Golden Retriever Puppies Week 1 to 2

Written By Ben Howell

Eyes Opening, Growth, and Early Training in Arizona

Raising Golden Retriever puppies in Arizona is more than adorable moments and wagging tails. It’s about structure, science, and intentional care from day one. At Turquoise Trail Retrievers, we are a small AKC hobby breeder in Northern Arizona, dedicated to raising Golden Retrievers for therapy work, service roles, and loving family homes.

This guide takes you behind the scenes during week 1 to week 2 of a Golden Retriever puppy’s life—a critical period when development takes off, eyes start to open, and early training begins.

If you love AKC Golden Retrievers and want to follow their growth, subscribe to our YouTube channel for regular updates and in-depth videos.

Week 1: The Neonatal Stage

Puppies Born Altricial

Golden Retriever puppies are altricial, meaning they are born undeveloped and completely dependent on their mother. At birth, their eyes and ears are sealed shut, and they cannot regulate their own body temperature.

Despite this, their sense of smell is already active. They recognize their mother through scent and warmth, navigating toward her for feeding and comfort.

Daily Weight Tracking for Healthy Growth

From day one, we weigh each puppy daily. A healthy Golden Retriever puppy should gain 5–10% of its body weight every day during the first week. If a puppy falls behind, we take immediate action:

  • Guide the puppy to a rear teat, which produces more milk

  • Rotate puppies during feeding so all have equal access

  • Offer supplemental feedings with formula

Preventing Feeding Imbalances in Large Litters

In larger litters, some puppies naturally claim preferred nursing spots, which can lead to nutritional imbalance. Hands-on monitoring ensures that each puppy thrives equally.

Early Development Signs in Week 1

Sensory Navigation Through Smell and Touch

Even with closed eyes and ears, puppies explore through rooting—a behavior where they nuzzle and push their faces into surfaces to find a nipple.

Myoclonic Twitches – Why They Matter

During sleep, puppies experience small body jerks called myoclonic twitches. These movements help stimulate neuromuscular development and strengthen motor neurons.

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)

What is ENS?

By day 3, we begin Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)—a U.S. military-developed program proven to improve health and adaptability. We also integrate it into our Puppy Culture program.

The 5 ENS exercises (3–5 seconds each) include:

  • Tactile stimulation between the toes

  • Holding the puppy upright

  • Holding the puppy upside down

  • Placing the puppy on its back

  • Brief exposure to a cool surface

Benefits of ENS for Golden Retriever Puppies

ENS improves:

  • Heart rate variability

  • Stress response

  • Immune system strength

  • Emotional regulation

  • Confidence and adaptability as adults

The Role of Sanitation in Puppy Health

Why Cleanliness Matters in Early Development

Cleanliness is more than aesthetics—it directly impacts neurological and physical health. During the neonatal stage, the mother stimulates elimination by licking her puppies. As their waste output increases, we step in to keep the whelping area clean.

Our Cleaning Routine at Turquoise Trail Retrievers

  • Transfer puppies to a warm, soft holding bin

  • Remove soiled bedding and pads

  • Sanitize surfaces with puppy-safe, non-toxic cleaners

  • Dry the area to prevent moisture-related issues

  • Check heat sources and ambient temperature

  • Rotate puppies to prevent lying in damp areas

This prevents urine scald, dermatitis, hypothermia, and respiratory risks.

Week 2: The Transitional Stage

Eyes Opening – A Major Milestone

Between day 10 and day 14, Golden Retriever puppies start opening their eyes. At first, vision is blurry, like looking through foggy glasses. Within days, they begin tracking light and motion.

First Vocalizations

This is also when we hear puppy squeaks, whines, and early barks—their first attempts at communication.

Gentle Handling and Socialization

Building Trust from the Start

We handle each puppy daily—not just for affection but to help them adapt to human touch. These short, positive interactions create confident, people-friendly dogs.

Avoiding Overhandling

Too much handling too soon can stress puppies. Sessions are kept short, calm, and intentional.

Puppy Grooming in Week 2

Nail Trimming for Comfort and Safety

Sharp puppy nails can scratch the mother during nursing and even cause sores on their own paws. Early nail trims help keep nursing comfortable and introduce puppies to basic grooming.

Why the First Two Weeks Matter for Future Owners

If you’re looking for Golden Retriever puppies in Arizona, knowing your breeder’s process during these first weeks is essential. Early care shapes temperament, health, and adaptability.

At Turquoise Trail Retrievers, our puppies are raised with science-backed methods, cleanliness, and love, giving them the best start in life.

How You Can Follow Their Journey

We document every stage of our puppies’ growth on YouTube, showing you exactly how they’re cared for from birth to the day they go home. If you’re serious about finding AKC Golden Retriever puppies in Arizona, subscribing to our channel will give you a transparent look into our program.

The first two weeks are the foundation for a Golden Retriever’s life. From early neurological exercises to careful feeding and sanitation, every step is deliberate.

If you want a healthy, well-adjusted Golden Retriever puppy raised in Arizona with proven methods, reach out to Turquoise Trail Retrievers today.

Ben Howell
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