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This question is often asked by both new dog owners and those that have been blessed with canine interaction their whole lives. Before we jump into the substance, I must stand on a soapbox (or two soapboxes, since I have four paws that I need to support) for a few seconds. We all know how cute puppies can be, but there are many loving dogs that have grown up a little (or a lot) that are in need of homes. They can be found at every animal shelter and at the pound (also known as “Puppy Jail”).
If you are looking for a puppy specifically, it is apparent that many breeders are not as well-versed in the rearing of pups since many of puppies are taken away from their mother way far too early in their development, sometimes as early as three weeks old. This is usually a sign of a breeder who is in business solely to make money, rather than share the gift of a dog’s love and companionship.
Without getting into the biology of it all, I will use a scenario that people may understand a little better. When you are following the cooking instructions for a cake, and the instructions say to cook the cake for one hour, you probably would not take it out of the oven after only 45 minutes. Why not? The cake is not done.
Puppies are not “done” at only four or six weeks either. In fact, their development has barely begun. The following few weeks are very important in the life of a puppy as he develops. Removing him from the litter early can have a negative impact on him for the rest of his life.
When a puppy is between three and seven weeks, he is learning how to be a dog. Sudden changes, such as new surroundings or the absence of his mother and siblings should be avoided. Loud noises are not tolerated well at all.
Both sudden change and loud noises contribute negatively on a growing pup. He has also just begun to recognize the people and other animals in his life. He is learning from his littermates that biting hurts, and Mom is teaching them to accept her as the leader of the pack.
Mom is also starting to potty train during this time as well. She nudges each pup from the nest to teach him that soiling the the area in which a dog lives is unacceptable. Puppies need to learn from their littermates, and from their Mom, until they are at least eight weeks of age.
This article is a part of our Potty Training Page.
Tags: breeders, litter, mom, mother, potty training, Puppies
Puppies should not be taken from their Mom or littermates until at least 12 weeks of age. A puppy is just maturing and learning pack order during the 8-12 week period. And reputable breeder will not allow a puppy to leave to another home until 12 weeks.
I have purchased a Pug puppy from a breeder who appeared legitimate, and perhaps she is. However, the dog was only five weeks old when released from the litter, and I am afraid that I have been “clipped” and will not have a quality experience. Is there any group to whom this should be reported, and/or what should I expect if I ask the breeder to take the dog back? I am very upset by all of this and my own ignorance on the subject.
A lot of people are ignorant on this subject. Unfortunately some of the ignorant are breeders. It is obvious that you care about this so the first question you want to answer is: Do I love this puppy? Next, you should ask yourself if returning the puppy would be good for it.
Be thankful that the puppy is five weeks old, some pups are released at four weeks. I doubt that the breeder would be willing to take the puppy back. Especially if you point out that you think the pup needs a little more time with its mom. Also, remember that even though you didn’t get your puppy from a rescue group, you did, in fact, rescue this puppy. Even though your pup is young, you can still have a good experience. Continue to educate yourself and get your pup to a vet for a checkup ASAP. Remember, Spike is only a few clicks away!
Hi I am getting an australian cattle dog puppy, I have owned this breed before. The last time I picked my puppy up too young she was only 5 weeks old and this led to problems for me and her. This time I am leaving the puppy with the breeder until he is 12 weeks old, I think this is the right thing to do. My sister says different! Know I am really confused. Can you help?
Carol,
What is your sister’s reasoning for not waiting?
Spike
hi, I found a puppy on the side of the road in tall grass, i think he is a lab, i also think he is about 3-5 wks not sure. i got puppy powder for milk, puppy food. he does have front teeth and some back teeth are coming in he seems to be crying in pain. i am not sure if he is hurting because he needs to go to the bathroom, he strains i have a appointment with the vet but i need some ideas to help this baby. I was wondering if there is any ideas to keep him, quite or get him use to sleeping I have him in a big box with blankets right now and will be getting a kennel from a friend for now.I play with him feed him and take him outside every 20-30 mins he likes to be in the tall grass.
Puppies that age should still be with their mothers, so you have your work cut out for you. He is probably cutting teeth, which can be painful. Certainly discuss your concerns with the vet during his check-up. The crying has a lot to do with the separation from his mother and littermates. That got mom’s attention, and she knew what to do instinctively. The vet should be able to give you some guidance as to what your new pup needs from you to keep him healthy.
I’m a registered breeder and the Code of Ethics of The Sth Aust Canine Association, which I must and do follow, says I cannot let a puppy go until it is at least 8 weeks. By then the mother is usually only with the puppies for brief visits, she’s sick of them, and the pups are eating dry puppy food.
I have kept puppies for a bit longer, and I’m not sure whether that is better or not for the pup. If they go at 8 weeks, and the new owner does the things I tell them to, it usually goes well.
I found two pups which unfortunetly the mother was found emaciated and unable to take care of her pups. I think they are around 3 to 4 weeks old. They wouldn’t take a bottle so they have been eating canned science diet puppy food with milk replacer added. They also drink water from a bowl.(There teeth are almost ready to come through.) They seem to be hydrated but I am concerned that they won’t take a bottle. They are pooping and peeing on there own also. Am I doing the right thing?
You are certainly doing some saintly work. Taking care of pups at that age is certainly a chore. It sounds like you’re doing a lot of things right, and your focus on their hydration is warranted, and you may want to give a call to your vet to see if he/she has any recommendations. In extreme care situations like this, it is a good idea to have their advice handy. Working with them will help to ensure healthy decision-making.
My husband brought home 2 pups who were being given away at a store. We were told they’re a mix of boxer and golden retriever pups (though they look like boxers), and the children giving them away said they were about 4 weeks old. They have their teeth, and they eat as if they are starving, but we are afraid to give them too much at a time. They are peeing and pooping fine, no diarrhea, but their ribs and hip bones are very visible, with bellies that bloat up when they eat. We keep them in our kitchen and adjoining laundry room. I plan to take them to the vet this week, but here’s my problem: They are extremely needy, and want someone with them all the time. My sons and I spend alot of time playing with and holding them, but we can’t do this all day long. When we leave them alone in the kitchen, they cry and whine at the gate constantly. how do I get them to stop this? we’ve only had them a few days, will they settle down soon?
Your pups need to see a vet soon. They have worms. All pups have worms. Its pretty normal. If you don’t know anything about dog (puppy) behavior, get enrolled into a training class as soon as the pups have completed their shots and have had the Kennel cough vaccine. There is a wonderful book by Pat Miller titled The Power of Positive Dog Training. You can get this book through Amazon.com. When there are puppies in my house, Mom always leaves them where they can hear and watch TV. This way they don’t really know if humans are around or not.
Mom says that puppies are like babies. You feed them, clean them and leave them alone. Otherwise you may be sitting around holding pups (or babies) for a long time. Make sure that you separate them periodically, it is possible that they will bond with each other and leave you out. Make sure YOU are part of the pack!
Hi I just got a puppy that was born on Christmas day 2009 so he is 5 almost 6 weeks old. Is this way to young and if so what can I do to make sure that he turns out okay?
whatever you do dont spank the new baby for not doing well. Westies are very sensitive. My husband spanked our little girl at 9weeks and she wouldnt have anything to do with him for 2yrs. I have new puppies and the fathers mom gets one only at 8 weeks if i feel that he is ready.
i have yorkie/chon puppies they are gonna be 7 weeks old on the 27th of febuary i has a man call me and really wants one for his wife asap for her bday they will be 2 months old on the6th of march is it to early to let them go i am really confused with all this also the mother is not laying down to feed them for a few weeks now she stands to feed them they are eating mushy food and drinking water she only feed them for like 1-4 mins maybe 2-3 times a day so is it to early to let them go