people say that if you get a puppy too early it causes behavioral problems..?

Question

i got my german shepherd puppy when he was about 6 1/2 weeks and the breeder told us that they are a very smart litter and that he doesnt normally release them this early but this litter is okay, is my dog going to have any behavioral problems or is that just a rumor?

Answer 1

I'm sorry but I strongly disagree with your breeder. When a puppy is ready to leave it's mother has nothing to do with how smart it is. In my experience, a puppy should stay with it's mother and litter mates until 8 weeks of age-at least! This is for both health and development reasons. It amazes me what some breeders will tell people just to sell a puppy! Sorry to be so blunt about it but I can't help it. Take very good care of your new puppy--regular vet visits, vaccines, training, lots of love and attention. The German Shepard is truly an intelligent and wonderful breed. Enjoy your new baby!

Answer 2

Sorry, Your "breeder" is full of it.

tom I, why would you separate a litter from thier mother at 5 weeks?? Just because you have AKC champoins doesnt make you responsible.

During the fourth week, a dog will start the weaning process. Between 4-6 weeks is when puppies learn socialization with dogs.
The play with thier littermates not only teaches them how to handle social situations with other dogs but also helps develop muscle co-ordination.
Early socialization is the basis of heathy interaction with other dogs.
"Separate a puppy from her mother before 6 weeks of age and she will not have learned the basic social behavior proper to her species"
"never adopt a puppy under 6 weeks of age. The interaction occuring within a litter at that time is too crucial to the pups development."
The monks of New Skete The Art of Raising a Puppy.

If you had a really good breeder, they would not release the puppy that early because they would wither test the puppy, or look at the temperament to determine which dog was suitable for you.

At least he is past the 6 weekmarker, just socialize him alot and you should be fine.

Personally, I feel that between 8-10 weeks is the optimal time for training.

Answer 3

QUOTE
"what a crock of crap. Reputable breeders do not release until at least 12 weeks. "

Guess I must be a terrible breeder then.
For the last 50+ years of breeding dogs I have started the weaning process at 28 days (4 weeks) and separate the litter from their mother at 35 days (5 weeks). Then I separate the puppy's from their littermates no sooner than 49 days (7 weeks) and no later than 70 days (10 weeks). Being that there are nine AKC Champions living here, I just might know what I am doing.

So perhaps you need to recheck your "crock of crap"
To answer the question:
You will want to put your puppy through a puppy socialization class (most obedience clubs do them) so that it will get the chance to spend more time with other puppy's.

Answer 4

It depends on the knowledge of the dog owner regarding dog behavior. You can get a puppy at 6 weeks and have it do just great. But you have to know how to socialized it and help it to bond to people, and that is not all that hard. For decades the rule was you picked up a dog at 6 weeks of age. If that was so bad it would not have survived. Then it went to 8 weeks for decades, again that wasn't bad. Now it 12 weeks is suggest which I disagree with. Mainly because a dog bonds with humans best between 6 and 10 weeks.

By the way my last dog that I received from a breeder I obtained at 5 1/2 weeks and with my training experience that dog turned out to be among the top three dogs I have ever owned in being social and being smart (she knows over 75 commands). My dogs are now all adopted/rescues thanks to idiot backyard breeders.

Answer 5

I don't see the risks as all that high if you are stringent about making sure everyone provides proof of vaccs and a clean fecal before enrolling in the class. I think early socialization is extremely important, and while I think most reputable breeders don't let puppies go until pretty close to the end of this period, I think a carefully monitored and structured class would probably be a better option than just taking your puppy out on the street. Ideally, a puppy will have been well socialized with the breeder, but of course not all do. Interesting questions! Vintage Collies

Answer 6

I totally agree with "Melissa"...8-10 weeks is a excellent age. I as a breeder never separate the puppies from their mother. When the mother begins to wean her puppies she chooses to stay outside in the "puppy yard" or sleep in a different room than the puppies, but the puppies at the age of 6 weeks go outside to play and interact with their mom and I can tell you from personal experience that the mom will teach and discipline her puppies. They begin learning crucial socialization skills that will carry them into adulthood. I would high suggest that you postpone taking your puppy around any other puppies or dogs until the age of 12 weeks and after his/her 3 set of puppy shots. Your puppy is at a very vulnerable age to potentially fatal diseases during this time and they can be anywhere. Spend the next several weeks bonding and teaching your puppy. Behaviour problems are not a guarantee when getting a puppy to young, but the chances are greater. Speak with your vet about this. I am sure they will give you advice to help your puppy develop normally. Good luck to you!

Answer 7

The breeder of your puppy is most definitely not a knowledgeable or reputable breeder. Use your common sense - how on earth could he tell whether a 6 week old puppy is very smart?

Once your puppy has had his shots, you need to make sure he's socialized a lot. He missed the valuable time with his litter mates when puppies learn things like bite inhibition and how to socialize properly with other dogs. Walk him a lot where there's other dogs, take him to puppy kindergarten classes, train him a bit at home (but keep the sessions very short, fun and positive!!), then take him to obedience classes when he's older.

If you raise him well, provided his parents had good temperaments, your puppy should end up fine.

Answer 8

There is a good chance that he will have some minor issues. Puppies really shouldn't be removed from each other and their mother until they are 8 weeks old so that they can learn socialization skills. They can have issues such as biting, jumping and humping of legs, but all of these are easy to correct, so don't be too scared. Pick up a book called "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete, and it should help you raise him correctly

Answer 9

It all depends on how you treat the dog as a child, our cat was only 4 weeks old when we brought her home and now she is 8 years old and devoted to this family. Truth is she acts more like a dog than most dogs do, so just let your dog get to know different people.

Answer 10

Keeping a puppy with its mother gives it time to learn socialization skills. The health thing doesn't hold up once it's weaned. The mother will teach it a lot. But, you can probably work with it just fine.