It is hard to believe that our puppies are already four weeks old. They have progressed so much in such a short time.
A lot has happened this past week! The puppies’ milk teeth have erupted, their hind legs have become stronger, and their awake time has gradually increased. The puppies still sleep much of the day, but when awake, they love socializing with their littermates through play.
Starting to Wean
Time to Begin Potty Training
The puppies have been using a washable potty pad in their whelping box this week. On Monday, we enlarged their whelping box with the potty box extension. This addition has litter boxes filled with pine pellets. We have raised our puppies using this method for several years.
Puppies must learn that they cannot “go” anywhere. We teach them that “there is an acceptable place to go potty.” Teaching them this at a young age will prevent them from developing bad habits that later need to be broken. This effort will benefit forever families by making housebreaking easier for them when they go to their forever homes.
Checking Things Out
The puppies were curious about the new area. They poked their heads in and smelled the pellets, but none ventured in.
Adorable Babies
A look back at week four
Looking Ahead to Week Five
- Move to the main floor
- Puppies will continue learning to use the potty area
- Start on puppy food
- Awake time will increase as the puppies socialize with each other through play
- Introduce toys
- Mama will add the invaluable teaching phase to her caring & protecting responsibilities over the next weeks.
