Puppies are eating well by this time and the dam is well into the process of weaning the puppies. They will spend less and less time with them, but still checking on them on a regular basis. During this period the puppies need physical and mental challenges. They need toys that they can climb on, move, chew on, carry around and tug on with their littermates.
Puppies that are *not* physically and mentally challenged at this age become slow learners as they get continue to develop. During this stage the puppies need to be removed from the litter and worked with individually. Separating the puppies from the litter for short periods of time will teach them independence, prevent separation anxiety and help with human bonding.
I've been enjoying spending individual time with each pup at night or the past few weeks. Sometimes we watch TV or they get to explore new parts of the house :)
