Minimizing the handling of newborn puppies during the first week of their lives is generally recommended. During this time, the mother dog needs to establish a strong bond with her puppies, and excessive handling may cause her stress or anxiety. However, monitoring the puppies' health and well-being is essential. After the first week, when the puppies are more robust and the mother has become comfortable with her surroundings, you can introduce gentle and supervised handling. Always ensure your hands are clean before touching the puppies to minimize the risk of transferring any potential infections.