Puppies need careful care, proper training, and early socialization to grow into happy and well-balanced companions. During their first weeks of life, they go through several important stages of development. Until they are around 8 weeks old, they are lovingly raised by their mother and breeder in their home kennel environment.

During the first three weeks after birth, the mother dog takes care of nearly everything. She cleans and massages the puppies, keeps the whelping area clean, and makes sure her babies feel safe and comfortable. Daily weighing and documenting each puppy’s development and health should be standard practice for every responsible breeder. During this period, the first inspection by an officially trained breed supervisor also takes place.

In the second and third weeks, the puppies begin opening their eyes and ears and slowly start discovering the world around them. From around the third week onward, breeders usually begin introducing soft puppy food. High-quality puppy food, puppy milk, minced beef, and similar foods are offered in suitable consistency. Puppies are usually fed 4–5 meals a day in addition to their mother’s milk. Around this time, the first deworming treatment is also given according to the puppies’ age and size. Tiny baby teeth begin to appear, and during their awake phases the puppies are gently introduced to everyday sounds such as vacuum cleaners, radio, television, and normal household noises. Cleaning the puppy area regularly also provides new impressions and stimulation. Day by day, the puppies become more active, and it is a wonderful experience to watch their personalities slowly begin to develop.

From around the fifth week, the little explorers can start experiencing different rooms, surfaces, and — if the weather is warm enough — short visits outside. Young puppies are still very sensitive to cold and should never become chilled.

Between the fifth and sixth week, the second deworming takes place. Outdoor activities are gradually expanded, and the puppies become familiar with combs and brushes, may wear a small collar for short periods, learn to respond to a recall signal, and may even experience their first short car ride.

By the seventh week, the puppies are already very lively and curious. The breeder administers a third deworming treatment and prepares for the veterinary visit. At the vet, the puppies are vaccinated, microchipped, and receive their vaccination passports.

In the eighth week, the litter is officially inspected and approved by the breed supervisor. The condition of the puppies, the mother dog, and the breeding environment is checked and documented once again. By this time, the puppies’ pedigrees have also arrived from the breed registry office, including all important information and chip numbers.

If you are thinking about bringing a Collie puppy into your family, it is important to contact a responsible breeder early on. A good breeder will get to know your wishes and expectations and help you find the puppy best suited to you. You will also have the opportunity to visit the puppies before they move into their new homes, allowing first bonds to form and helping make the transition easier for the puppy. Leaving its mother, siblings, and familiar surroundings is a major step for a young dog and should be handled as gently as possible.

A responsible breeder will usually provide familiar food for the first days, a blanket carrying familiar scents, a favorite toy, plenty of helpful advice, a legally sound purchase contract, their contact details for future questions, and a feeding and care plan.

Today, there are also many excellent books and resources available about raising, socializing, and training puppies and young dogs.

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