also begin during this stage. Puppies are introduced to marker words and begin learning to sit when someone approaches their toddler center. We also gently discourage jumping on or mouthing hands, feet, and clothing.
Children are introduced to the puppies under close supervision, allowing both the puppies and children to practice safe, positive interactions.
A wire crate is also placed inside the toddler center. While puppies won't begin sleeping in the crate until week five, they are encouraged to explore it freely, discovering treats, toys, and other enjoyable surprises inside. This allows the crate to become a familiar and positive part of their environment long before formal crate training begins.
Each new experience builds upon the last. Our goal is not simply to observe puppies as they grow, but to thoughtfully guide their development by providing age-appropriate experiences that encourage curiosity, resilience, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Other Activities
• Nail trims on days 16, 21, and 28.
• At four weeks of age, puppies receive their second deworming with Fenbendazole to help protect against giardia, roundworms, hookworms, lungworms, whipworms, and certain types of tapeworms.
