Devon & Freddie's Puppies - 6 Weeks Old

Did You Know? Life at Six Weeks Old

Six weeks old and these Cockapoo puppies are absolutely thriving. They are confident, characterful, and completely full of mischief. The whelping room has never been busier, Devon is beginning to take a well earned step back, and every single day brings something new to marvel at.

Here is what is happening this week.

Did you know… Devon is naturally beginning to wean them off her milk?

By six weeks, Devon instinctively begins to spend less time nursing and more time away from the puppies. This is completely natural and an important part of the weaning process. The puppies are now eating solid food well enough to sustain themselves, and Devon's body is beginning to wind down milk production. She has done an absolutely incredible job and she knows it.

Did you know… their teeth are sharp enough to mean business?

Those little needle teeth are fully through by now, and anyone who has had a six week old puppy on their lap will know exactly what that means. Bite inhibition is one of the most important things being learned through play right now, littermates and Devon give very clear feedback when a bite is too hard, and this is shaping how these puppies will use their mouths for the rest of their lives.

Did you know… they are beginning to understand their own name?

Six weeks is when I begin using each puppy's name consistently and clearly during handling and feeding time. Cockapoos are quick learners, and at this age the brain is primed to absorb new associations rapidly. It is very early days, but the foundations of responding to their name are beginning to be laid right now.

Did you know… their coordination has come on enormously?

Compare a six week old puppy to those first wobbly steps at two weeks and the difference is extraordinary. They are now running, jumping, climbing, and navigating their environment with real confidence and agility. Cockapoos are athletic little dogs, and you can already see that energy and physical ability starting to shine through.

Did you know… they are learning about the world beyond the whelping room?

This week I make sure the puppies are experiencing as many safe, positive new environments as possible, different rooms, different floor surfaces, gentle outdoor sounds, new objects to investigate. Every novel experience handled calmly at this age teaches a puppy that the world is a safe and interesting place. For a Cockapoo, that confidence will define the kind of dog they become.

Did you know… their relationship with people is deepening every day?

At six weeks, these puppies are actively seeking out human company. They will run toward familiar people, climb onto laps, and engage in proper back-and-forth interaction. The Cockapoo's legendary love of people is well and truly switched on, and I am still very happily on the receiving end of a great many puppy kisses every single day.

Did you know… grooming sessions are getting longer?

Building on the gentle introduction to brushing in week five, I extend grooming time this week. A Cockapoo's coat will need regular professional grooming throughout their life, so the more relaxed and comfortable they are with being handled, brushed, and fussed over now, the easier every future grooming appointment will be. Most of them are now thoroughly enjoying the attention.

Did you know… their sleep patterns are starting to resemble a real routine?

Six week old puppies are beginning to develop more recognisable periods of activity and rest. They play hard, then crash, then play hard again. This emerging rhythm is actually great preparation for the routine their new families will establish at home. It is a small but meaningful step toward life as a family dog.

Did you know… I am already preparing each puppy's pack for their new family?

Behind the scenes this week, I am putting together everything each new family will need when their puppy goes home, paperwork, feeding guides, health information, and all the little details that help make the transition as smooth as possible. It is one of my favourite things to do, because pulling each pack together makes it feel very real. These puppies are nearly ready for the next chapter.

Did you know… the countdown to going home has truly begun?

At six weeks, the puppies are over halfway to their going home date, and the excitement is building. Their new families have met them, fallen in love with them, and are busy preparing their homes. These puppies have no idea yet just how wonderful their lives are going to be, but I do and it makes every early morning and every late night completely worth it.

Six weeks in, and what a journey it has been. Devon, you have been extraordinary. Puppies, you have stolen every piece of my heart. Families — the wait is nearly over.

ALL PUPPIES HAVE NEW HOMES