Physical and Behavior Development: Newborn Puppies
From the moment of birth, a puppy is changing and developing day by day, week by week, in many different ways. Whether you are a seasonal breeder caring for a litter of newborn puppies, or first-time owner of a diminutive puppy, there’s no denying that this experience will somehow influence your view and knowledge on dogs.
The process of a dog’s development from puppyhood to adulthood is very much centered on “personality.” There are many factors throughout a dog’s life can have an impact on his behavior. And the first most important personality development begins when the puppy emerges from a warm, safe, dark environment—its mother’s womb—into a world filled with multitude of new stimulus.
Physical and Behavioral Development of a Newborn Puppy
During the first 21 days, puppies are totally dependent on their mother for food and care. It is very crucial that puppies remain with their mother. If they are taken away from their mother during this period, the puppies may have problem developing into well-adjusted, mature dogs.
Although the momma dog is highly competent of nursing, caring, and teaching her pups without much of our assistance, nevertheless we should assist both the mother and her pups in any way to make their journey as pleasant and less traumatic as possible.
I will elaborate the necessary human intervention in all stages of the puppy development below and in future articles.
Physical and Behavioral Development of a Newborn Puppy from Birth to 10 Days Old
Sense of Sight, Hearing, and Smell: Puppies are born blind, deaf, and anosmic* at birth and will remain so for the next 10 to 14 days. Because they can’t see, hear, and smell*, newborn puppies have very little concept of their surrounding and about themselves—identity, what am I? 
* At this stage, puppies can’t connect smell to things (living or non-living). Of course, they are able to sniff out air in their nostrils right after the membrane is removed and soon they seek out for milk and begin to suck eagerly. Why only the teats puppies are able to detect? I’m afraid I don’t have the answer to that. Faith in God’s creation is what I can say.
Vocalization: The only sound the puppies can make at this point of time is probably whining, very soft cries. Usually, the first short burst of cry can be heard after the mother removes the membranes from the pup. Other than that, there should not be any vocalization at all until they are much older (21 days old) unless they are deprived from food, warm, or being hurt.
- How You Can Help: Do not ignore any vocal sound made by the puppies. Investigate them immediately. Due to their needs for food and warm from their mother, some alpha pups will push the meeker ones away from their living source. Make sure that every pup has its fair share and no one is hurt during feeding time.
Motor Skills: In a normal healthy litter, all newborn puppies are capable of crawling, sucking, licking, and withdrawing from “pain.”
Source of Food: As said earlier, the momma dog is entirely responsible for feeding her babies. Each newborn puppy will “sniff” and crawl its way to the teats shortly after its mother removes the membranes and umbilical cord.
- Behavioral Development: During this juncture, the first signs of the litters’ personality and hierarchy status are noticeable. The mother’s teats are arranged in pairs along the length of her belly, with the better supply of milk available around the middle teats region. Many will be jostling for access to these prime feeding areas. Usually the stronger ones (alpha dog) get there swiftly. The less fortunate ones (secondary to alpha) will only have access to the outer teats; and the meeker ones (lowest rank in the status) might be forced away from the teats altogether. The success or failure of the puppies in getting to these prime teats will have an impact on their personality.
- How You Can Help: Make sure the whole litter is suckling properly and have access to their mother’s milk at all times especially larger breeds nursing more than eight puppies. Dogs or puppies don’t know how to play fair, so it’s our job to make sure that none is deprived from their mother’s milk. Do a feeding rotation often and allow the meeker ones have access to the prime areas occasionally so that they get to taste quality nutritious mother’s milk.
Source of Heat: Newborn puppies cannot generate and retain heat neither can they shiver properly. They are unable to make their hair stand on end to trap an insulating layer of air. Puppies’ heat regulation is very poor and their body temperatures fluctuate readily with that of their surroundings. A mere drop of 37°F in temperature can be a matter of life or death for the tiny ones. Therefore, contact with their mothers is vital for their survival.
- How You Can Help: Puppies needs for consistence warmth is undeniably crucial and you HAVE to play an active role during this period especially in colder months. There are a number of ways you can keep a newborn puppy warm, from hot-water bottle to infra-red lamps (I will share more detailed methods in future breeding and reproduction post.) For now, we will focus on the natural heat that is from the mother. Make sure her meals and potty areas aren’t too far away from the whelping box. Assure her that her babies are away from busy human traffic or intruders so that she is able to eat and relief herself with least amount of stress. Make sure her temporary departure is no more than 20-30 minutes long. Check that there is no pup hung onto her teats while she makes her exist from the whelping box!
Elimination: Puppies at this stage has no elimination reflexes. Therefore, it is the mother’s role to stimulate her puppies (licking their genitals) to defecate and urinate. She will then eats their feces and licks up the urine to keep the den clean and free from germs. It is critical for the mother to keep her puppies clean constantly, who might otherwise die of diseases.
- How You Can Help: Practice good hygiene habits by keeping the whelping box clean and dry regularly. If there is any debris (i.e. dry feces or milk) left on the puppies’ coat, wipe them away immediately with cotton wool soaked in lukewarm water. This is an excellent time to get the puppies used to human touch and basic grooming habits.
Sleep and Rest: There aren’t many activities you can expect from newborn puppies. Just like babies, puppies have an amazing capacity for sleep. Well-fed puppies do little other than sleep and root to the teats for milk for the next 10 days.
My advice to beginner breeders is to enjoy this moment to the fullest, take it all in, and be grateful for the wonderful birth. You so need it because in weeks to come, you will be busy managing those furry little “monsters” from feeding to training. 
The Complete Series on Stages of Dog’s Development
- Physical and Behavior Development: Newborn Puppies
- Physical and Behavior Development: Puppy at Week 2
- Physical and Behavior Development: Puppy at Week 3
- Physical and Behavior Development: Puppy at Week 4
- Physical and Behavior Development: 1 Month Old Puppy
- Physical and Behavior Development: 2 Months Old Puppy
- Physical and Behavior Development: 3 Months Old Puppy
- Physical and Behavior Development: 6 Months Old Puppy
- Physical and Behavior Development: One Year Old Dog
Jul 3rd 2007
11:24 AM
I was always struck by how strong the different personalities of my little Poodle puppies were even from the same litter. From the beginning they were little individuals.
Jul 6th 2007
8:43 PM
Indeed! I suppose that makes it more interesting to get to know the whole family.
Jul 9th 2007
6:14 PM
I like your blog it has a lot of good information
God bless
http://www.mydoggilicious.com
Jul 27th 2007
11:32 PM
If you get the tails docked and dewclaws removed, the pups scream bloody murder. The mother can hear the pups from several rooms away and recognizes the cries. She was real upset.
Jul 29th 2007
9:19 PM
That wasn’t my experience at all. The veterinarian and her team made three quick snips, the puppies made three little screams each, and fell back asleep. The mother was there watching and just relaxed when it was quickly over.
Jul 31st 2007
1:09 AM
Whilst our Corgi X Cavallier was pregnant I had a lot of people tell me that the number of teats a bitch has is the number of pups she will have. Our new mum had 10 teats, and being a small dog, I totally dismissed the thought that she would have 10 pups. To our amazement, she did have 10, and is being a beautiful mother to all 10! Is there really any substance to this myth, or is this all just coinsidence? Thanks for a great blog, very user-friendly!
Aug 4th 2007
1:29 AM
Hello Nicole,
First off, congratulations to you and the momma dog and to the wonderful birth of all ten pups!
As to your question about “teats equal pups” myth, I’m must admit this is my first time hearing it. To my knowledge, I’ve to say this is purely a coincidence. From my experience working with dogs, I’ve yet to come across any female dog with odd number of teats on their belly. Nonetheless, I’ve seen and heard many momma dogs delivered puppies in odd numbers. Take some of my dogs for examples. Snowie, Maltese, had 3, 1, and 3 pups in her three pregnancies. Cherie, Golden Retriever, had 9 pups in her first and only litter. Mimi, Beagle X Smooth Fox terrier, had 5 pups.
Also, if my memory serves me well, there’s a Rottweiler in Scotland or Finland who gave birth to twenty-to-thirty-some pups in one litter. It’d be very astonishing to see her had that many teats.
Thanks for your kind words, and I hope you’ll visit us more often.
Jun 19th 2008
12:37 AM
we just got a puppy and was told she was born april 14, 2008 but people are saying she is alot younger. my question is when do they get there signt. she has an appt. with a vet on sat. another thing is she still has no baby teeth. she is eating puppy formula and soft food mixed.
Jun 25th 2008
1:24 AM
Hi Lisa,
If your puppy was born on April 14, that would mean you got her at 9½ weeks old. At this age, her physical appearance will look very similar to an adult dog but in smaller version.
At 4th week, she should have baby teeth. If she’s not having them, I suggest you not feed her any solid food yet, although puppies should expose to some solid food at about 6 to 8 weeks.
I’m not sure I understand your question “when do they get there signt?” If you’re referring to sight, well, by the end of 2nd week or a little later, her eyes should open.
Sorry I couldn’t reply to you in time before her vet visit. Hope this helps a little.
Aug 5th 2008
11:18 AM
I dont have a reply but i have a question please email with the answer
My boston terrier just gave birth you 4 puppies and one does not stop crying we took them to the vet she said they look healthy and fat so they said they are eating good. He just wont stop crying what could be wrong????? please help
Sep 15th 2008
4:34 AM
Hello! I found this site when I was doing a google search on when puppies get their sight. I think I read that their eyes open at around 2 weeks, but I was actually wondering the following…
1st QUESTION: When can puppies see clearly?
2nd QUESTION: At what age do they actually gain full control of their eyes?
3rd QUESTION: If a tiny puppy’s hind legs look a bow-legged is this normal? I heard once that bones at that age were still somewhat flexible, and similar to cartilage, but I have no idea if this is actually a fact!
If someone would PLEASE answer these questions ASAP it would be GREATLY appreciated! We have purchased a puppy from a breeder and will take him no matter what, but she just sent a picture of him when he was about 3 weeks old, and one eye was looking at the camera, while the other was off to the side…and his tiny little back legs looked bowed! Also, in the other pic is a side view and he is staring off into space!
I hope this is normal–we already love him so much, and as I said will get him anyway, but this literally woke me up tonight worrying over it!
Thank you!
Sep 16th 2008
7:35 PM
Hi Shannon,
Here are the answers to your questions.
1st and 2nd: Between 12 to 21 days, puppy’s eye open and gradually gain greater control of them.
3rd: No, at 3 weeks of age, they begin to develop their motor skills—typically around 18 to 19 days. They’ll gradually begin to walk from week 4.
Their bones are still growing until adulthood around one or two of age, depending upon the size and breed of the dog.
According to your description of the puppy, bow-legged and cock-eye are not signs of a physically able puppy. He may post some challenges for dog owners. He may also face some minor challenges but will eventually overcome the obstacles and not feel himself any lesser than other able dogs.
I once adopted a Shih Tzu cross from an abuse owner. Both of his front legs were badly turned outward. During his 2 years living with me, he never once “complained” nor shunned himself from any activities.
If you are willing to overlook his physical beauty and face the challenges along with him then I suppose love conquers all.
Good luck!
Oct 20th 2008
11:57 PM
i have a 2 week old litter of 7 labradors last night 2 developed diahorria could this be what mum has eaten ?
Oct 30th 2008
5:39 PM
Hi Heather,
It’s not likely to be caused by what the mom has eaten. Did you give the pups anything other than the mother’s milk?
Jan 17th 2009
12:35 PM
HI!
I work at a school, and we had two pitbulls prowling around the school campus for about two months. Finally, they came closer to our doors, and the school had to call animal control. While we were waiting for the animal control to arrive, we had discovered that the mom had babies about three days earlier. So we put the mom with the babies so she could continue to feed them. When the animal control arrived, they only took the mom and the other pitbull and did not take the babies with them. We called and asked that they take the babies with them too. They would not. So, I took three newborn pups home. I went straight home, found a decent box and put the heating pad in it then towels over it and put the pups in. I then got newborn puppy milk and baby animal bottle and started feeding them one by one. After each feeding, I used cotton balls, wet them with warm water and gently stimulated their genitals and helped them pee and poop. Fed them every two to three hours. They are now 7 days old, and doing real good. My question is, should I take them to the vet to ensure that they are healthy? Please advise. Thanks!
Jan 18th 2009
8:08 AM
Hi Carrie,
It’s not very crucial at this stage if you don’t sense something amiss. However, you do have to bring them in for vaccination at week 5 and thereafter. But before this, you have to worm the puppies at week 3 and repeat this every 3 weeks until 3 months of age. Your vet will be able to give you more info on vaccination and worming procedure.
To remove the dew claws, this the time to do so; actually it is best done when they’re at day 3 to 5.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Jan 28th 2009
12:21 PM
Hi,
My dog had puppies on the 17th of January. They are being fed well since they are all quite chubby but sometimes they seem to cry and whine alot even when Mom is there. The room they are in is very warm.Im going to try a hot water bottle
to see if that helps at all.The whining is sometimes incessant and Mom doesnt like to sleep with them for very long even though the pool they are in is quite large and accommodates her quite well. The funny thing is that they do not always sleep together they seem to go off by themselves and sleep. If they were cold wouldnt they all huddle together for warmth.
Jan 30th 2009
11:13 PM
My dogo argentino x american bulldog just give birth to 5 amazing puppies through cesarian section operation. Since its her first time having this angels we have to guide her all the way and since she is operated we need to keep her away to from puppies to make sure her wound will heal faster. We put a 25watts lamp inside the puppies box to make sure they are warm and every two hours we will take them to their mother for their milk. It’s their 6th day now and the mother don’t produce enough milk for all her babies. as much as I want to give her more food to make her produce more milk but the vets says no or else her wound will open. She got calcium vitamins, vitamins C and other milk-producing vitamins but she doesn”t produce much milk. My vet adviced to give the pups babies milk formula since puppies milk formula is hard to find in the Philippines. But what milk I have to give? I mean I want to be sure and needs other people’s idea on this matter. I don’t want to put my angels at risk.
Feb 21st 2009
12:58 AM
HELLO,I BOUGHT A 2 MONTH MALE PITBULL,BUT THE QUESTION IM HAVING HIS HIND LEGS ARE BOWED OUT WEN HE WALKS,ITS LIKE HES CARING A HOLESTER ON HI WAIST,DOES ANY ONE NO IF IT WILL GO AWAY IN TIME,THANKX PETE
Mar 3rd 2009
4:27 PM
I need some advice. My pit mix delivered 14 puppies (she was huge) and we lost 2 at birth. The other 12 are growing strong. However, I do have one that I am concerned about. As they started walking, I noticed that he is having a problem holding himself up on his front paws. He cant seem to keep them both in front of him. He either leans to the left or right. Has anyone else seen this issue with their puppies?
Mar 16th 2009
3:18 PM
ma dog is dead
May 1st 2009
4:30 AM
I haven’t noticed if anyone has commented back on any of these, but like Maryanne’s comment from above… my dog just had 9 puppies on April 27th and they cry A LOT & seem to be very loud. From the websight- it says that is not normal. Someone please help!
May 1st 2009
6:46 AM
Hi Peyshance,
Have you investigated the surrounding? For examples, no edgy corners around the bedding area; check mom’s nails aren’t too long or coarse to touch etc. Double check that all puppies aren’t deprived of food, water, warmth for too long period.
Are they eating well (eager to eat)? Do they cry after they’re fed? Have they eliminated yet?
Jun 2nd 2009
12:09 PM
I have a foster dog and pups here (from day 2). They are now 19 days old. I’d like to move them from the small unused bathroom they’ve been in for warmth and separation (in the bottom of a large varikennel for pups and mama down to my kitchen area inside an expen with the kennel inside of it. Some sites say 3 weeks is a time for no changes or stress. Would moving them be too stressful? Also at what point do they start self regulating temperature?
Aug 4th 2009
3:19 AM
Please help!Waiting for my new chinese crestend pup.At the moment they are 2 weeks old.Litter off 6 pups. The owner keeps me updated on there progress.Said that she must be honest with me regarding the pup I want. A real cry baby.If there is crying going on be sure it is my pup.Out off all 6 she is the only one crying, if you pick her up she is crying,the only time she does not cry if she drinks or sleeps, but for the rest off the time she cries…Is this normal?Will she grow out off this?
Sep 13th 2009
3:32 AM
Renee, I am curious as to how long you have been breeding and what breed. I have been breeding close to 30 yrs and dogs my whole life, 50yr. I have shown dogs professionally also. Puppies and smell and taste at birth. Otherwise they would not be able to find mom’s nipples. Plus they would eagerly nurse form a bottle no matter what you put in it. When you give newborn antibiotics ( Rx by a vet) they not only try to push them out with their tongue, they also wrinkle up their nose. Toy breeds are grown by 6-9 months as far as bone developement. Many toy breeds come into season the 1st time at 6 months of age. Large and giant breeds ate 1 1/2 to 3 yr old for mature growth. Your site is very helpful to a newbie but not all your info is correct. Toy puppies are very vocal as newborns. Some more then others. I currently have a litter and everytime Mom gets out of the box 1 litter girl lets me know. They are 3 weeks old. This is not Mom’s 1st litter and she had a cry baby in the 1st litter too. No reason just outspoken. Every puppy like every human baby is different. SOme don’t like to be handled at an early age and scream bloody murder. Just a phase. As long as your puppies are warm, nursing and growing they will grow out of this phase too. Just my experience with breeding show and pet puppies.