Many breeders, particularly novice breeders, are very worried about separating the puppies from their mother. Owners frequently inquire whether mothers dogs miss their pups, and vice versa. Nobody who loves dogs wants to take the puppies away from their mother too soon or with the incorrect mother
If you’re looking for a very succinct summary, the answer is it depends. However, we will fully address and explain all the circumstances leading to a mother dog missing her puppies if you want to comprehend the influencing factors and how you can help your bitch and her litter have an easy transition.
To reduce behavioral issues later, puppies should stay with their dam and litter until they are at least 8 weeks old. Breeders ought to socialize their animals by exposing them to youngsters, adults, and various sounds and experiences. Once your puppy has been examined by your veterinarian and has received her puppy shots, continue this training with her.
By interacting with your puppy the way her littermates did, you can help her get used to her new home. The litter’s puppies alternate between periods of intense play and naps. Give her periods of exercise and activity daily. Puppies sleep a lot, and if she is tired, she will sleep better. Keep the puppy in her crate with the towel from her litter when you can’t be with her.
When you bring your puppy home, try to make her surroundings as familiar as possible. Bring a tiny towel scented like her littermates home. Prepare a crate for her to sleep in so she can have a safe haven of her own. To calm her, place the towel that has the scent of her littermates inside the crate.
Puppies live with their littermates for at least the first nine weeks of their lives. Therefore, it is a big adjustment when they leave the litter for their new homes. Although they probably won’t recognize them in the future, they do miss their playmates and don’t understand why they’re alone. The adjustment will be simpler if the breeder socialized them properly.
Right Age for Dog Litter Separation
The majority of litters are split up between 8 and 12 weeks of age. Most veterinarians concur that 8 weeks is the minimum age for separating a litter. Puppy at this age should be socialized with littermates, eating solid food, and fully mobile.
However, some breeders favor keeping their puppies for a full 12 weeks. This is a great way for some breeders to have complete control over the socialization phases of a puppy. Others use this as a means of ensuring that small and toy breeds are as emotionally and mentally developed as possible prior to moving into new homes. There is no clear cut answer as to when to separate a puppy litter. While 8 weeks is the minimum, 12 weeks ensures that puppies will grow emotionally and mentally, provided the breeder ensures that their puppies are properly socialized.
Do Puppies Feel Sad When They Are Separated from Their Litter?
It’s hard to say whether puppies cry when separated from their siblings. What we do know is that due to the drastic change, puppies go through an adjustment period. Puppies experience stress and anxiety during this time before settling down. Newly-separated puppies may cry and whine. This behavior during the adjustment period is normal. Your new puppy will quickly become acclimated to their new home with lots of love and care. They will soon lose all evidence that they might miss their siblings.
Some pet behaviorists suggest that separating a litter of puppies is better than keeping them together. Littermate syndrome is a non-scientific term referring to behavioral problems that occur when siblings are brought up together. According to this proposed syndrome, puppies who live together into adulthood become highly co-dependent, exhibiting extreme anxiety when separated. These puppies may fail to bond with their human family as strongly as other puppies if they do at all. At social maturity, puppies might even begin fighting with each other. With this, it is important to know that there is little scientific research about this syndrome. This label warrants deeper discussion and clarification.
FAQ
How long do dogs miss their siblings?
According to research, dogs can recognize their parents and siblings later in life as long as they spent the first 16 weeks of their lives together. It makes sense that the less time puppies spend with their families, the less likely it is that they will later be able to identify a family member.
Do puppies get sad when they leave their siblings?
Although it is difficult to say whether a puppy misses its siblings, we do know that separation initially causes stress and anxiety. Puppies will whine, cry, howl, and refuse to settle during this adjustment period as they come to terms with this significant change in their lives.
Do dogs miss their dog siblings?
Although we can’t directly ask them, we can observe them, and the majority of evidence appears to show that, yes, dogs do experience grief in some way. When they lose both human and canine companions throughout their lives, it’s likely that they experience all the emotions associated with grief.
Do dogs miss their mom and siblings?
Dogs remember their mothers and siblings, especially if they are still young. Sadly, there is not much you can do about it. But if you work on strengthening your bond with your dog, you’ll eventually become their new family. Therefore, even though the memory will endure, they won’t miss them as much.