Veterinarians and breeds typically recommend waiting until week 8 before homing a dog. Separating a dog early may result in the dog developing separation anxiety. Dogs homed earlier than 8 weeks often exhibit behavior problems including destructiveness, excessive barking, inability to be house trained, or aggression. [1] X Research source If you want to vaccinate, deworm, socialize, and train the puppy before finding it a new home, it’s OK to keep it with you for up to 12 weeks instead 8.
Some dogs that may need a delayed schedule include: chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers, and pugs. Breeders will sometimes delay homing of small dogs until 12 weeks. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
The puppy is not emotionally dependent on its mother. This means the puppy has been separated from its mother for a substantial amount of time – at night and during the day. For instance, the puppy has slept on its own (or with littermates) apart from the mother. The puppy has had substantial interaction with humans and animals outside of its mother and littermates. The puppy is physically independent. This means it can eat, walk, and play without constant supervision. [3] X Research source
The mother dog passed away. The puppy experienced some sort of trauma or medical problem such as an injury sustained by another dog or a sickness or illness. The dog has exhibited some sort of developmental issue or has been delayed in weaning, potty training, crate training, or other milestones. Always base the timeline of homing a puppy on the individual dog – if it needs more time, provide it. If you rush the homing process, the dog may develop behavioral problems. [4] X Research source
Weaning usually occurs between week 3 and 5. This process takes from days to several weeks. Start weaning by providing milk replacer for one meal a day. After you’ve experienced success, provide the puppy with soft food mixed with water or milk replacer. Gradually decrease the amount of water and milk replacer you mix in over the course of a week until the puppy is eating only dry food. A puppy must be weaned before being adopted out. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
Put the puppy on an outside schedule. Puppies between 4 and 6 weeks should be allowed to go outside every 1-2 hours. Puppies can usually hold their bladder for about 1 hour for every month old they are. Use puppy pee pads or training paper to demarcate areas where puppies may go to the bathroom. Crate training reinforces potty training, as dogs don’t want to mess in the area they sleep. If you find a puppy doing so, you need to take them outside more often. Don’t yell at a puppy because they messed inside or in their crate. It may take weeks to potty train them. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
Crate training is typically done between 5 and 7 weeks. At first puppies will spend time with their mother and littermates in a crate, and will later be introduced to a crate on their own. Dogs naturally come to view their crates as safe havens or as their “dens. ”[7] X Research source
Puppy shots include distemper, measles, parainfluenza, and bordetella. Many breeders and vets recommend the first set of puppy shots around 6 to 8 weeks after birth. Puppy shots should be administered several days before a puppy is homed. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
The socialization period for a puppy begins around 3 weeks and extends through at least the 12th week. Puppies should be allowed to fight, play, and engage in other activities with their littermates. Puppies will learn a variety of things, including dominance, submission, and communication skills. [9] X Research source
This usually happens between 6 and 8 weeks. Provide the puppy with a separate crate of its own. Mixing with its littermates is okay during this period, just make sure that the puppy is crated and sleeps by itself. After separation, puppies will need a lot more individualized care. [10] X Research source
Provide the puppy with at least some one-on-one time. Make sure to play and interact with the puppy for a couple hours every day. Allow it to follow you around. The socialization process will continue at the puppy’s new home.
