Puppy Development Stages: From Newborn to 8 Weeks — A Week-by-Week Guide

Understanding how puppies grow during the first eight weeks of life is essential for responsible breeding and for families preparing to welcome a new Mini Poodle, Toy Poodle, Cavapoo, or Aussiedoodle. These early weeks shape everything—from brain development to emotional resilience, social bonding, and long-term health outcomes.

Below is a complete, research-based guide to puppy development, supported by veterinary and animal behavior experts.

Week 0–1: The Newborn Stage

Key SEO terms: newborn puppy development, early puppy care, ENS training

During the first week, puppies are completely reliant on their mother. They cannot see, hear, or regulate their body temperature.

What science shows:

• Puppies are born blind and deaf because their neurological system is still developing

• They rely on scent to find their mother

• Weight gain during this period is a major indicator of health

Trusted source:👉 Newborn puppy developmental overview: American Kennel Club (AKC)https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/puppy-development-stages/

Week 2: Eyes Open & Sensory Development

Key terms: puppy eyes open, early sensory stages

Around day 10–14, puppies open their eyes and begin experiencing the world visually for the first time. Hearing also begins as the ear canals start opening.

Science-backed facts:

• Eyes open gradually and vision improves over weeks

• First signs of curiosity appear

• Puppies begin slow wobbly walking

Sources:👉 Vision & sensory development: VCA Animal Hospitalshttps://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/puppy-behavior-and-training-8-weeks-to-1-year👉 Puppy sensory development timeline: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicinehttps://www.vet.cornell.edu/

Week 3: The Transitional Stage

Key terms: transitional puppy stage, social development in puppies

Week 3 is a major turning point. Puppies begin interacting with littermates, their mother, and humans.

Milestones include:

• Hearing becomes functional

• Puppies react to light, sound, and movement

• They begin eliminating without maternal stimulation

• Personality traits begin to emerge

Source:👉 Puppy behavior stages: AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association)https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/puppy-and-dog-care

Week 4: Play, Interaction & Environmental Awareness

Key terms: enrichment for puppies, early socialization

Week 4 is when puppies start showing real personality and engaging in meaningful play.

What happens this week:

• Improved balance and coordination

• Beginning of play-fighting and learning bite inhibition

• Interest in soft puppy food and drinking water

• Introduction of enrichment toys

Sources:👉 Socialization benefits & timing: AVMAhttps://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/puppy-socialization👉 Puppy development & play behavior: UC Davis Veterinary Medicinehttps://www.ucdavis.edu/animal-research

Week 5: Confidence Building & Social Skills

Key SEO terms: puppy socialization window, doodle temperament shaping

At week 5, puppies are fully awake, playful, and curious. This is the beginning of the critical socialization window, which science shows influences lifelong behavior.

Key developments:

• Learning dog-to-dog communication

• Becoming comfortable with household sounds

• Introduction to short crate sessions and potty-area recognition

• Early training foundations

Source:👉 Critical socialization period research: American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Puppy_Socialization_Position_Statement_Download11-3-2018.pdf

Week 6: Environmental Exposure & Mini Training

Key terms: early puppy training, crate conditioning, early neural development

By six weeks, puppies experience a massive cognitive jump.

Week 6 behaviors:

• Exploring new rooms and surfaces

• Problem-solving during play

• Crate and foundational training begin

• Puppies start bonding more individually with humans

Sources:👉 Puppy brain development & training: Michigan State University Extensionhttps://www.canr.msu.edu/news/understanding_puppy_development👉 Guidance on early training: AKC Puppy Traininghttps://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/puppy-training/

Week 7: Temperament Testing & Readiness Checks

Key terms: puppy temperament testing, Volhard testing, doodle behavior

Week 7 is typically when breeders begin structured temperament testing.

Common assessments:

• Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test

• Object response

• Recovery time after mild stress

• Human interaction preferences

• Confidence, independence, and sensitivity levels

Sources:👉 Volhard Test overviewhttps://volharddogtraining.com/volhard-puppy-aptitude-test/👉 Puppy behavior shaping research: The Humane Societyhttps://www.humanesociety.org/resources/guide-puppy-mills-and-responsible-breeders

Week 8: Going-Home Preparation

Key SEO terms: 8-week puppy milestones, responsible breeders, doodle puppies

By eight weeks, puppies have reached an important developmental milestone—they are ready to leave for their forever homes.

Week 8 milestones:

• Fully weaned

• First vaccines given

• Microchipping (depending on breeder protocol)

• Established eating schedules

• Strong social bonding and curiosity about new environments

Sources:👉 Puppy veterinary schedule: American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/pet-vaccinations/👉 8-week readiness for adoption: AKChttps://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/

Why These Stages Matter

The first eight weeks have a lifelong impact. Research shows that proper exposure, care, and socialization dramatically reduce fear-based behaviors, anxiety, and aggression later in life—especially in intelligent, sensitive breeds like Mini Poodles, Toy Poodles, Aussiedoodles, and Cavapoos.

Excellent reference:👉 Puppy socialization science summary — AVSABhttps://avsab.org/resources/position-statements/

Final Thoughts

Puppy development is an incredible journey that blends science, nurturing, and intentional breeding practices. Whether you're preparing for your first puppy or learning how ethical breeders support early development, understanding these stages ensures your future dog grows into a confident, well-adjusted companion.