One week old and finding our Rhythm

By the time the puppies hit one week old, things start to settle into a rhythm. The adrenaline of whelping has passed, the constant head counting eases slightly, and you start to feel like you can breathe again. That said, it is still very much hands on. There is no such thing as switching off at this stage.

The puppies themselves are stronger now. They move with a bit more purpose, make a bit more noise, and somehow already manage to have very strong opinions for such tiny creatures. Feeding is steady, weights are increasing nicely, and Maya spends most of her time exactly where she wants to be, curled around them.

This week is also when I start Early Neurological Stimulation and Early Scent Introduction. It is something I do with every litter, and I genuinely enjoy this part of the process. ENS is quick and gentle, just a few seconds per puppy each day, but it tells you a lot. Some puppies relax straight into it. Others complain loudly as if I have deeply offended them. Neither is right or wrong, but every reaction gives me information.

Early Scent Introduction is just as interesting. Each day the puppies are introduced to a new scent, something simple and controlled, and you can actually see their little noses working. Even at this age, dogs are dogs. Watching those tiny brains switch on never gets old.

Maya, despite everything she had just been through, was exceptional. Even while recovering, she remained completely focused on her puppies. She watched every handling session closely, checked each puppy afterwards, and settled straight back in with them as if nothing else in the world mattered. It is one of the things I admire most about her. Motherhood comes naturally to her.

Week one is still very quiet in the grand scheme of things. There is no playing yet, no exploring, no real awareness of the world. But it is the week where foundations are being laid quietly in the background. Strong bodies, early neurological input, positive handling, and a calm environment all start here.

It is not flashy. It is not exciting to watch. But it matters more than people realise.