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Adopting a puppy at 8 weeks was once the norm. However, many breeders now wait longer before rehoming their puppies. Here, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of adopting puppies at an early age.

1. Adopt a puppy at 8, 10, or 12 weeks?
   1. Has the puppy been weaned from the mother?
   2. Are the puppies food-independent?
   3. Is the puppy ready for a new home?
2. What are the advantages of adopting an 8-week-old puppy?
3. What are the disadvantages of adopting an 8-week-old puppy?
4. When is an 8-week-old puppy the best choice?
5. When is an older puppy the better choice?

Adopt a puppy at 8, 10, or 12 weeks?

Reputable breeders, mass breeders, sellers, or brokers will not offer puppies for sale before the age of 8 weeks. This is not necessarily because all puppies are ready to be separated from their mother and siblings at 8 weeks, but rather due to animal protection laws. These laws state that puppies can only be separated from their family at the earliest at 8 weeks. However, this does not necessarily reflect the individual state of each puppy.

There is no simple answer to the question of when is the right age for a puppy to be separated from its mother. It depends on several important factors.

Has the puppy been weaned from the mother?

Unfortunately, even among seemingly reputable breeders, it is common practice to wean puppies from their mother’s milk as quickly as possible. The mother dog is often separated from the puppies for long periods, both during the day and at night, so the puppies are encouraged to eat solid food. However, if the mother and puppies are allowed to interact freely, most puppies are not completely weaned by the 8th week.

Additionally, forcibly separating the mother from her puppies is concerning in other ways. The puppies learn from the mother, calm themselves by suckling, and are primarily taught dog communication by her. Even with a large litter, where the puppies may not get much milk, the act of suckling still provides benefits.

Are the puppies food-independent?

Food-independent puppies are accustomed to solid food like dry kibble, canned food, cooked food, or fresh food. They eat on their own, in sufficient amounts, and can digest it without any digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. However, what’s often overlooked is whether the puppies have naturally been weaned from their mother. Even though the nutritional role of mother’s milk may no longer be significant, suckling can have a big impact on the puppy’s health and well-being.

Is the puppy ready for a new home?

Some puppies are already independent, curious, and can adapt well to new environments even without their mother and siblings. They quickly bond with new people, are brave, and explore without fear. Others may still seek their mother for comfort, even at 12 weeks, when faced with something unfamiliar. There can be significant differences between puppies in the same litter. For this reason, be cautious if a breeder or seller wants to rehome all puppies at exactly 8 weeks.

What are the advantages of adopting an 8-week-old puppy?

Many people choose to adopt an 8-week-old puppy because they are still especially cute – small, soft, and cuddly – and open to imprinting and conditioning. Unfortunately, this is not entirely true. Even an 8-week-old puppy has experienced a lot. Furthermore, breed traits and individual characteristics cannot be significantly influenced by early adoption.

However, the high demands of the young dog are important to consider. Puppies spend their first months in close contact with their mother and siblings. Once they can see, hear, and walk, they begin to play and explore the world together. They roughhouse, run, cuddle, groom, comfort each other, test boundaries, and feel protected. In the new home, this is often not the case. The puppy must adjust to life without its siblings, losing playmates and being expected to be calm and alone.

This can be a huge adjustment and even traumatic. Puppies at 8 weeks are similar to human babies – they can’t control their bladders and need frequent potty breaks. Being left alone at night leads to crying, and they can be easily overwhelmed by new stimuli. Therefore, adopting an 8-week-old puppy is only ideal if there’s enough time for frequent physical contact, walks, and play sessions.

What are the disadvantages of adopting an 8-week-old puppy?

At 8 weeks, puppies still cannot hold their bladder for long, so expect frequent potty breaks. The stress of the move can delay housebreaking progress. Puppies at this age sleep a lot – sometimes short, sometimes long, deep or light, but usually best when in physical contact. They also have limited experiences, so socialization and training will require more effort, time, and attention to avoid overwhelming the puppy.

When is an 8-week-old puppy the best choice?

An 8-week-old puppy is ideal if you have plenty of time, patience, and ideally, already trained adult dogs at home. However, ensure the puppy is naturally weaned and food-independent. Early adoption is also appropriate if the breeder or seller cannot provide proper socialization.

When is an older puppy the better choice?

An older puppy or young dog may be a better choice if you expect quicker progress in the beginning and don’t want to start from scratch. While a 12 or 16-week-old puppy may still need house training and may not automatically be able to stay home alone, a well-socialized and trained dog at this age is often easier to care for than an 8-week-old puppy. The key is the groundwork done by the breeder.

Walking on a leash, riding in a car, meeting strangers and other dogs, and adjusting to new care situations – an older puppy should be familiar with these everyday experiences. This isn’t about knowing a list of commands, but being accustomed to daily life. Be sure to ask breeders the right questions when considering a young or an older puppy.