Your puppy is now six weeks old and one step closer to becoming independent! He is likely weaned, or very close to being weaned from his mother. Just as humans learn appropriate behaviors from their family and peers at a young age, puppies also must learn social cues during this period of development in order to integrate smoothly into the world. At this age he may even be learning to use the doggy-door! But there's more for your pup to learn in the sixth week of his life.
Health
Puppies begin getting first their vaccines between six and eight weeks old. This gives them a great start in life and ensures immunity to many common puppyhood illnesses, like distemper, parvo, and Bordetella. PuppySpot requires all breeders to perform a comprehensive health evaluation for every puppy and keep their puppies up-to-date on all vaccinations and de-wormings.
A Growing Appetite
At six weeks, many puppies can start to eat dry kibble and their feeding can be reduced to three times a day, now that they are old enough to go longer between meals. Puppies can start by eating kibble soaked in warm water for one meal a day and drinking their mother's milk for the other two meals. The amount of food the puppy eats will gradually increase as he gets more comfortable eating solid food from a bowl.
Socialization
Puppies at this age regularly interact with others, including their mom, littermates and breeder. A puppy greets his littermates with sniffing to the nose and tail. He also learns a lot from his mom--the best example of mature doggy behavior around. A puppy takes after his mom's example, but he may still be quite rambunctious while he is learning.
A Typical Day
A puppy at six weeks will be curious about his surroundings, as well as those who inhabit it. He'll sniff his littermates' noses and tails the same way adult dogs sniff each other when they first meet. Humans may view sniffing each other's rear ends as an odd way to say hello, but it's just how dogs get to know each other. The stronger the scent, the more information is available for a pup's nose to pick up!
Your six-week-old puppy is no longer glued to his mother, and is starting to spend more time interacting with his littermates. He likes to use his newfound mobility to learn from and form relationships with his family. But he's still got a long way to go before adulthood!
