Sure, you’re anxious to bring your new little puppy home with you, but there are a few very important reasons why the process of bidding farewell to his mother and siblings shouldn’t be hurried. Even though puppies are typically weaned at six to seven weeks, they are still learning very important skills, particularly social skills, from their mother and littermates.
Puppies which are separated too soon from mom and the family often fail to develop these all-important and appropriate "social skills," such as what inhibited biting (acceptable mouthing pressure) means, when play-wrestling is considered too rough, and so on. Play is an important social activity for puppies because it increases their physical dexterity, as well as provides an opportunity for learning acceptable behaviors. By playing and interacting with their mother and littermates, puppies also learn the ranking process, as in “who’s the boss”.
Consider the following stages of puppy development from three to twelve weeks, which is referred to as the “socialization period”:
By three to five weeks, the puppy is becoming increasingly cognizant of his surroundings, companions (both dog and human), and relationships.
By four to six weeks, the puppy is most influenced by his littermates – discovering that he has a voice (barking) and learning by example how to be a dog.
From four to twelve weeks, the puppy remains largely influenced by his littermates but is now also influenced by people. The puppy learns to play, develops social skills, learns the inhibited bite, and improves physical coordination.
By five to seven weeks, the puppy develops curiosity and wants to explore his world. This is a most desirable time for the puppy to experience positive “human” interaction.
By seven to nine weeks, the puppy is refining his physical skills and coordination, and is also apt to be quite receptive to the housetraining process.
By eight to ten weeks, the puppy is very aware of his environment and can exhibit a genuine fear of certain objects and situations; he needs positive training (and even a little reassurance) during this period of growth and development.
By nine to twelve weeks, the puppy is fine-tuning his reactions, developing social skills and appropriate interactions with his siblings, and exploring his surroundings with more confidence and independence. At this stage, the puppy begins to focus on people; this is an excellent time for him to transition to his new home.
So, when can your puppy leave his litter and become a happy, healthy member of your family? Now you know.
