can you adopt a puppy at 6 weeks??

Question

i adopted my rottweiler when he was six weeks old

Answer 1

when you say adopted do you mean you purchased? Federal law in the US states no dog or cat can be sold prior to 8 weeks of age. Though the law is rarely enforced. Weaning does not end when a pup starts to eat dry food. It is a 2 step process that also can go on for 3 to 5 more weeks on average. Socialization is the second part to the weaning process and is key in a well rounded pup becoming a good dog. In this case 6 weeks is too soon. As a breeder for over 47 years I have never let a pup go before 9 to 10 weeks. In turn all have been reported back to me to be healthy well adjusted and socialized dogs.

Answer 2

Yes, you can. If you are very knowledgeable about dog behavior I think that 6 weeks is ideal to adopt a puppy. You will have to have the skills to teach the puppy and so this is not for everyone. But, you will get a great dog that is well socialized and just so wonderful. Ever heard of the "rule of seven"? Look it up on the internet. This is a good guide line for socializing a puppy.

Answer 3

Here's the way to prove once and for all that this breeder is irresponsible. You say you're already scheduled to "pick up" the puppy, correct? What kind of screening or questions did the breeder ask you about your situation? Did she do a home visit, since you're picking it up? Legit breeders don't "sell" dogs to anyone who shows up with the cash. They find them good homes. My sister just bought a full breed Belgian shepherd for $900. The breeder lives 50 miles way and insisted on bringing the dog to her home - that was non-negotiable. That's the difference. Oh, and this dog was 11 weeks old.

Answer 4

Puppies are often times weaned from the dam's milk prior to 6 weeks, and are on solid food. Additionally, 6 weeks is the age of the first in a series of 4 sets of shots, so many people will sell/adopt out puppies at this age.

However, between the ages of 5 and 7 weeks of age, the puppies learn certain social behaviors from each other, which helps them to identify themselves as a member of the dog family, teaches them that biting hurts (bite inhibition) and other socialization factors that have proven to be important to prevent dog aggression.

Not every dog that leaves the litter prior to 8 weeks of age will be dog aggressive, and not every dog with aggression is one that left earlier, but there is a definite correlation between the two. Therefore, the standard age to begin placing puppies in homes is 8 weeks. (This is also the age of the 2nd series of shots)

Since you received your puppy during that development stage, it is important that you work to socialize him with other puppies & dogs as he matures. Find a training center that facilitates play between the puppies, so he can experience what it is like to rough-house with other puppies, bite & be bitten, and understand that he is a dog, not a cute miniature, somewhat furry version of you!

Best of luck to you.

Answer 5

I wouldn't advise it. If they can keep the pup for you until 10 weeks, that would be much better. Not only mother's milk and antibodies, but there's a whole lot of pack dynamics going on between mother and pup that you can't provide. To have the most stable pup, I would try to wait.

Answer 6

You can adopt a puppy at any age, but puppies really should not be separated from their mothers before 10 weeks old.

Answer 7

yes i gotten my pitbull pup at 6 weeks hes now 15 weeks. I would definatly get him wormed and his shots up to date. you may have to give him canned food for a while all the teeth arent in yet! Socailize you puppy as much as possible this is when they lean alot!Good luck!

Answer 8

Puppies should be nursed until at least 8 weeks to help prevent disease and malnutrition.If you do adopt a pup younger than that supplement his diet with a formula made for puppies until he is at least 8 weeks.this will insure stong bones and good health.

Answer 9

It's certainly not recommended, as they miss out on socialization and learning bite inhibition from their siblings. I've never heard of any animal shelters or rescues adopting out puppies under eight weeks of age (unless it's for foster care), and I'm not even sure it's legal.

But if you did, obviously it's possible. ;-)

Answer 10

In the "old days" this was a regular age for puppies to join a new home.
I'd never do it again.