Pawternity Leave: Why the First Two Weeks with Your Puppy Matter More Than You Think

In April 2021, during one of the most unusual periods in recent history, an eight-week-old European Doberman named Tokyo arrived at our home in Delhi. Like many puppies brought home during the lockdown years, his arrival coincided with a time when work routines had shifted, social gatherings were restricted, and much of the world was operating from home. What we did not realise then was that the two weeks that followed would lay the foundation for a relationship that would shape the next three years of our lives.

The concept of "pawternity leave" has gained popularity in recent years, describing the time pet parents intentionally dedicate to helping a new puppy settle into their home. While often spoken about humorously, there is growing scientific evidence to suggest that this early period is genuinely important. Research has shown that interactions between dogs and their owners can trigger the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "bonding hormone," in both species, strengthening attachment and social connection (Nagasawa et al., 2015). For young puppies, the first few weeks in a new home represent a critical transition period during which trust, security and routine begin to take shape.

The Foundation of a Lifelong Bond

Tokyo settled remarkably quickly, although not before spending considerable time investigating his own reflection in the large mirror in our living room. Despite being a confident and curious puppy, he had an unmistakable need for proximity. To describe him as a Velcro dog would be an understatement. During those first weeks, one of us was almost always beside him. My brother dedicated a week to helping him settle in, I adjusted my work schedule and effectively took two weeks of pawternity leave, and my parents, who were also working remotely, became active participants in his daily routine. My father, in particular, quickly assumed the role of Tokyo's preferred sleeping pillow, often finding himself pinned beneath a sleeping Doberman puppy who believed that physical contact was a non-negotiable requirement.

Looking back, it is easy to see why these early interactions mattered. Behavioural researchers have long recognised that puppies pass through a sensitive socialisation period during their first few months of life. Experiences during this stage influence how they perceive the world around them and can have lasting effects on confidence, resilience and behaviour (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, 2008). The goal is not simply exposure but positive exposure—helping puppies learn that people, environments, sounds and handling are safe and predictable parts of everyday life.

Small Habits, Lasting Lessons

Without fully realising it, much of what we did with Tokyo aligned with these principles. We had received advice from experienced dog owners about allowing puppies uninterrupted deep sleep and avoiding the temptation to wake them, even when their paws appeared to be running during a dream. We also spent time gently handling his ears, paws and body while he slept, helping him become comfortable with touch. Such experiences may seem insignificant at the time, but they often contribute to a dog's long-term comfort with grooming, veterinary examinations and everyday handling.

Of course, no discussion about puppyhood would be complete without acknowledging the less glamorous realities. Like many Doberman owners, we soon discovered that the affectionate puppy phase eventually gives way to teething. Between three and six months of age, Tokyo transformed into a determined and enthusiastic land shark. The descriptions often used by puppy owners—T-Rex, crocodile, piranha—felt entirely justified. Family members accumulated a collection of scratches and bite marks that only fellow puppy owners would fully appreciate. What took us longer than expected to understand, however, was that many of these behaviours were linked not to excess energy but to fatigue. As we gradually learned to balance physical exercise, mental stimulation and adequate rest, his tendency to turn into a tiny dinosaur diminished considerably.

Raising a Puppy During Lockdown

The circumstances surrounding Tokyo's upbringing were also shaped by the realities of the pandemic. While he enjoyed regular walks, games of fetch on the terrace, exposure to different environments and frequent interactions with people, his opportunities to socialise with other dogs were relatively limited. We delayed visits to dog parks until his vaccinations were complete, and his closest canine companion during those early months was a Labrador Retriever named Uno, affectionately known as his "chubby buddy." Their meetings became highlights of his social calendar, although they occurred only every few weeks.

The limited opportunities for dog-to-dog interaction may have influenced some of Tokyo's later behaviours. While he was consistently friendly and playful with people, he often preferred the safety of his family when meeting unfamiliar dogs. During organised dog gatherings, he was more likely to run towards us than towards the other dogs. Yet during neighbourhood walks, he displayed a surprisingly strong reaction to local street dogs. Research suggests that varied and positive exposure to other dogs during the early socialisation window plays an important role in developing social confidence, making these observations unsurprising in hindsight (Purdue Canine Welfare Science, n.d.).

When Puppies Graduated Before Humans

One of the more amusing memories from that period came through conversations with friends in Australia who had also become puppy parents during the pandemic. While our puppy-raising experiences shared many similarities, one friend was able to enrol his puppy in a formal behaviour school. A few months later, photographs appeared online showing a proud canine graduate wearing a miniature graduation cap and posing with a certificate. The timing was difficult to ignore. While puppies in Australia were celebrating graduation ceremonies, many of us were still waiting for our own convocation ceremonies to resume after restrictions on large gatherings had postponed them indefinitely. I remember wishing such opportunities had been more readily available to us in India, and perhaps even wishing that Tokyo could one day accompany me to the graduation ceremony in Sydney that I had hoped to attend.

In many ways, that contrast captures the unique experience of raising a puppy during the lockdown years. The world felt uncertain, yet life inside the home revolved around simple and predictable routines. Meals were scheduled, naps were protected, training sessions were brief but consistent, and every small milestone felt significant. The days were often repetitive, but they were also deeply rewarding.

What Pawternity Leave Really Gives You

Tokyo passed away in March 2024, at the young age of 3 years and 1 month, just days after we moved into a new home that had been designed with him very much in mind. Although he never had the opportunity to enjoy that space in the way we had imagined, the memories that remain strongest are not from his adult years. They are from those first weeks—the puppy who insisted on sleeping on someone, the gentle whistling sounds he made at night until he was invited onto the bed, the curious puppy staring at his reflection in a mirror, and the unmistakable sense that he had already decided we were his family.

For anyone considering taking pawternity leave, the value extends far beyond toilet training or teaching basic commands. The first weeks provide an opportunity to establish trust, create routines and build the foundations of a lifelong relationship. At the same time, they offer an important opportunity to introduce gradual independence. Teaching a puppy that periods of separation are temporary and safe can help prevent anxiety and destructive behaviours once normal work schedules resume.

The lessons from those early weeks stay with both dog and owner long after puppyhood has passed. Pawternity leave may last only a short time, but the relationship it helps build can last a lifetime.

References

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) (2008) AVSAB Position Statement on Puppy Socialization. Available at: https://avsab.org/resources/position-statements/ (Accessed: 8 June 2026).

Howell, T.J., King, T. and Bennett, P.C. (2015) ‘Puppy parties and beyond: The role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behaviour’, Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 6, pp. 143–153.

Howell, T.J., Bowen, J., Fatjó, J., Calvo, P., Holloway, A. and Bennett, P.C. (2020) ‘Development of canine separation-related problems: A review’, Animals, 10(12), pp. 1–22.

Nagasawa, M., Mitsui, S., En, S., Ohtani, N., Ohta, M., Sakuma, Y., Onaka, T., Mogi, K. and Kikusui, T. (2015) ‘Oxytocin-gaze positive loop and the coevolution of human-dog bonds’, Science, 348(6232), pp. 333–336.

Owczarczak-Garstecka, S.C. and Burman, O.H.P. (2016) ‘Canine sleep and welfare: A review’, Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 16, pp. 59–68.

Purdue Canine Welfare Science (n.d.) Socialization and Early Exposure in Puppies. Available at: https://caninewelfare.centers.purdue.edu/behavior/socialization/ (Accessed: 8 June 2026).