When Should a Puppy Be Separated From Its Mom?

A dog is still a puppy in the way it experiences and responds to the world until it is almost 2 years old. Puppies must learn how to be a dog from their mothers and littermates. Advice about when to separate a puppy from its mother ranges from the 49th day to 12 weeks. However, veterinarians, breeders and animal advocates agree that a puppy should not be separated from its mother until it has been weaned.

  1. Developmental Stages

    • Puppies are dependent on their mothers through the first two weeks of life, which is the neonatal period. Puppies are born with senses of touch and taste. During the transitional phase, from 2 to 4 weeks, they begin to develop senses of hearing and smell and their eyes open fully. They are still dependent upon their mothers and littermates, but they begin to stand and explore a little. The socialization period overlaps, beginning at about three weeks and lasting until puppies are about 12 weeks old. During this period, puppies become aware of their surroundings; they start to relate to people and learn how to play. From 3 to 6 months, puppies go through a ranking period, during which they begin to understand dominance and submission. From 6 to 18 months -- the adolescence period -- puppies shift their focus to people. Sometime between 18 and 24 months old, the puppy becomes a mature dog.

    49th Day Rule

    • Many breeders have applied the 49th day rule to the decision of when to separate puppies from their mothers since Richard Wolters advocated the 49th day in his 1961 book, "Gun Dog." This recommendation was based on several studies that indicated guide dogs were sufficiently socialized and developed enough to be trainable. The weaning process should be complete by 49 days. Many breeders, veterinarians and animal advocates apply the 49th day rule in recommending that puppies be left with their mothers until they are at least 7 weeks old. However, the growing trend is to leave puppies with their mothers until they are 8 to 9 weeks old.

    12 Weeks

    • According to the Humane Society of the United States, puppies should stay with their mothers until they are 12 week sold. Puppies learn valuable life lessons during the socialization process; separating them from their mothers interrupts their social development. For example, puppies learn to inhibit the bite urge by biting other puppies. Through play, they learn how to interact with other dogs, humans and their surroundings. Around 8 to 10 weeks, puppies develop a fear of normal objects and experiences; they need positive reinforcement during their adolescence. Puppies separated from their mothers too early may develop inappropriate behaviors.

    Laws

    • In an effort to regulate dog breeders, at least 17 states have passed laws prohibiting the sale or adoption of puppies younger than the age of 8 weeks. Some states specify that a puppy cannot be separated from its mother until it is 8 weeks old or fully weaned. These laws are designed to crack down on puppy mills and generally do not apply to situations where no money changes hands. Animal welfare organizations and researchers often are exempt from these regulations, and the penalties generally are not harsh. However, some states have criminalized the offense. In California it is a misdemeanor to sell a dog younger than 8 weeks and carries a $250 fine.