Golden Retriever Gives Birth: What Happens in the First Week

Written By Ben Howell

Witnessing the Miracle of Life and Puppy Birth in Arizona

At Turquoise Trail Retrievers, located in Arizona, we just experienced one of life’s most heartwarming moments: the birth of 10 Golden Retriever puppies. In our latest YouTube video, we take you behind the scenes, from the first signs of labor through the crucial first week of care.

Whether you’re a first-time dog owner, a fellow breeder, or simply a Golden Retriever lover, this post breaks down the stages of delivery, early maternal care, and what you can expect in the vital first days of a puppy’s life.

What to Expect During Labor & Delivery

Signs Your Golden Retriever Is Going Into Labor

Before labor begins, we closely monitor the mama-to-be, watching for:

  • Temperature drop (from ~101.5°F to below 99°F)

  • Restlessness or nesting behavior

  • Loss of appetite

  • Shivering or digging

These cues tell us labor is approaching within 12–24 hours. In our case, mama Maya began nesting and became very quiet just hours before her first contraction.

The Delivery Process

The birth of 10 puppies can take several hours. In our video, you’ll see:

  • Clear signs of active labor (pushing, panting)

  • Safe and sterile environment using clean towels and a lined whelping box

  • Each puppy born in a sac (amniotic membrane), which the mother instinctively breaks

  • Us stepping in only if needed—sometimes clearing airways or stimulating the puppy gently if mama is tired

💡 Pro Tip: Always keep emergency vet contacts nearby, especially with large litters.

First 24 Hours: Critical Puppy & Mama Care

Once all 10 puppies were delivered safely, our job had only just begun. The first day is about ensuring warmth, nursing success, and maternal bonding.

Heat Regulation

Newborn puppies can’t regulate their body temperature. We use:

  • Heating pads (on low) beneath fleece layers

  • Room temperature of 75–80°F

  • Regular checks to prevent overheating or chilling

Nursing & Colostrum Intake

The mother produces colostrum, a nutrient-rich first milk loaded with antibodies. Every puppy must nurse within the first few hours.

We monitor to ensure:

  • Each puppy finds a teat and suckles successfully

  • No pups are being “pushed out” by stronger siblings

  • Mama dog is comfortable and responsive

Day-by-Day Puppy Growth & Care

Days 1–3: Finding Rhythm

  • Puppies sleep 90% of the time and nurse every 2 hours

  • We weigh them daily to track growth (healthy gain: 5–10% body weight per day)

  • Mama needs high-calorie, high-protein food, sometimes 2–3x her usual amount

We also gently stimulate each puppy for a few seconds each day to prepare for ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation).

Sanitation & Whelping Box Cleanliness

Cleanliness is key to preventing infection and ensuring comfort:

  • Change bedding 2–3x/day

  • Use low-scent, non-toxic cleaners

  • Let mama lick and clean the puppies (natural hygiene)

In our video, you’ll see how peaceful the whelping area looks—this calm, quiet space sets the tone for healthy development.

Days 4–7: Strengthening Bonds

By now, the litter has:

  • More coordinated wiggling and crawling

  • Stronger rooting and feeding reflexes

  • Unique vocalizations and personalities starting to emerge

We continue our routine of:

  • Daily weight checks

  • Temperature regulation

  • Caloric support for mama

  • Gentle daily touch to prepare for ENS in Week 2

What You’ll See in Our YouTube Video

Our Golden Retriever birth video gives a raw, beautiful look into the birthing process and the first days of motherhood. It includes:

✅ Signs of labor and early contractions
✅ Live footage of multiple puppy births
✅ Postpartum care and mama recovery
✅ Footage of the full litter nursing, sleeping, and bonding
✅ Setup of our whelping area in Cottonwood, AZ

About Turquoise Trail Retrievers

We are a family-run Golden Retriever breeder, serving families across:

  • Sedona

  • Flagstaff

  • Prescott

  • Phoenix

  • Arizona

  • California

  • New Mexico

  • Colorado

  • and more!

Our puppies are AKC-registered, raised in-home with love, and socialized from the very first day. Every litter is an extension of our family.

We focus on:

  • Health-tested parent dogs

  • Early neurological and social development

  • Lifetime breeder support

Now Accepting Puppy Applications

This litter of 10 puppies will be ready for forever homes by early September. We encourage future families to:

  • Watch our weekly YouTube updates

  • Reach out early to reserve a spot

  • Schedule a virtual or in-person visit


🌐 Visit: www.turquoisetrailretrievers.com

If you are interested please feel free to reach out and contact us to come see your future Golden Retriever Puppy in person.

Final Thoughts: Every Birth Is a Miracle

Golden Retriever births are always emotional, but this one—10 strong, healthy puppies, a gentle mama, and a peaceful home—was something truly special.

We hope this post and video give you insight into what happens behind the scenes during the first week of a puppy’s life, and what it takes to raise a litter right.

Stay tuned for our Week 2 update where the puppies begin to open their eyes and take their first wobbly steps!

Ben Howell