7 weeks or 8 weeks? - Page 1

When do you think is the best time to take a puppy to its new home? I've heard 7 weeks from some, 8 weeks from others. Thanks.

I've heard 8 weeks is optimal and definately before 9 weeks.

8 weeks after 2nd shot

Although the "norm" is 7 to 8 weeks (and I believe AKC requires 8 weeks??) I've heard that the longer the mother imprints on the pups the better, 12 weeks being optimal.

Yeah, Sparrow, now that you say that I'm sure some states have laws regarding the age too.

I have a different point of view.

First, the old brain research showed definitively that the pup's brains were maturing rapidly until 49 days, and at that point were a tabula rasa -- peaked for learning and a blank slate.  After that, they begin to learn rapidly -- good and bad.

Old time obedience trainers pretty much insisted on testing and taking home at exactly seven weeks.  There was a time when I was convinced that the single determinant of my own competitive success with my dogs (I'm on my 11th competitor) was whether or not I took the pup home at 7 weeks.

This is stressful for the pup, however, so it only works if the new owner is very skilled and has the right situation.  I was fortunate and teach and take the summer off to raise a pup.

IF the new owner is not very skilled, or not able to be home in the middle of the day, etc., and/or the breeder is more skilled and trustworthy and willing to do what it takes, well then the pup is better being with its mother, littermates and breeder longer.  The stress of moving is easier on a slightly older pup.

So when I know the breeder is good and is not trying to manage multiple litters at once and, further, is invested in the pup's future success, and is willing and able to take the pup around, do things with him, let him in the house, etc., then I am willing to wait longer.

But if the breeding is better than the breeder or the breeder's situation, GET THE PUP OUT OF THERE.  Especially if you have a very good situation (home for a few weeks, and know what you are doing).  The right breeder for the pregnancy and the first seven weeks is a good, generous, attentive person.  Like your grandma. The right breeder for the 7 - 12 week period is someone who knows how to train and has the time and inclination to train your pup!  Different skill sets.  Some breeders have neither, some one, some both.

By 12 weeks, a lot can go right and wrong, so you just can't take a pup after that who has been living in a kennel situation without lots of attention.

By 16 weeks, a pup is pretty much kennel shy and not going to be able to handle stress at any reasonable level.

Of course, 7 or 8 weeks is a toss up.  Some state laws require 8 weeks and that's fine.

You are right that a lot can go wrong between 8-12 weeks as that is the first fear imprint stage.  If this the pup is not exposed to only positive happy events during this there can be a lot to "fix" further down the line.