Life Stages

The 8-week separation age — when puppies typically leave their mother and littermates and go to new homes — is a legal minimum in many jurisdictions and a frequent breeder default. The empirical literature suggests that 8 weeks is exactly that — a minimum — not necessarily the optimal age. Pierantoni, Albertini & Pirrone (2011) and other studies have documented elevated rates of adult behaviour problems (resource-guarding, fearfulness, separation issues, aggression) in puppies separated before 8 weeks compared to those separated at 8+ weeks. For some puppies — toy breeds, dogs with nervous temperaments, dogs going to first-time-owner homes — 10-12 weeks of additional time with the mother and littermates produces better socialization outcomes. The article walks through the evidence and the practical implications.