Puppies Up to Ten Weeks Old
You’re unlikely to have much contact with newborn puppies because breeders need to ensure their safety from infection.
If you do encounter them, don’t be fooled by the initial shyness. Young puppies don’t open their eyes for several weeks, and when they do, they take time to adjust to the world around them.
Puppies Aged Six Months to a Year
When it comes to answering ‘When do puppies calm down?’ six months to a year is the answer most people give.
That’s because they have an established routine, and are well-socialized. Also, their teeth should grow in by six months old, and the urge to eat you out of the literal house and home should have abated.
Newborn
Newborn puppies are not particularly mobile. They spend the first week or so doing little other than building up their strength feeding. Their eyes and ears only start opening between 10 and 13 days after birth.
This heralds the start of their first canine socialization period. This is a time when interacting with their siblings is critical to their mental development. It also marks the beginning of a curiosity that goes hand in hand with their growing mobility.
At two weeks old, puppy’s eyes should be open. They are still deaf and can’t see well, but they start trying to stand up and move around by themselves.
Three weeks after birth, puppies start standing, walking, and sitting.
They are equipped to start exploring the world around them. They are stronger and more energetic. They are also utterly fearless, putting them at risk of injury. Although at this stage, they may still be careful about wandering too far from their whelping box or “den.”
By four weeks old, pups’ teeth have come in. More importantly, they are ready to run and play since they can now see, smell and hear. This means they are prepared to start making use of their stored energy and begin testing boundaries.
Five-week-old puppies will gradually be transitioning to solid foods.
The change in their diet will mean more available energy, and they need it for this stage in their development. At this stage, play teaches them bite-inhibition and the basics of being a dog. It also teaches them early pack dynamics with their siblings.
Week six sees further development, with some owners starting house training. Puppies between six and seven weeks old should be in the final weaning phase. This is also the age at which pups start ‘human socialization.’ This is where that puppy energy starts to hit home.
At eight weeks old, your pup will be fully mobile and confident in its ability to explore. They may practically be bouncing off the walls at this point. This is where exercise in the form of play becomes essential for managing a pup’s energy levels.
Nine weeks is usually the age at which pups are ready to start basic training. They are not ready for any strenuous activity. Play and training should be limited to short five-minute sessions since they have limited attention spans.