Winnie's Pups 3 Weeks Old

rackenfordpuppies
6 days ago
2 min read

Week 3 is such a special time. Watching Winnie’s puppies change from sleepy newborns into curious, social little pups has been amazing. Their eyes are brighter, their movements stronger, and their confidence grows a little more each day.

Eyes Bright, Ears Open, and Senses Growing

The puppies eyes are now fully open and starting to focus. It’s so sweet to see them looking around, trying to make sense of the world for the first time. Their little ears have opened too, and they’re beginning to respond to different sounds , Winnie’s voice, my footsteps, and even their siblings squeaking beside them.

Their senses are still developing, but every day they seem more alert and aware.

First Steps and Wobbly Walks

This is the week where the real movement begins. The puppies are now able to stand up on all four legs, though they’re still wobbly and unsure. They take a few steps, tumble over, and try again and every attempt gets just a little more coordinated.

A few of them have already started trying to climb over their littermates or explore a little further from Winnie. It’s hilarious and heartwarming all at once.

Early Play and Social Skills

Playtime has officially begun! It’s gentle and clumsy at this age, but it’s such an important part of their development. They’re starting to:

Mouth and nibble on each other
Wag their tiny tails
Practice little growls and squeaks
Show interest in their surroundings

This early interaction sets the foundation for good social behaviour later on. It’s lovely to see them becoming more confident each day.

Feeding Changes Begin

Winnie is still feeding them wonderfully, but I’ve noticed the sessions are changing a little. The puppies stay awake longer during nursing, and their latching is much stronger.

They’re not quite ready for solid food yet, but we’re getting close usually somewhere around week 3.5 to 4, depending on how each puppy is progressing.

For now, Winnie’s milk is still doing a perfect job keeping them satisfied and growing beautifully.

Early Toilet Habits

Another big milestone at this stage is that puppies naturally start moving away from where they sleep when they need to go to the toilet. It’s basic instinct, but it’s a great sign and the first step toward proper toileting habits later on.

I keep the bedding clean and give them a bit more space now so they can choose where to settle.

Health, Handling & Daily Checks

Each day I spend a little time gently handling the puppies, picking them up, rubbing their paws, stroking their faces, and letting them hear my voice. These early moments help build trust and confidence.

Daily checks continue, and so far everyone is looking fantastic: