2006-11-01 05:41:59 · 28 answers · asked by Ray 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Puppies can usually eat on their own at about 6 weeks, however, for their overall health, and very important mental health, they should stay with mom and littermates until 8 weeks..they are busy just being a baby and growing until 6 weeks, but between 6 and 8 weeks they learn how to be a dog, getting along with other pups and being corrected by their mom. They learn bite control, respect, and social manners...Pups that are removed earlier are usually the ones that are very hard to socialize and train..
Pups removed earlier are also more prone to puppyhood diseases, as they are stressed at the time that their immune system needs to be developing..
It is important to clip their toenails, so that mom doesn't push them away too early because of scratched, painful and bleeding nipples and bags...
2006-11-01 05:54:05 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would have to say that most of the answers given are based on myth as I know no clear cut answer as to when to take a pup from it's mom except for the fact that the pup has to be weaned.
All this poppy cock about socializing etc,they learn that while they are a litter.
I got my dog when she was 5 weeks old as she was totally weaned at that time and she has not behaved any worse than any other 8 week old puppy and I had no more trouble house breaking her than any other puppy.
My dog today is one of the smartest and happiest dog I have ever owned.
I would have to say that as soon as the pup is weaned and can take solids,it is ready to move on.
2006-11-05 05:01:31 · answer #2 · answered by Just Q 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the breed. Some breeders will let puppies go after 6 weeks, but the pups definitely benefit greatly from having 2 more weeks of socialization with their littermates. Most breeders wait 8 weeks.
Smaller breeds, like chihuahuas, often need 10-12 weeks to be big enough and social enough to do well away from mom.
2006-11-01 05:48:58 · answer #3 · answered by angiesmom32 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They must be fully weaned, no earlier then 8 weeks if you take a pug puppy from it's mother under 8 weeks then you will have a lot of problems, and attitude and manners you cannot fixed, it's best to wait till 8 - 9 - 10 weeks.
2016-05-23 03:41:32 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pups should be weaned from the mother's milk somewhere between 5 and 6 weeks of age. After the mother has been seperated from the pups for 24 hours or so to dry up her milk, she should then be returned to have free access to them for another two weeks, at least. (HER free access, she needs to be able to get in and out and away from them as she wishes.)
The reason she needs to be with them for these two weeks is this is when the mother teaches the pups the socialization they need to be mentally stable dogs. She will let them know with nips, growls and paw slaps that no means no. She will use exaggerated body language to teach the pups how to properly meet other dogs, like what a play bow means and what a hostile stance means.
No responsible breeder will release their pups to a new home before the pup is 8 weeks old so the pups have had a chance to learn the proper basics of being a dog.
2006-11-01 05:52:22 · answer #5 · answered by Lori R 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Professional breeders will home their puppies to new owners at or after 8 wks of age. Anything earlier then that tends to produce a lot of behavioral development problems later on.
Scott & Fuller are well known for their early 1960's research of puppy development. There is also fairly recent research on the effects of earlier separation of puppy(ies) from *****.
Behavioral experts are know recommending homing puppies between 10-12 wks of age. Anything younger then 8 wks is a potential problem later on.
2006-11-01 08:10:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Some people think if it's a larger breed then they can go at 6 weeks, but no matter the breed you should always wait at least 8 weeks. Some people don't let their puppies go until they're 12 or 13 weeks. But I would say 8 weeks at the youngest.
2006-11-01 05:55:05 · answer #7 · answered by Danny 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Never before 8 weeks. Some people will say six weeks but that is the WORST time to take them away. Around six weeks is when they are learning all their social behavior and bite inhibition. If you remove them then you WILL have problems with the puppies. Even if you remove them at 7 weeks you will still have problems so just wait the extra time.
Edit: Small breeds like Chis should wait till 12 weeks.
2006-11-01 05:44:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Eight weeks is best, it allows for mental developement and social interaction of the pup and how it should respond. Any earlier and you risk having a dog that is insecure, clings to people and aggressive towards other dogs. Let mom do her thing til those babies are eight weeks old. If the breeder of the pups are eager to get them out, insist on the pups staying for a bit longer or just don't buy. Don't forget to continue to socialize your pup to new people and places and things. Get shots and dewormer on board! Have a happy healthy next ten years or so. Good luck. Now ask what is a good name for my new (breed) pup?
2006-11-01 06:14:06 · answer #9 · answered by Tenners 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Normally 8 weeks, a puppy is learning developmental skills from it's mother during these eight weeks, so once they start eating on their own at 8 weeks, they can normally be taken away then.
2006-11-01 05:53:48 · answer #10 · answered by Michelle Lynn 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋