From Whelping Box to Your Home: What to Expect in the First 8 Weeks with Lagotto Puppies

If you’ve ever wondered what happens during a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy’s first eight weeks of life — or how we prepare them to become confident, well-adjusted family members — this post is for you. At Northwest Lagotto, we believe the foundation built in those critical first weeks makes a huge difference in how smoothly a puppy transitions into your home. Here’s a look at what the early journey looks like, why it matters, and how our upcoming litters are being raised to give you the best possible start.

The First Two Weeks: Newborn Phase

During the first 14 days, puppies are completely dependent on their mother:

• Eyes and ears are closed

• They crawl, nurse frequently, and sleep most of the time

• Mom keeps them clean, warm, and stimulated to eliminate

• We monitor weight gain daily and provide supplemental heat when needed

This is a quiet, protected period focused entirely on survival and early bonding with the dam.

Weeks 2–4: Eyes Open, World Expands

Around 10–16 days, big milestones happen quickly:

• Eyes begin to open (vision is blurry at first)

• Ears open and they start responding to sounds

• Puppies become more mobile — scooting, then wobbly walking

• First attempts at play — gentle biting, rolling, and pouncing on littermates

• Introduction to new surfaces (puppy pads, shallow trays, soft blankets)

  We begin very gentle handling during this window — brief, positive human contact several times a day — so they learn that people are safe and pleasant.

  
  

Weeks 4–6: Socialization & Enrichment Window

This is the most important socialization period for any puppy:

• Introduction to a wider variety of sounds (household noises, children’s voices, doorbell, vacuum, etc.)

• Exposure to different textures (grass, gravel, tile, carpet, shallow water)

• First taste of solid food (we start weaning gradually around 4 weeks)

• Increased play with littermates — learning bite inhibition and social cues

• Short, positive interactions with calm adult dogs (when appropriate)

• Gentle exposure to new people (carefully screened visitors)

Our goal: puppies that are curious, not fearful; confident, not reactive.

Weeks 6–8: Final Prep for Forever Homes

The last two weeks before go-home are all about fine-tuning:

• Full transition to solid puppy food

• Crate training introduction (positive, short sessions with treats)

• Leash walking basics (just dragging a lightweight leash at first)

• More structured socialization — different rooms, car rides (short), vet clinic visits

• Individual temperament evaluations to help match puppies to families

• Final health checks, vaccinations, deworming, microchipping

By 8 weeks, our puppies are well-started, outgoing, and ready to bond deeply with their new families.

How We’re Raising Our Current Litters

Both upcoming litters are being (or will be) raised with this same thoughtful, enrichment-focused approach utilizing early neurological stimulation and Puppy CUlture Protocols.

Repeat Litter: Mousse × Ginger

Expected birth: February 24, 2026 Only a couple of spots left!

• Mousse: White with brown spots — gentle, affectionate, excellent mothering instincts

• Ginger: Orange roan — calm, gentle, very attentive

This repeat breeding is especially exciting because last time the puppies were remarkably even-tempered and adaptable from the very beginning. We expect the same strong foundation again.

Ready to go home: Mid-April 2026

New Litter: Mousse × Tia

Breeding expected: Today or tomorrow (February 1–2, 2026) Only 5 spots available!

Mousse’s calm, sweet nature pairs beautifully with Tia. We’re preparing for another litter of well-socialized, confident puppies who will transition smoothly into family life.

Ready to go home: Early June 2026

Ready to Meet Your Puppy at 8 Weeks?

The work we put into the first eight weeks sets the stage for a lifetime of confidence and connection. A Northwest Lagotto puppy arrives at your door already exposed to the kinds of experiences that help prevent common behavioral issues later on.

Our application process:

1. Email us at NWLagotto@gmail.com to request an application

2. After vetting, we send a deposit contract

3. Return the signed contract with your $500 deposit to join the waitlist

4. At 8 weeks, we match puppies to families and complete the final puppy contract at pickup

With only a couple spots remaining in the Mousse × Ginger repeat litter and just 5 left in the Mousse × Tia litter, time is moving quickly.

Contact us today at NWLagotto@gmail.com to apply or learn more about:

• Our February 24 litter (Mousse × Ginger repeat – only a couple spots left!)

• Our spring litter (Mousse × Tia – only 5 spots available, expected to go home early June 2026)

We can’t wait to help you welcome one of these special puppies into your home!