Transitional period (2 to 3 weeks)
The transitional period is a time of change for puppies. They transition away from behaviors that are designed to enhance the survival of a newborn, and begin displaying behaviors that are more adult-like. Puppies begin maturing very quickly. They develop greater sensory and motor skills. They develop the ability to place their hind legs underneath themselves and wobble a few steps at a time. Toward the end of this period, they are capable of walking. Vision and hearing improve dramatically. They become capable of eliminating on their own.

Puppies get their first teeth during the transitional period, and can begin lapping and chewing food. They begin to wag their tails and show agonistic (competitive) behavior, such as pawing at each other’s faces to gain advantage. Puppies should remain with their mother and littermates during the transitional period, but because they are able to walk short distances as well as eliminate on their own, the nest area must be big enough for them to move away from the main sleeping spot whenever they need to urinate or defecate. This is the beginning of establishing good toilet behaviors.

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