When the puppies begin to open their eyes, this is the beginning of the transitional period of development. This is the week when many of the pups sensory capacities begin to function. Since the puppies do not distinguish forms clearly until around day twenty-eight, we are careful not to make sudden movements that could frighten them.

Dramatic change is what this week is all about, with puppies receiving all the basic tools of life: sight, hearing, walking, the ability to eliminate by themselves, chewing, and a more refined sense of smell.

We continuously expose the puppies to human scent, by adding an unwashed cotton sock or shirt to their nest.

This weeks stimulation includes an elevation exercise, a dominance exercise and grooming sessions.

In the elevation exercise, we hold the pup in midair until they begin to squirm and protest. Then we hold them close, stroke them, and they settle down.

In the dominance exercise, we roll the pup over on it's back on a soft surface, and hold them there for ten to fifteen seconds. Again, when they struggle and squeal, we turn them upright again and gently stroke them.

In the grooming sessions ears are cleaned, toenails are clipped, and their fur is brushed. These teach the puppies how to be handled and touched. This grooming is continued weekly until the puppies are placed in their new homes.

The last sensory faculty to develop is the hearing. We begin to check for hearing around day seventeen, by gently clapping periodically over each puppies head.