How long should a puppy stay with his mother? Some say 8, 10, or 12 weeks, so why is that the best age?

Question

I've read some questions and answers on here... some people insist it is 8 weeks while others insist it is 10 or 12 weeks and sometimes even more? So what age is the right age for a puppy to get a new hom? And what makes that the right age?

I'm getting a lot of the same responses I've already read... people are giving ages but no real reasons. One or two people gave some ideas... And one person here just gave some reasons but no age?

Answer 1

I prefer the pups to stay with mom until 8 weeks. It seems that they are much more trainable if they have had that time to learn dog etiquette's, and social skills. However, I rarely sell one until 13 weeks. By that time, they are potty trained, leash trained and know the obedience basics to insure that the new owner is thrilled to have them join their own family.. At that age they do bond well with a new family, and the new owner doesn't have to spend the first weeks being tied down to training and frustrations..House and manners training is easy and enjoyable for me..but not to everyone..
Also, if there are going to be health issues, such as common puppy problems, they will show up by that time....At 13 weeks, they have had their 3 shots, and have been well wormed, and it gives me peace of mind, knowing that they are off to the best start....

Answer 2

You will find as many opinions on this as there are people! I will break it down with as much factual evidence as I can.
A puppy should NEVER leave it's mother before 7 weeks of age but some professionals believe this is the optimum time to begin bonding with humans.
In most states it is illegal to SELL a puppy before the age of 8 weeks.
Puppies learn A LOT of social skills necessary to interact with other dogs and people when they are older, from their mother and littermates. A puppy that is taken too early can have behavioral problems later because he never learned these early social skills....these skills are learned from 8-12 weeks. That is why there are varying opinions on what age a pup should leave it's mom. I hope this helped clear things up a little.

Answer 3

On average, 8 weeks is usually fine. Some puppies and mothers do require a longer time, some less. It depends on the breed somewhat.
Most often we give them up at 8 weeks because that is when they are ready for their first set of shots. They should be de-wormed at 6 weeks of age.

Answer 4

Until the mother dog decides that the puppy is weaned, the time is variable, between 6 to 10 weeks usually.

Answer 5

It really depends on the puppys maturity level, but generally the longer they stay with momma and litter mates the better they are at learning what is and isn't ok (like biting-bite brother too hard & he bites you back, etc) and proper socialization around other dogs.
It is strongly recommended that toy breeds stay with mom until 11-13 weeks old.

Answer 6

I got my puppy at 5 weeks.. Its not too young.. Hes a big 3 month old rottweiler puppy now but I think when you take them at a younger age its easier for them to adapt to you and their new home without getting homesick..

BUT.. sometimes it just dependson the breed or puppy... Mine started eating dry food with water at 3 1/2 weeks so by the time I got him he was fine and eating hard dry food...Plus they grew their teeth and the mom wouldnt let them have her milk any longer...

AND on top of that mypuppy loves every new human that walks into my home and loves every animal including my 2 kitties and other dogs...

So not always is it bad for a puppy to leave its mom before 7 weeks...

In conclusion I think its ok for MoSt puppies to leave their moms earlier because they will get used to your home and you more easily without crying as much and getting homesick... I think because they are solittle they might forget about theirmoms.. My baby never cried...Still doesnt...Unless I leave him alone outside...Im his mom now and I think if I wouldave waited longer to get him it wouldave been harder on him...

See I might have got him at a very young age but he turned out perfect...
He is already leash trained and knows how to fetch drop and sit.. Since Igot him so early he learned to depend on his new mom (me) and listened very well...

Answer 7

At least 8-10 weeks. Right age when all physical and mental characteristcs are developed.Ex. claws, teeth, and personality.

Answer 8

12 weeks.

Answer 9

I sold mine when they were about 8 weeks.