Homing Puppies

[jcojocaru]

So I hear from most people that the best time to send pups off to new homes is around 8 weeks, but recently I read something that said the best time is 10-12 weeks because apparently from 8-10 weeks they go through some stage where if frightened, it will have a lasting impact on their lives. And usually when separated from what they're used to , they have separation anxiety, and combining that with this so called "fear stage" can't be too great.

So what do you guys think? Separation anxiety will happen for a little while either way but my concerns are based on this "fear stage"...

[angelas]

I know most of the Rottie breeders that I've been talking to keep pups for a minimum of 9 weeks, a few others as long as 12.

[onyx'girl]

Depends on what you are doing with the pups during that time. Hopefully they are being crate trained with some alone time, car rides, housebreaking, nail trims, and some outside their comfort zone socializing.
http://wildhauskennels.com/purchaseinfo2.htm

If the pups are just left with the other pups for 'life lessons' that can be done by week 7.

I'd rather have the pups individual by that time with one on one/bonding with the new families. Unless you are working with them to succeed and transition smoothly into their new homes 8 weeks is fine to go. But those new homes must know what to do as well! Developmental Stages

[BlackGSD]

There are a zillion dogs out there that went to their new homes at 8 weeks and they are just fine mentally.

[4TheDawgies]

I've found puppies to be in more of a fear stage around 10-12 weeks than they are around 8 weeks.
Studies have shown than from 6-12 weeks is the most important time for puppies developing brains to seek out a bond.
I would much rather get my puppy at 8 weeks than 12 weeks. I want my puppy to bond to ME!

On the other end if I want a working dog, I want that dog separate from its litter mates a majority of the time by 6 weeks old.

[sashadog]

Honestly, if it is possible that they will be going through a "fear stage" at 8-10 weeks I would rather have my puppy with me so that I can monitor it's environment and foster a good bond and solid trust. I would imagine that that is much tougher for the breeder to do when they have many puppies to manage and by the time they're 8 weeks it would be a full time job to properly socialize and work with each pup separately. Not to mention, I would rather my puppy learn to get through fear periods and change by relying on me, not their mom and litter mates. Maybe I'm thinking too much like a human here but it makes sense to me. And what BlackGSD is true as well

[elisabeth_00117]

Zefra stayed at the breeders home until almost 3 months old.... BUT.... she was also socialized, taken places, crate trained, spent one-on-one time training and playing with the breeder and her family during this time. They put in a lot of work in those extra few weeks.

They also had 2 of her sisters that they did the same with - all separately as well. A TONE of work for them, but great deal for us new owners.

Personally I like getting a new puppy at 8 weeks but have to say that waiting those few weeks and having a potty/crate trained dog with some basic foundation training started was NICE!

[jcojocaru]

Originally Posted by 4TheDawgies

I've found puppies to be in more of a fear stage around 10-12 weeks than they are around 8 weeks.
Studies have shown than from 6-12 weeks is the most important time for puppies developing brains to seek out a bond.
I would much rather get my puppy at 8 weeks than 12 weeks. I want my puppy to bond to ME!

On the other end if I want a working dog, I want that dog separate from its litter mates a majority of the time by 6 weeks old.

okay sounds good enough for me lol. And yeah you're right, i'd also rather have a pup from 8 weeks lol, the smaller you get it the better

Thanks everyone for your input.

[jcojocaru]

Originally Posted by sashadog

Honestly, if it is possible that they will be going through a "fear stage" at 8-10 weeks I would rather have my puppy with me so that I can monitor it's environment and foster a good bond and solid trust. I would imagine that that is much tougher for the breeder to do when they have many puppies to manage and by the time they're 8 weeks it would be a full time job to properly socialize and work with each pup separately. Not to mention, I would rather my puppy learn to get through fear periods and change by relying on me, not their mom and litter mates. Maybe I'm thinking too much like a human here but it makes sense to me. And what BlackGSD is true as well

It makes sense to me also and I agree as well! Either way, they'll learn to be comfortable with their new owners and bond strongly so it even matter lol