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Puppy trainers warn: Avoid this mistake in your puppy's first weeks
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Culture & Society

Puppy trainers warn: Avoid this mistake in your puppy's first weeks

From Veฤernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Experts warn against separating puppies from their mothers too early, as the critical socialization period between three and 13 weeks significantly shapes their temperament and behavior.
  • Early separation can lead to issues with bite inhibition, social hierarchy, and attachment problems, while staying with the mother until 12 weeks offers developmental benefits.
  • Waiting until 12 weeks also allows puppies to receive their first vaccinations, providing protection before entering a new environment.

Puppy trainers are urging owners to avoid a critical mistake during a puppy's first few weeks of life: separating them from their mothers too soon. According to experts at Animal Pad, the socialization period, which spans from three to 13 weeks, is crucial for a puppy's development and can have lasting impacts on their behavior and personality.

In this developmental stage, the potential of a dog as a pet is either encouraged and nurtured, or hindered, and even destroyed.

โ€” expertExplaining the importance of the socialization period for puppies.

During this formative stage, puppies learn vital social skills, including how to communicate with their mother, littermates, and humans. "The potential of a dog as a pet is either encouraged and nurtured, or hindered, and even destroyed," an expert explained. "Also, at this stage, at least 50 percent of a dog's final temperament is developed." Removing a puppy from its family before eight weeks increases the risk of behavioral issues and difficulties interacting with other dogs.

Also, at this stage, at least 50 percent of a dog's final temperament is developed.

โ€” expertHighlighting the impact of early experiences on a puppy's temperament.

Playing with siblings teaches puppies essential lessons like "bite inhibition," understanding social hierarchy, and reading canine cues. Without this guidance, puppies may exhibit overly aggressive biting, struggle with new situations, and develop attachment problems later in life. While some breeders consider eight weeks acceptable for separation, and many puppies are adopted at this age, a spokesperson for Pets4Homes highlighted the significant advantages of allowing puppies to stay with their mother until 12 weeks.

So, by separating a puppy from its family before eight weeks of age, you increase the risk of it having a bad disposition and being unable to socialize with other dogs.

โ€” expertWarning about the consequences of early separation.

This extended period allows for further development of socialization, learned behaviors, and personality, laying a stronger foundation for the dog's future. Additionally, waiting until 12 weeks ensures puppies receive their initial vaccinations, offering crucial protection against diseases before they move to a new home.

There is a great advantage in allowing puppies to stay with their mother until they are 12 weeks old.

โ€” spokespersonAdvocating for keeping puppies with their mothers longer.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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