Inside the Puppy Pen – Day 36

At just over 5 weeks old, the Herb Litter reached another milestone today as they moved into their big weaning pen. This stage of puppyhood is all about expanding their world in safe, positive ways that set the foundation for life skills they’ll use in their new homes.

Why the Bigger Pen?

Puppies at this age are becoming more active, playful, and curious. A larger pen gives them room to explore, practice coordination, and interact with new toys and textures. This increased space helps build their confidence and prevents boredom while encouraging healthy play.

Early Kennel Conditioning

Inside the pen, we’ve included small kennels. At this stage, kennels aren’t for “crate training” yet but rather to introduce the idea that a kennel is a calm, safe place to nap or relax. By letting the puppies explore kennels at their own pace, they start to form positive associations—something that makes the transition to crate training later on much smoother.

Raised Beds and Comfort

We also added a raised bed, which not only gives the puppies another cozy resting spot but also helps them get used to different sleeping surfaces. Raised beds promote airflow and keep them off the floor, which is especially useful for joint and muscle development.

First Water Bowl Experience

Another big change today was the introduction of their first water bowl. Until now, all of their hydration has come from nursing or puppy mush. Offering a bowl at this stage teaches them how to lap water on their own, an important step in independence. As expected, the water bowl became more than just a drinking source—it was also a splash zone, with a few puppies deciding it doubled as a bath. This playful exploration is normal and part of how they learn.

Takeaway for New P AQ1 `uppy Families

By slowly introducing new spaces, surfaces, and routines, we’re laying the groundwork for confident, adaptable puppies. These small steps now help ensure smoother transitions when they go to their forever homes.

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