When To Bring Your Puppy Home - Canine Living

Choosing when to bring your pet home is very important, as separating your puppy from their mother and litter too soon can lead to symptoms of separation anxiety. It can also lead to behavioral problems later on and can affect how quickly and easily the puppy bonds with their new pet owners. It is advised that puppies are not separated from their parents and litter before the age of 2 months of age. It is thought that the first two months are a sensitive period for the puppy, where they are not quite ready for socialization. Staying with the mother and litter helps to support the puppy during this time. It is equally important not to bring the puppy home too late, as they may begin to form strong bonds with their mother and the rest of the litter, making it more difficult for them to develop bonds with their new owners. 8 weeks is considered to be the optimum time, although the pet owner's expertise and experience can also determine this time. Less experienced pet owners may choose to leave the puppy with the breeder to help with house and toilet training, while more experienced pet owners may feel more comfortable handling their puppy's transition personally.

Symptoms of separation anxiety may include crying and barking, particularly when you leave them alone. Your puppy may show signs of anxiety even before you leave, such as attention-seeking behaviors, or they may follow pet owners around and refuse to leave their side, may show signs of whining, excessive barking, or panting. They may tremble or shake, have reduced appetite or pace the room. After leaving your dog at home, they may display destructive behaviors such as chewing furniture, clothes or shoes, and other items around the house and soiling. Other behavioral problems may include tail-chasing, play-biting, possessiveness of areas of the house, toys or food, shyness or aggression towards strangers, and hyper sensitivity to noises.

Creating an environment which is safe and full of positive experiences for your pet can help them to acclimatize to their new home. It may be wise to minimize noise and the amount of visitors during your puppies first few days in their new home to help them settle and reduce any anxiety. They may need more attention than usual and treats, new toys and playing games can help with the bonding process. Setting routines early such as feeding, toilet and crate training can also help with the bonding process. A particularly important routine is to teach your dog to be alone. They may become very anxious when pet owners leave, worried they will not return, particularly after their recent separation from their mother. You can help teach your dog to be alone by gradually increasing the amount of time you spend out of the room, ensuring you return each time. You can also help them to associate you leaving with a positive experience, such as giving them a treat just before you leave or a new toy to play with.

Although it may take some time, with patience and attention you can greatly help to minimize your puppy's anxiety associated with entering a family, help them to settle in, develop bonds with the family and begin to feel at home.