The importance of puppies staying in their litter until at least 8 weeks of age

Puppies prematurely separated from their litters can develop behavioural problems in adulthood.  It is important that puppies stay with their litters until at least 8 weeks of age -- they gain so much from the socialization that being with their dam and littermates provides.  It is also extremely beneficial that the breeder (whoever that may be) provide as much other socialization as possible -- exposing the puppies to the sights, sounds and experiences of the human world makes the puppies more resilient and behaviourally healthy.  Remember that the socialization window closes somewhere around 12 to 16 weeks, so there is a lot to do in a short amount of time.

Some of the behavioural problems that this study found in pups prematurely separated from their litters include:

• destructiveness,
• excessive barking, 
• possessiveness around food and/or toys, 
• attention seeking, 
• aggressiveness, 
• play biting, 
• fearfulness on walks, and 
• reactivity to noises. 

Of course, some of these issues will have had multiple causes, but it is significant that the study found that they were more far more frequently noted in pups that were separated from their litter prior to 8 weeks of age.

So staying with the dam and rest of the litter is important, as is proper socialization while they are together.  Then once you get your puppy, you've got to continue socializing!

Socialization - The Magic Pill for Puppies

Dr. Lisa Radosta has a great blog post about socialization for puppies here.

Socialization - can my dog meet yours?

Socialization is about so much more than your dog getting to meet other dogs.  That's part of it, but the bigger picture is that socialization is about getting your pup comfortable with all the sights, sounds, and experiences of the human world in which we expect that pup to live.

I could write a novel about socialization (just ask the folks in my puppy classes!), and I will -- just not today.  I did want to pass along a great article about socialization, though.  Jennifer Shryock talks about some of the specifics to consider when you are introducing your dog (especially your puppy) to other dogs.  Your pup does not need to meet every single other dog they ever encounter -- this can be a recipe for disaster, in fact.  Thoughtful introductions to other dogs and pups that you know (medically and behaviourally) make for good socialization.

It is critically important that all socialization experiences (whether your dog is meeting another dog, or a new person, or walking across a grate on the sidewalk, or hearing thunder for the first time, etc.) be positive.  Think carefully about how you introduce your dog or pup to new experiences, and your dog will benefit enormously.