Week 2 - 2026
This week we are seeing some pups begin finding their legs as they attempt to crawl around their box to find warm siblings or mom. Eyes and ears are still closed but should begin to open later this week. Most pups are weighing in around 800-1000gm now which is double their birth weight! It's hard to believe they grow so fast. This week begins their ENS (early neurological stimulation) routine of intentional holds and pressure touching for pups to build a strong foundation of trust and tolerance.
Week 3 - 2026
Week 3 marks the end of the neo-natal stage which means life with puppies is about to get a lot more fun! We are starting to see some mouthing and pawing and early doggy playing. Teeth buds are beginning to form at the end of week 3 and as mom starts the weaning process, we have introduced some pureed puppy mush to their menu. Each day we have continued with the ENS training to ensure each puppy gets used to the handling and they are now so used to it they don't even squirm! They are loving exploring their box now that they can see and hear!
Honey's first litter 2025
March 19th, 2025, we welcomed 8 beautiful golden retrievers into the world!
Week 1
Week 2
Week 2 is where we really start handling puppies more and getting them used to being touched all over. We focus on gentle pressure on paws, ears and tail so pups will grow accustomed to this sensation later in life. We position and briefly hold puppies in upright, upside down and belly up holds so they get used to overcoming uncomfortable stimulation and grow trust and tolerance in being handled. Puppies have doubled their birth weights at the beginning of this week at 650gm and averaging 920gm at the end of week 2!
Week 3
This week puppies eyes are fully open and on the move! We’re seeing some playfulness as puppies lick, mouth and paw each other. Pups are less sleepy and responding to our voices by walking towards us when we call to them.
Week 4
This week started with some food introduction and these puppies loved every bit! We have been continuing with their tolerance building with gentle handling of paws, tail, ears and various holds. Puppies are making great progress in getting used to the stimulus and we noticed more relaxed and trusting response.
Week 5
This week puppies are becoming much more playful and mouthing each other as they explore the worlds with their mouths. Weaning is underway but Mom, Honey is persistent on feeding her babies (she’s such a loving mom). Puppies are over 6 lbs this week and thriving. This week we are layering some foundations of good manners by giving puppies attention for sitting nicely instead of jumping up to see us and they are catching on quick! We are seeing many more voluntary “sits” which is so wonderful.
Week 6
This week our puppies are becoming more adventurous as they spend a little time in the larger exercise pen. They are much more consistently using the potty box which is so great. Mom, Honey is still nursing a few times a day in between their mushy puppy meals. This week we have also started welcoming our puppy families to come for visits and it’s been great fun playing and cuddling. By the end of week 6, puppies weighed in at just under 4kg each!
Week 7
This week puppies are in full “manding” (training) mode and these little keeners are exceptionally smart. We’re working on so many things with them to build the foundations of obedience and manners. They are learning to sit first and not jump up when they want attention and affection. Of course they are young and excitable but it’s a work in progress. We are noise training with a puppy culture playlist of sounds ranging from fireworks, traffic noise to babies crying.
Week 8
Our final week with this beautiful litter is bittersweet. Our pups have had so many new expediences this week including their vet health check & 1st needles and the entire clinic came to get puppy kisses and cuddles. Puppies were also temperament tested and the. matched with their families based on their scores and the life style of our puppy adoptees.