Reviewed and fact checked by Bruce Whittle, DVM
Between six and seven weeks old, your puppy is now closer to becoming independent! By now a puppy has been weaned or is very close to being weaned from their 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 to integrate smoothly into the world. At this age, a puppy may even be learning to use the doggy door! But there's more for your pup to learn during this stage in 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 age-appropriate 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 they get more comfortable eating solid food from a bowl.
Socialization
Puppies at six weeks of age regularly interact with others, including their mom, littermates, and breeder. A puppy greets their littermates by sniffing from nose and tail. They also learn a lot from their mom--the best example of mature doggy behavior around. A puppy takes after their mom's example, but he may still be quite rambunctious while learning.
By seven weeks of age, your puppy has learned a lot from their environment and the humans and animals around them. Their caretaker has made an effort by now to socialize the puppy by handling them daily, while also giving ample time for them to spend with fellow littermates. It's very important not to separate puppies from their original homes before seven weeks because puppies who leave their litter too early may become nervous and show signs of biting, barking, and other unwanted behaviors. Any discipline puppies receive at this stage should be from their mothers, as the puppies are still too young to process human reprimands.
Training
During week seven, a puppy is becoming much more coordinated and is getting used to how far and fast their little legs can take them. They have an abundant amount of energy to move around the room freely and skillfully. As motor skills improve, your puppy will become more receptive to training and better able to figure out what you're asking of them.
Your puppy is learning to control their bladder at this age as well, but it will take a lot of work on your part before your puppy is fully house-trained.
A Typical Day
A puppy at six weeks will be curious about their surroundings, as well as those who inhabit it. They'll sniff their 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! A puppy is also no longer glued to their mother and is starting to spend more time interacting with their littermates. Your puppy likes to use their newfound mobility to learn from and form relationships with their family but there is still a long way to go before adulthood!
By seven weeks, a puppy can be quite restless during bedtime and dream activity can look a bit startling to someone who's never seen it before. Your puppy may have a twitch in their legs, paws, ears, or facial muscles. They may also let out barks, whimpers, or cries. These are all normal signs of a dreaming pup and will continue with less frequency as they grow older.
You may also see puppies eating grass at this age, but it should not be a cause for concern. It is normal for a puppy to eat fresh or recently cut grass, and this behavior is harmless as long as the grass is free of pesticides and other chemicals. This behavior is often discouraged if the puppy eats enough for the grass to come back up again, but small quantities of grass will not hurt the pup.
