Puppy weeks 3–4

Puppy weeks 3–4: Transitional

Weeks 3–4 are a sensory awakening. Eyes and ears open, first wobbly steps arrive, teeth start to emerge, and puppies begin interacting with littermates. Clumsy movement and easy startling are both normal. The work here is gentle handling and calm, brief human contact — usually still with the breeder.

When does this happen?

All breed sizes	Weeks 3–4

Not sure this is your puppy’s exact stage? Check the Puppy Stage Finder. Wondering if the clumsy movement and startling is normal at this age? Get a straight answer.

Common questions

When do puppies open their eyes and ears?

Eyes open around week 2–3 and ears around week 3, on the same timeline regardless of eventual size. If eyes haven’t opened by week 3, or look cloudy or crusted, see a vet.

What is early neurological stimulation (ENS) for puppies?

ENS (or Biosensor) is a set of brief, gentle handling exercises breeders do in the first weeks to build resilience. If your breeder is raising the litter, it’s worth asking whether they do it.

Grounded in established canine behavioural science — see our sources.