Two weeks old and waking up to the world
Two weeks is where things really start to change. One morning you walk in and suddenly they are looking back at you. Not properly, not clearly, but enough that you know the lights are switching on. Their eyes start to open, their ears begin to respond, and the puppies move from being little blobs to something far more purposeful.
This is still a very quiet stage, but there is a noticeable shift. They are stronger, more vocal, and far more aware of each other. Feeding becomes more coordinated, and their little attempts at standing turn into wobbly but determined steps. Watching them try to walk at this age is equal parts funny and impressive.
We continue with Early Neurological Stimulation and Early Scent Introduction through this week. By now, the puppies are familiar with the routine, and you can see differences in how they respond. Some recover instantly and settle. Others take a moment, process what has happened, and then relax. These tiny responses give early insight into how they cope with new experiences.
Handling increases slightly this week. Nothing overwhelming, just gentle daily interaction so that being touched, picked up, and moved around is completely normal to them. Nails get trimmed regularly, bedding gets changed even more often, and the whelping box becomes a bit more of a revolving door as they start spreading themselves out.
Maya continues to do what she does best. She adjusts herself constantly to make sure everyone can feed, cleans them meticulously, and keeps a close eye on every sound and movement. Even when she does step away briefly, it never lasts long. She always checks back in.
Two weeks is when I start to really see individual personalities coming through. The one who always wants to be first. The one who complains loudly about everything. The one who would rather sleep than move. They are still tiny, but they are no longer all the same.
This stage feels like the beginning of getting to know them. Not just as a litter, but as individuals.
