Puppies Under 8 Weeks Old

Bringing Home Puppies Younger Then 8 Weeks Old.

It is important when adopting or purchasing puppies that they should remain with their mother and littermates for at least 8 weeks to ensure proper emotional, behavioral, and physical development.

Puppies have a lot of important developing to do in the first 8 weeks of their life. They’re completely dependent on their mothers when they’re first born, and not just for food. They also receive important antibodies, warmth, socialization, and the confidence to navigate through life.

Removing puppies earlier then 8 weeks can cause severe separation anxiety, behavioral issues like aggression or poor bite inhibition, and health problems due to weakened immunity.

Note…Increased susceptibility to illness due to lack of antibodies from mother’s milk.

There have been various puppy studies revealed that certain behavioral problems–including aggression, fearfulness, guarding, and destructiveness–result when puppies are separated from their litter too soon. Though it may not be obvious to the casual observer, puppies learn many important early lessons from their mother and littermates.

Puppies separated from their littermates too early may also struggle to learn not to bite while playing since they won’t have been corrected by siblings and mother early on.

Puppies may exhibit high reactivity or fear.

If a puppy is separated too early, they will likely need extra socialization and training to overcome potential behavioral hurdles.

By 8 weeks, puppies are typically fully weaned, have begun socializing, and are learning to handle independence.

Majority of states in the United States mandate an 8-week minimum for separation or sale.

Exceptions (7 Weeks): Maine, Virginia, and Wisconsin allow separation at 7 weeks.

If you are about to bring a new puppy into your home, waiting until 8 weeks is highly recommended by veterinarians and breeders to ensure proper social, emotional, and physical development, as these two extra weeks make a significant difference in a puppy’s temperament.

If this is not the case, and you got a younger pup, make sure you educate yourself on issues a younger then 8-week-old puppy could possibly be showing. It is best to start positive training as you notice these issues.

Note…Puppies separated from mom to early can lead to in many pups having health, behavioral & socialization issues as some listed below ….

Underdeveloped Immune System

Poor physical development

Health Issues

Weaning Issues

Increased Aggression

Poor Social Skills

Training Difficulties

Inappropriate Biting

Anxiety and Fearfulness

Lack of Discipline

Here at Pet Vet Corner we encourage members to establish a client/pet relationship with your local veterinarian.