Azúr’s puppies are now 3 weeks old. They can see and hear, so they’ve started reacting to different sounds and movements and are crawling more and more skillfully. We spoke with Sára Kovács, the puppies’ caregiver, about the magic of this third week:

Three weeks is a truly special time with puppies. I love watching how their tiny personalities begin to unfold. At this age, they no longer just eat and sleep—they start to explore the world.

This is the moment when their little eyes open to see, and the world is no longer just noise, smells, or a pile of warm siblings, but something much more exciting: a space to explore. They raise their heads more often, look around, react to sounds and movements, and experience with great interest that every day brings something new. At this stage, they are still very fragile and sensitive, but their curiosity and eagerness to learn are already impressive.

Stumbling but brave – the first real steps

The puppies’ movements are still clumsy and uncertain during this period, but they try with great enthusiasm. Every small step, every attempt to stand, every stumble marks another milestone in their development.

“They are so adorable trying to stand on their feet for the first time—still unsteady, wobbly, but determined. Sometimes, when they fall, the little balls roll far away.”

Their movements increasingly show their will: they want to get somewhere, to get closer to something—or someone. Although they still often fall sideways at first, they become more confident and skillful with each attempt. Sometimes they just sit and look around curiously, as if seeing the world for the first time.

They learn to play and connect

The relationship between the puppies is also beginning to develop. They no longer just sleep beside each other; they start to play: biting each other, trying their first wrestling matches, and bravely barking. These games are not only fun but also important for their social development.

„You can’t get enough of watching how they discover each other—little bites, timid growls, clumsy wrestling, barking. These moments are the cutest because they develop not only their movement but also their bonds.”

Through playful interactions, they learn how to approach other living beings, how to communicate, and how to manage their own strength and instincts. Observing these moments is a real gift for anyone who knows these puppies will later become their most important companions.

Sára becomes an active participant in the puppies’ world

The most heartwarming experience is when the puppies first react to a person’s presence and begin seeking closeness. This is not a learned behavior or a reward-based reaction, but genuine, sincere interest and desire to connect.

“The most touching moment for me was when they first responded to my voice. When I greeted them with ‘Good morning,’ they slowly turned towards me with sleepy but curious eyes and then started to amble towards me.”

This moment opens a new door: from now on, you are not just an outside observer but an active participant in the puppies’ world. The puppies no longer only play with each other but also seek out Sára’s voice, watch her movements, and gladly snuggle up for a little petting. This is where the deep trust-based relationship begins, which will later be key to their work as guide dogs.

They learn from each other – a shared journey from the very beginning

The puppies are just beginning to understand who they are in this big world. Meanwhile, Sára is learning too: she notices differences between the little ones, sees their first individual traits, and grows more deeply connected to them every day.

“While they are discovering the world, I am getting to know them and watching their development and personalities unfold with curiosity.”

These initial connections, first reactions, and quiet moments together are all part of the journey that humans and dogs travel side by side—all the way to supporting a visually impaired owner.

We previously wrote about Azúr’s puppies here: https://barathegyisegitokutya.hu/az%c3%bars-puppies-are-crawling-around