You can’t wait to bring home that adorable bundle of fur because you’re getting a puppy. You don’t want to miss any of your newborn child’s early years.
But wait. Bringing home a puppy too early can have an impact on your dog’s behavior for the rest of his life, and not always in a positive way.
There are various viewpoints and factors that affect the answer to the question of what is the ideal age for a puppy to be when you welcome him into your home. The ideal time to bring home a puppy, according to the majority of doctors and breeders, is between 8 and 10 weeks old. Here’s why.
The socialization period is a key consideration in determining when to send a puppy to a new home. According to veterinarian and behaviorist Dr. Sally Foote, puppies’ socialization phase typically lasts from six to twelve to fourteen weeks of age.
Puppies are learning the rules of the world around them at this time, and they are also developing attitudes and behaviors that they will maintain as adult dogs. Puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli, and environments as possible during this time, according to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, without overstimulating them.
A puppy’s socialization during this time has a significant impact on the behaviors, self-assurance, and attachments the dog will have for the rest of his life. The puppy will also develop a close bond with the people taking care of him during this period.
Puppies also go through a period known as the primary socialization period, which starts when they are three to five weeks old and when they start to become more aware of their environment. Puppies learn how to interact with other dogs, communicate with them, and play appropriately from their mother and littermates.
Additionally, they pick up some basic impulse control skills and bite inhibition from their mother and siblings’ observations.
According to research, puppies who are taken from their litters very young are more likely to exhibit behavioral and temperamental issues as adults, such as guarding their food and toys, acting fearfully or aggressively, or being highly reactive and challenging to train.
On the other hand, puppies that remain with their littermates for an extended period of time may begin to exhibit negative dominant or submissive behaviors.
It’s crucial to ensure that you are happy with the breeder’s choices before purchasing a dog. Find out the breeder’s plans for your puppy’s weaning, socialization, and when you can take the puppy home.
Claire Apple, a working Shetland Sheepdog breeder, prefers to keep her puppies in her house while they are getting used to people. At 12 weeks old, her puppies are adopted by working or athletic homes. She does this so she can direct the experiences her puppies have while going through their socialization and fear phases and start the focused training they will require for their future homes.
Early socialization of puppies should be done thoughtfully. Good breeders gradually acclimate their puppies to things like children, other adults, cars, crates, noises, surfaces, grooming equipment, solid food, the outdoors, and individual care. Puppies can benefit from new experiences, bounce back from unexpected events, and learn to enjoy being handled while forming connections with people thanks to them.
Breeders can instruct puppy owners on how to socialize their puppies safely and appropriately when they are placed in new homes without overwhelming or traumatizing them.
Another consideration in deciding when a pup can leave the litter is weaning. Most puppies start the gradual transition from their mother’s milk to solid food between three and five weeks of age, according to Dr Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer.
“This process can take a few weeks, and the pups might feel a little anxious during that time.” Puppies shouldn’t be brought home until they are content eating by themselves. Puppies who are denied the ability to suckle for comfort and sustenance may later exhibit insecure behaviors. ”.
Some states have laws stating that puppies must be at least 8 weeks old before being sold to the general public. In about 15 of the 28 states, it is against the law to sell a puppy to a minor.
The laws frequently exempt nonprofit humane societies or animal shelters from these restrictions. In many states, only pet dealers, retail pet stores, or pet breeders are subject to the laws.
Due to the tiny size and fragility of the toy breed puppies, some breeders may decide to keep the puppies past the 8-week mark.
Breeders may decide to hold off on placing a puppy for adoption if it will be flying a great distance to its new home, especially until the puppy has had the majority of its vaccinations and is more prepared to handle the physical and mental strain of travel.
A seasoned dog trainer and development expert recommended that a puppy should be introduced to its new owner at around 8 to 9 weeks old, when the animal is prepared to form a close bond. But the same trainer added that if the breeder is spending a lot of time and effort socializing and training the puppy, the puppy might also gain from staying with its littermates for a little while longer.
Conclusion: Consult your breeder, veterinarian, and dog trainer. You’ll be better prepared on the big day if they advise you to wait a week or two longer for the healthy development of your new companion.
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Bladder Control
Bowels and bladders are now beginning to regain some degree of control. Puppies can now hold it for up to five hours, compared to two to four hours when they were just 12 weeks old. Most puppies at this age can hold it all night. If crate training is the method chosen for potty training, it should continue.
At 16 weeks, puppies are ready to start some training.
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16 week old puppy learning some basic commands.
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There are many behavior changes taking place in these puppies. As usual, they will be incredibly energetic and play a lot. Puppy owners may feel overwhelmed at times by boisterous activity. Maintaining mental stimulation at this time through training and appropriate play is a good idea.
As a general rule of thumb, 16 weeks is a good estimate (although some experts in the field believe the socialization period to end as early as 12 weeks, and there is also some evidence to suggest differences in the optimal socialization window for different breeds – which is a fascinating topic in itself, but beyond the scope of today’s post!). ).
BUT… beyond 16 weeks, something happens. New things are now viewed with suspicion instead of the eager curiosity and wagging tail they once received. Bicycles, umbrellas, lawnmowers, and other objects are all assumed to be hazardous and frightening by the pup because they have not previously encountered them. are now dreadful monsters to be growled at or retreated from You may have encountered adult dogs who are afraid of common objects or strange people; in many cases, this is the result of inadequate socialization during this crucial time.
One last caution regarding vaccinations: you may have heard that your puppy shouldn’t travel until she has completed all of her vaccinations.
So, now is the time to begin actively socializing your puppy. As soon as possible. The clock begins to run out the moment your new dog arrives at your home.
It follows that you should exercise caution when taking your puppy somewhere before she has received all of her vaccinations. Normal places where strange dogs are walked include dog parks, pet stores, and heavily trafficked public spaces. Instead, visit friends with healthy, vaccinated pets. Drive around and stop at McDonald’s, Starbucks, your bank, or the pharmacy’s drive-thru. Walk your pup around the block to meet your neighbors. Invite the kids playing outside to say hello.
Changing Hairdo
We saw how the 12-week-old puppy still had some of that soft, puppy hair in the article on 12-week-old puppies. At 16 weeks, one month later, you might notice some adult hair. You can see how the Lab mix in the photo, who is 16 weeks old, began to develop the first zig-zag hair in the back that is common in adult Labs. A month earlier this was not visible.
FAQ
Is a 4 month old puppy too old to adopt?
Before being adopted, a puppy should be at least 8 to 14 weeks old. Puppies older than 14 weeks can be adopted, though they may initially require more training. Call (951)676-4690 to make an appointment for your new pet to visit our veterinary office for a well puppy visit.
Is 4 months too late to socialize puppy?
Whatever the reason, some dogs fail to socialize within the recommended seven to four month window. Some dogs learn a few socialization lessons, but they just don’t stick. Some dogs have social skills, but they deteriorate as a result of isolation (you’ll quickly learn that repetition is key!).
Is 12 weeks old too late to get a puppy?
For some breeds, 11 to 12 weeks is fine. It’s usually best for them to spend a few extra weeks with their mother, littermates, and familiar family members. However, larger puppies shouldn’t hold off on moving into their new homes for so long. It’s okay to be nine to ten weeks old, but any older could cause issues.