≡ Menu

Can Puppies Leave Mother at 7 Weeks?

It’s not recommended for puppies to leave their mother at seven weeks due to temperament, weaning, and even legal risks. The early separation might also make the training phase harder.

While some people see it as a chance to break up competitive litters, the risks usually outweigh the benefits.

German Shepard with her puppies

The Pros and Cons of Rehoming Puppies at 7 Weeks

Younger pups are absolutely adorable!

So, it’s understandable that many families want to get their new pet home as soon as possible. Yet, it’s not always in the dogs’ best interest to separate them at seven weeks.

As a general rule, seven weeks is a little early for rehoming a puppy. However, before taking the pup away from his siblings and mother, there are a few ups and downs to consider.

Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons to expect here:

The Risks of Early Separation

There are four main reasons why seven weeks isn’t an ideal age for canine separation. Here are the details:

1.    Short Socializing Leads to Temperament Issues

The first weeks of a pup’s life matter the most in acquiring normal dog behaviors through the primary socializing phase.

In most cases, this phase begins as early as three weeks. That’s when the puppy starts being aware of what’s going on around him.

The end mark, however, isn’t always the same with every dog. According to VCA, the primary socializing peaks at around six to eight weeks, as a rough estimate.

So, when you break this period before it’s due, you’ll risk leaving the pup with inapt social behaviors like:

Helpful Dog Training Resource:

For help with training your dog, you should take a look at The Online Dog Trainer by Doggy Dan. Doggy Dan is an expert Dog Trainer based in New Zealand. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog.

2.    Sufficient Parenting Time Teaches Physical Skills

Temperament aside, your pup also needs to learn essential life skills during the first few weeks. As it happens, most of these require the presence of a mother.

For instance, the mom passes on vital lessons on:

  • Digging
  • Finding safe sleeping spots
  • Eating without making a huge mess
  • Healthy vocalization
  • Motor skills and proper urinating pose

It’s not impossible to compensate for these skills with sufficient training later on, especially if you consult a professional.

However, it’s just better to let the puppy learn them naturally with his siblings. Plus, you probably don’t want to throw more hassle along your training schedule!

3.    Successful Weaning Takes Time

cocker spaniel puppies nursing

Most breeders aim to start weaning the pups at around three weeks old. That’s usually the same timeframe that mothers pick naturally for their litter.

However, that doesn’t always mean they’ll be entirely off their mother’s milk by week seven. Sometimes, the weaning period stretches well into the eighth week.

Either way, you should let this phase run its course without interruption or interference. That’s because cutting the breastfeeding suddenly might lead to gastric discomfort and diarrhea.

So, before you separate a puppy from his mom, make sure he’s fully ready to eat on his own.

It’s also good to get the comfort-suckling out of the pup’s system before rehoming him. This way, you can avoid putting him under unnecessary emotional stress.

Needless to mention, early weaning for the full litter can also harm the mom’s mammary glands. The most common complication to expect here is a painful case of non-septic mastitis!

4.    It Might Not Be Legal

Depending on where you live, it might even be illegal to separate a young puppy from his mother.

For instance, you can’t legally sell a puppy at seven weeks old in states like Connecticut. That might sound like a rigid restriction, but it’s only here to serve the pet’s best interest.

To be on the safe side, always double-check if your local law has restrictions on buying (or selling) a pup. It’s also good to get an age confirmation from a vet.

The Benefits of Early Separation

Although they’re few and far between, there are still benefits that might come with separating a pup at seven weeks.

Here’s the gist of it:

1.    Break the Competitive Atmosphere

Sometimes, one pup from the litter grows a little submissive when compared to his siblings. After all, dog litter can be quite a competitive environment.

In cases like this, breaking them up can help build up a sense of independence for the weaker pooch.

However, it’s not really necessary to separate the pup before seven weeks to reap this benefit — eight weeks will do just fine with fewer risks.

2.    Catch Up With Secondary Socializing

Pups that get the primary socializing down in just seven weeks might be ready to jump into the secondary phase.

The primary socializing was all about getting the dog to understand normal behaviors. Meanwhile, this phase is about interacting with the world at large.

During secondary socializing, the puppy gets to work on his fears by exposure to external stimuli. This stimulus range can include children, humans, cars, etc.

So, it might be a good idea to make use of this phase during the adaptation period after rehoming.

Helpful Dog Health Resource:

Note: Our Health is #1 Priority. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. Help your friend make it to 14 yrs+ without pain and suffering.

When Is the Best Time to Separate a Puppy From the Litter?

Seven weeks is usually early for a total separation from the litter. Instead, you should wait till the pup is at least eight weeks before you take him away from his mom.

However, the exact time might vary slightly in each individual case.

The American Kennel Club sets the general window for rehoming a puppy between eight and 10 weeks.

That said, some dogs might be better off staying back with their mothers for a couple of extra weeks.

Skilled breeders can spot the warning signs, from anxiety to diet issues. This way, they could tell that a puppy isn’t ready to say goodbye to his mom and siblings just yet.

When in doubt, take the pup to a vet check-up or a canine trainer’s consultation to evaluate his dependency. That’s because some dogs will be a little more clingy than others.

Either way, it’s essential to start the secondary socializing right on time with the transition to the new home. This way, the pup will grow familiar with his new environment.