PuppyweeksPuppy weeks 1–2
Puppy weeks 1–2: Neonatal
In their first two weeks, puppies are almost entirely dependent on their mother — eyes and ears closed, unable to regulate body temperature, movement limited to crawling toward warmth and milk. They sleep about 90% of the time. There’s no training to do yet: warmth, feeding, and vet guidance are everything.
When does this happen?
| All breed sizes | Weeks 1–2 |
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Not sure this is your puppy’s exact stage? Check the Puppy Stage Finder. Wondering if all that sleeping and twitching is normal for a newborn? Get a straight answer.
Common questions
How much do newborn puppies sleep?
Newborn puppies sleep around 90% of the time and nurse constantly. Twitching during sleep is normal “active sleep” that’s important for motor development.
Why is my newborn puppy crying?
Newborn puppies usually cry only when cold, hungry, or separated from the litter. Persistent crying despite warmth and feeding, or failure to gain weight daily, means contacting the breeder or vet.
Grounded in established canine behavioural science — see our sources.