It’s hard to believe that Piper’s puppies are already four weeks old. They’ve come so far in such a short time.
A lot has happened this past week! Learning to lap puppy formula, moving to the main floor, the puppies’ milk teeth have erupted, their hind legs have become stronger, and their awake time has gradually increased. When awake, they love socializing with their littermates through play. The puppies still sleep a lot during the day.
Starting to Wean
The puppies have started on puppy formula this week. They learned to lap up the liquid.
Time to Begin Potty Training
This week, the puppies have been using potty pads in their whelping box. On Thursday, we moved them to the main floor and expanded their whelping area with the potty box extension. Puppies need to learn that they cannot “go” anywhere. We teach them that “there is an acceptable place to go potty.” Teaching them this early helps prevent the development of bad habits that might be difficult to break later. This effort will benefit their forever families by making housebreaking easier when they go to their new homes.
We moved the puppies downstairs and started them in their potty box. They sniffed around, exploring the new area. I sat in their whelping box and encouraged them to come through the little door.
The puppies went to sleep after the big move
A look back at week four
Looking Ahead to Week Five
- 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 new toys
- Mama will add the invaluable teaching phase to her caring & protecting responsibilities over the next weeks.
Look for Four week old pictures this week
