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Dear Rebecca Ann,

"I'm thinking about getting a puppy and some breeders have them avalable at six weeks and other breeders have them available at eight weeks. Isn’t getting a puppy at a younger age better so you can start the training process right away? What are your thoughts? Any advice is appreciated."

Kraig
North Dakota



Hi Kraig,

Puppies should be not be younger than eight weeks old. A responsible breeder will not place puppies younger than that. Years ago, it used to be said that six weeks was fine. But so much growth and development happens between six and eight weeks. Puppies’ eyes and ears open at about three weeks and they begin to eat solid foods after that. A five or six week old puppy has hardly been weaned. The extra couple weeks with the mom and littermates can make a huge difference overall. Also, puppies should have at least one set of shots before going home. The vaccination schedule for puppies is usually 6, 9 and 12 weeks with the first rabies booster being at 16 weeks.

I am a strong believer that any dog at any age – even a senior – will have something special to offer. If you go to a rescue, look at an adult dog. Just because a dog is and adult does not mean they are past training. Adult dogs have much better bladder control and a longer attention span than a young puppy.

The younger you get a puppy, the more work it will be and the more patience you must have with it. Ideally, no pup should be placed before eight weeks. If a “breeder” tries to insist otherwise, get out. It is amazing how many people have litters of puppies and try to place them at a very young age because of all the work and expense involved. And keep in mind, in some places it is actaully illegal to sell animals under eight weeks.

Sharing in your love of animals,

Rebecca Ann

If you have any more questions about your dog,
please feel free to contact me!

Rebecca Ann
Domestic Animal Behavioral Specialist
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