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  4. Puppyhood: What to Expect at 6 to 8 Weeks

Introduction

As the weeks go by, not only is your little fur ball getting bigger and more full of energy, you are falling more in love with their sweet little face and funny personality. Your six week old puppy has seen some significant changes in their life, like learning to walk, gaining independence, and transitioning to puppy food. They are now ready for the next stage in life. Weeks six to eight are super impawtant and will play a large role in how your pup perceives the human world. Your little one will be schooled on bite inhibition by their mother and littermates, further their socialization, and continue to explore their surroundings. When they finally leave the care of their mother, they will depend on you to show them the ropes. 

6 Week Old Puppy

By now, your pup is quite playful and requires a bit more room than their whelping box. Expanding their pen also gives them a chance to relieve themselves away from their main play area. This lays the foundation for potty training. As much as possible, expose your fur baby to pawsitive human interaction. As they explore their surroundings, they should start showing trepidation of new places and things. This is normal. Encourage them to be brave! You can even take them outside. At this point, since they have not been vaccinated, keep them away from other animals.
Food
Food

Mostly Weaned

The majority of their nutrients should be coming from puppy food.
Sleep
Sleep

Still Sleepy

Six week old puppies are still babies, so they need lots of sleep.
Training
Training

Bite Inhibition

Their mother begins to teach them that biting hard is not acceptable.

7 Week Old Puppy

During week seven, continue socializing and playing with your furry friend. Their growing mind needs plenty of furrific stimulation. If you’ve decided to crate train your pup, place the crate inside their pen. Doing this allows your pup to check it out, climb in, and get used to it. You can even feed them in their crate. When they are seven weeks old, it is time to introduce them to every dog’s favorite place…the vet! Yes, it’s time for the first set of vaccinations. Check with your veterinarian, but at this age, most pups receive shots for distemper, parainfluenza, measles, and bordatella.
Food
Food

Fully Weaned

Your pup should be eating only puppy food and drinking plenty of fresh water.
Sleep
Sleep

Long Naps

Expect your fur baby to take plenty of naps throughout the day.
Toys
Toys

Play Time!

Introduce your pup to a toy or two, just keep an eye on them while they play.
You may also like
• Puppyhood: What to Expect at 2 to 3 Months
• Puppyhood: What to Expect at 5 to 6 Months
• Puppyhood: What to Expect at 11 to 12 Months
• What to Expect When Your Dog Turns 2

8 Week Old Puppy

When a puppy is eight weeks old, they are able to leave their mother and littermates, and begin a new life of their own. If you are letting your pup go to a new home, this is a bittersweet time. But if the little furball will be part of your pack, get started with potty training. There are several methods that can be used for this very impawtant process, so do a bit of research and find what works for your situation. And since your little dog will be spending more time out of their pen, make sure your house is puppy proofed for this exploratory phase.
Food
Food

Puppy Food

No more milk, it’s just solid food from here on out!
Training
Training

Crate Training

Crate training helps your pup feel comfortable in their own little den.
Toys
Toys

Chew Toys

For the sake of your shoes, make sure your pup has access to plenty of chew toys.
A Walk For A Healthier Pup
Give your pup some extra love and fresh air with this Wag! Walk
Book Dog Walk
*Valid only for first time customers
A Walk For A Healthier Pup
Give your pup some extra love and fresh air with this Wag! Walk
Book A Walk
*Valid only for first time customers

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