BIRTH TO 2 WEEKS
Puppies find comfort in an in-home puppy nursery with constant supervision and care. Each puppy is weighed in the morning to ensure proper growth. At this stage they are growing quickly and bonding with each other and their mom.
At two days old we begin Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) exercises, which are conducted once daily until two weeks old. This period is believed to be a time of rapid neurological growth and development. Even though puppies are very immature during this time frame, they are sensitive and respond to ENS. ENS requires handling the puppies one at a time while performing a series of five exercises. We start with one puppy and stimulate it using each of the five exercises for 3-5 seconds.
Tactile Stimulation – Holding the puppy in one hand, and gently stimulate (tickle) the puppy between the toes on any one foot using your thumb.
Head Held Erect – Using both hands, the puppy is held perpendicular to the ground, (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail.
Head Pointed Down – Holding the puppy firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground.
Supine Position – Hold the puppy so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its face facing the ceiling.
Thermal Stimulation— Place the puppy on the ice pack, feet down.
Towards the end of two weeks their eyes are opening, and they are learning to walk.
2 TO 4 WEEKS
As their eyes and ears open, the puppies begin exploring their surroundings. They are gradually introduced to gentle household sounds, different textures, age-appropriate toys, and positive human interaction.
We carefully handle their paws, ears, and mouths to help prepare them for future grooming, nail trimming, and routine care.
4 TO 6 WEEKS
At this stage, the puppies become more playful and curious. They begin eating age-appropriate puppy food, drinking water, playing with toys, and interacting more with their littermates and people.
We introduce simple potty routines and allow the puppies to explore safe surfaces and supervised enrichment activities. These experiences help build confidence, coordination, and healthy social skills.
6 TO 8 WEEKS AND BEYOND
As the puppies grow, we continue providing positive and age-appropriate experiences. Depending on each puppy’s development, this may include:
• Responding to their name
• Beginning recall practice
• Gentle grooming and nail care
• Introduction to an open crate
• Short, supervised rest periods in a crate
• Continued potty routine practice
• Exposure to normal household sights and sounds
Our goal is to help each puppy become comfortable, confident, and prepared for a smooth transition into their new home.