From birth until about 2 weeks of age they are 100% dependent on their momma and are also blind and deaf. They are born with fur but can not control their body temperature so they need momma to keep them warm or another source of heat such as a heat lamp or heating pad. They may cry if they are cold but they can not cry for long as they won’t have the strength. They can not walk yet but will use their front feet to drag themselves to warmth or to momma for nursing. Momma will only leave them to eat, drink and use the bathroom. Puppies will huddle up while she is gone to stay warm.
Within the 1st week they should be gaining a couple ounces a day so that by week 2 they have doubled their birth weight.
At around week 2 their eyes and ears will start to crack open. They also get their first round of dewormer this week.
Between weeks 2-4 they will now be able to see and hear and are starting to stand and get mobile.
Around week 3 their puppy teeth should start coming in. This is also when they usually start to interact with their littermates and playing.
Four week old puppies are now running around and playing, wagging their tales. Mom will start to lose interest in cleaning up after them and they should be starting to show control in defecation and can be started on potty training in the whelping area. Depending on weather being warm enough they should start going outside for some fresh air and play time as well. They receive round 2 of deworming at this time.
Week five puppies are starting to eat puppy mush and weaning off mommas milk. Meal time with puppies can be messy so it is a good idea to eat outside if warm enough. Mom may nurse them some standing up still but for only a short time. She will also start to teach them to not bite too hard. They should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment.
Six week old puppies should be completely weaned of mom and eating multiple solid food meals a day now. They no longer need her for meals but need her around still for guidance. Puppies are still learning to not bite too hard from their interaction with mom and siblings. Growth is not as fast at this stage. They will receive their 3rd round of dewormer this week.
Week seven is their last week before going to their furever homes. Puppies are learning to potty on pee pads or newspaper and outside some. This week is a big week for socialization.
Week 8 is go home week! They will be seen by a vet first for health clearances, 1st round and vaccinations and last round of dewormer.
Weeks 9-12. Puppy has been home now for a while and is getting used to his surroundings. The next few weeks are very important for socialization. Take puppy out and about to get used to new places and surroundings. Avoid them walking on the ground in public places until fully vaccinated as they can easily get sick at this stage. You will need to hold them or have them in a buggy/stroller. Around week 10/11 they should be able to hold their bladder about 6 hours or so and night time let out’s may only happen once early in the morning possibly. Yay more sleep for their mom and dad. They should also be receiving their next vaccinations during this time so consult with your vet on when they are needed. Once puppy has last round of vaccinations they can start walking on the ground places.
3 month old puppies can now start to eat 3x a day vs 4. This can be a problem for some as not all can handle the larger portions. If their tummies get upset they may need to go back to 4x a day for a few days then try 3x a day again. You should still be working on potty training. Taking them out after a nap, a play session or after eating/drinking.
4 month old puppies should be getting the hang of potty training and can now hold it for longer periods of time with only the occasional accident. They should be starting to lose their puppy teeth. This is when biting can really be an issue. Be firm and patient and redirect them to a teething toy to ease their pain.
At 5 months old most puppies will be at about half their weight/size of their expected adult size. They should now be fully potty trained as long as they are not left alone for very long periods of time. They may be starting to shed the puppy weight and coat. You should be working on leash training as they will be harder to control if you wait longer.
At 6 months they should be go from 3 meals a day to 2. Teething should end this month but chewing is still a Labrador thing. Some females may have their first season but it is normal for it to also happen over the next 3-4 months. They should be looking like a little adult lab but they are very much a puppy still.
Now welcome to the teenage years….
puppy growth stages, its really cool to learn all the puppy growth stages