Week 2 · Boots’ litter · days 8 to 14

From the outside, week two looks like nothing is happening. Lots of sleeping. Lots of nursing. Everyone asks, “Are they doing anything yet?” Yes. They’re growing. It just doesn’t make for exciting videos.

Boots’ four puppies still depend on her for everything. No names yet. That can wait.

What changes

• The pups start to look rounder
• Some start opening their eyes near the end of the week. Some take longer. “Around two weeks” really means around
• Mama gets a bit more relaxed about leaving the nest for a few minutes

Let the eyes open on their own. Keep the light soft, and no camera flash in brand-new eyes.

What shouldn’t change yet

No play sessions, no potty training, no solid food this week. The puppies aren’t ready for guests either. And if someone tells you to start training in week two, smile, make a coffee, and ignore it.

Puppies this young don’t need lessons. They need a warm nest, a relaxed mama, and people who keep things boring.

Keep the boring stuff good

The nest. Same as week one. Warm, dry, out of the aircon draft. Spot-clean often and wash the bedding. Short checks are better than reorganizing the whole corner every day.

Mama. Boots is still doing the heavy lifting. Water, quiet, and rest. If she seems restless or tense, cut the visitors and the noise first.

Handling. Short, gentle, soft voice. No passing puppies around a circle of people.

The house. A note on the door for visitors and delivery riders helps: puppies inside, please keep it quiet. Keep other pets out of the room.

You. Rescue weeks are tiring. Sleep when you can. Film when it’s calm, not every hour.

If you’re getting a puppy later

This is what a good start looks like. Early life is about growing, not performing. Choose a breeder or rescue that protects these weeks. And learn how to teach with rewards before your puppy ever comes home.

Week 2 checklist

• Nest still warm, clean, and out of the draft
• Mama resting, drinking, and relaxed
• Handling stays short
• No solid food experiments
• Your vet’s number is still easy to find
• One calm photo session beats ten chaotic ones

Next week

Week 3 is the transition week. Puppies start noticing the world, and the series moves from Boots’ litter to puppies in general.