When to Separate Puppies From Mom to Wean?

In the first few weeks of a puppy's life, there is rapid physical and social growth. When caring for a litter of puppies, it is important to be aware of the developmental stages that take place. At 7 weeks, puppies are weaned and ready to leave their mother. However, it is extremely harmful to separate them from their mother prior to this. If you do, the puppies will probably not ever reach their full social potential.

  1. Weaning

    • Weaning starts right around 4 weeks when the mother starts to get restless and spends less time nursing her puppies. Weaning happens naturally and there is no need to separate the puppies from their mother. As the mother stops nursing the litter, you should introduce puppy food. To make it more digestible, add a little water. Weaning takes place over a few days or a week. Let the mother set the pace, increasing the puppies' portion of solid food slowly.

    Primary Socialization

    • At the same time that weaning occurs, the puppies are in the midst of their primary socialization period. This means that they are learning appropriate canine behaviors from their mother and litter mates. They do this by playing, interacting and forming canine bonds. Lasting weeks 4 to 7, primary socialization is an extremely important time in a puppy's life. If a puppy is removed from its mother and litter mates before this developmental stage concludes, it will lack important social skills and have more difficulty bonding appropriately with humans.

    Secondary Socialization

    • At week 7, puppies enter secondary socialization. This is an ideal time for a puppy to leave its mother and be placed in its owner's care. During this period, puppies are extremely trainable and can easily be socialized with humans. Secondary socialization lasts from weeks 7 to 12.

    Transitioning to a New Home

    • After being taken to their new homes, the puppies will miss their mother and litter mates. Give each new owner a toy or blanket that has the mother's scent to help make the transition easier.