Puppy Development and Growth

Trish Harrison • 6 June 2024

The Stages of a puppy's development and Growth

When a tiny Australian Labradoodle puppy enters the world, its development journey is remarkable and filled with rapid changes. These early weeks are crucial for their growth and set the stage for their future health and behaviour.

From their first breath to the playful bounds around their new home, each moment is a step towards becoming a well-adjusted dog. This article will explore the key stages of growth for puppies during their first eight weeks.

Week 1: Newborn Phase

The first week is all about survival for newborn puppies. At this stage, Australian Labradoodle puppies are blind, deaf, and completely dependent on their mother for warmth and nutrition. They spend most of their time sleeping and nursing, which is vital for their initial growth and immune system development.

Week 2-3: Opening Up

During the second and third weeks, the puppies’ eyes and ears open, introducing them to new sights and sounds. Although their vision is still blurry, it marks the start of sensory development. This development is critical as the puppies begin to interact more with their littermates and explore their surroundings, albeit tentatively.

Week 4-5: Social Skills Begin

Australian Labradoodle puppies become more active and playful as they approach the one-month mark. This period is essential for socialisation; interactions with humans and other dogs help shape their personalities and behavioral traits.

It’s also when they begin to show the intelligent, sweet nature that Australian Labradoodles are known for. Owners can start gentle handling and exposure to various stimuli, which aid in their adaptability and learning.

Week 6-7: Learning and Exploration

By the sixth week, puppies are more coordinated and ready for more structured play and learning. This is the time to introduce basic commands and continue social interactions. Their individual personalities are more evident, making it a joy to watch each puppy’s unique traits emerge. They are gradually weaned off their mother’s milk and start eating solid food, which supports their continued growth and energy needs.

Week 8: Ready for More

Australian Labradoodle puppies are more active and ready for structured play and training as they approach eight weeks. This stage is essential for building the foundations of training, particularly in such an intelligent breed.

Get Healthy Puppies From Texas Australian Labradoodles

The first eight weeks of a puppy’s life are full of growth and learning. If the charm and intelligence of Australian Labradoodles captivate you and you are considering adding one to your family, get one from Texas Australian Labradoodles.

Our puppies are bred with a focus on health, calm temperament, and longevity. Contact us today to learn more about our healthy, happy, and genetically stable puppies, and let us help you find your new best friend!

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The Power of Calm

by Trish Harrison • 16 January 2025

The Power of Calm: How Your Energy Affects Your Puppy’s Confidence Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience. Their boundless energy, adorable curiosity, and sweet snuggles are hard to resist. But puppies are also highly sensitive creatures who pick up on our emotions and behaviour more than we realise. Staying calm and balanced around your puppy is one of the most powerful tools for raising a well-adjusted, confident dog. In contrast, being overly anxious or protective can inadvertently create stress and anxiety in your puppy. Let’s explore why your energy matters and how to foster a peaceful, positive environment for your pup. The Emotional Connection Between Humans and Puppies Dogs are incredibly perceptive when it comes to human emotions. Puppies are like sponges, soaking up the energy around them. If you are calm, composed, and consistent, your puppy will sense this stability and feel secure. However, if you are tense, nervous, or overreactive, your puppy may mirror these emotions, leading to anxiety and fear-based behaviours. For example, if you react with panic when your puppy stumbles or encounters a new situation, they may learn that unfamiliar experiences are dangerous. Conversely, if you stay calm and reassuring, your puppy will be more likely to approach the world with curiosity and confidence. How Overprotectiveness Can Backfire It’s natural to want to shield your puppy from harm, but being too protective can unintentionally teach them to be fearful. Common signs of overprotective behaviour include: • Hovering over your puppy during social interactions to prevent potential rough play. • Rushing to “rescue” your puppy from minor falls or harmless situations. • Constantly controlling their environment to avoid every possible risk. While some caution is necessary, puppies need to explore and experience mild discomfort to build resilience. If you intervene too quickly, your puppy may become dependent on you for security, which can hinder their ability to develop confidence and independence. Why Calm Energy is Essential for Training Training a puppy requires patience, consistency, and a calm demeanor. When you remain relaxed and use positive reinforcement, your puppy is more likely to engage and learn effectively. On the other hand, frustration or shouting can confuse and frighten your puppy, making training sessions stressful and less productive. Some key benefits of staying calm during training include: • Clear communication: Calm energy helps you give clear, consistent commands. • Better focus: A calm atmosphere allows your puppy to concentrate on learning. • Stronger trust: Your puppy will feel safe and confident in your leadership. Tips for Managing Your Energy Around Puppies 1. Stay mindful of your body language and tone of voice. Puppies are highly attuned to nonverbal cues. Use gentle movements and a soft, encouraging tone. 2. Breathe and pause before reacting. If your puppy misbehaves or encounters something new, take a moment to assess before responding. 3. Practice self-awareness. Recognise when your own stress levels are high and take steps to calm yourself before engaging with your puppy. 4. Set healthy boundaries. Allow your puppy to explore, make small mistakes, and learn from experiences. Fostering Confidence and Resilience in Puppies By maintaining a calm, confident energy, you help your puppy develop important life skills, such as: • Self-regulation: Learning to manage excitement or frustration. • Social confidence: Feeling comfortable around people, other animals, and new environments. • Problem-solving: Facing minor challenges without fear. In the long run, a balanced puppy is more likely to grow into a well-behaved, happy adult dog who trusts your leadership and handles the world with poise. Final Thoughts Raising a puppy is as much about managing your own energy as it is about teaching your pup new behaviours. By staying calm and giving your puppy room to explore, you create a positive, trusting relationship that sets the stage for lifelong confidence. Remember, your energy is a powerful influence—use it wisely!