During the third week of life puppies begin to development an awareness of their environment and siblings.

Puppies remain dependent upon their mother

By this time a puppy's temperature will be between 96 and 98 degrees F (35.5 and 37 degrees C), increasingly a puppy can control his own temperature although he still remains dependent upon mother and environment for warmth, and remains susceptible to hypothermia (chilling) and hyperthermia (overheating). Increased mobility enable a puppy to move away from sources of unpleasant sensations such as excess heat or cold although puppies at this age cannot yet walk.

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Pups begin to develop an awareness of their sibllings

At the start of this period puppies are still dependent upon their mother for food although during this period they will learn to lap and cough and so are able to take milk from other sources if necessary.

Sleep still occupies most of the puppies time

As the puppy's body functions continue to develop he will be able to pass motions and urine without the stimulation of his mother and will begin to develop the instinct to move away from his immediate area to do so.

By 15 days the puppies eyes are open

By now eyes are open and although focus is still very poor it improves over this period, puppies should still not be subjected to bright lights.

Pups begin to struggle unsteadily to their feet

As the ear canal gradually opens over a period of days puppies are able to detect sound and the direction of sounds.

During this period puppies will struggle to their feet and begin to engage in rudimentary forms of play although poor vision and co-ordination preclude any sophisticated social intercourse. Continued gentle handling and early grooming are important to encourage the development of the canine/human relationship. At two weeks of age nails will be clipped for the first time as sharp, unworn claws can to cause discomfort to the mother as she continues to feed her brood.

By 19 days the pups are making big demands on Mum!

Worming begins for the puppies at two weeks of age. The litter are administered a measured dose of wormer once a day for three days. Because a puppy's stomach is very small and digestion of milk takes place in a very short time repeated doses of wormer over a period of days are necessary to ensure thorough evacuation of any worms.