Four weeks and everything is getting bigger

Four weeks is when the puppies really start to feel like proper little dogs. They look different, they move differently, and their confidence jumps almost overnight. This is the stage where everything gets louder, messier, and far more interactive.

Their space expands again this week, giving them more room to move, play, and explore. With that comes more structure. Sleeping areas, play areas, and toilet areas are all clearly defined now, and the puppies are using them surprisingly well for their age.

This week I introduce open crates into the pen. The doors stay open, and there is no pressure. They wander in and out, nap inside them, wrestle around them, and generally treat them as part of their normal environment. Early exposure like this makes crate training later on far less stressful, because crates are never presented as something new or scary.

Play becomes more purposeful this week. Toys are added, and you can see preferences starting to form. Some puppies latch onto toys and carry them everywhere. Others are more interested in chasing siblings or exploring their surroundings. This play is not just cute. It builds coordination, confidence, and problem solving skills.

This is also the week we begin introducing solids and age appropriate bones. It is messy. There is food everywhere, including on faces, paws, and each other. Watching them work out what their teeth are for is always entertaining, and it is an important step in their development.

Puppy Culture exercises begin to ramp up this week as well. Startle and recovery activities, gentle problem solving, and exposure to new textures and objects are all introduced in a controlled way. The goal is not to overwhelm them, but to help them learn that new things are something to think about, not panic over.

Looking ahead to next week, things will expand again. Outdoor exploration will begin, weather permitting. Their world will get bigger, their experiences broader, and their personalities even clearer.

Four weeks is busy, chaotic, and incredibly rewarding. This is the stage where you can really start to see who each puppy is becoming.