Just thought I would ask the experts first...

When do you recommend a puppy leave a litter to go to its new home. I have ready many different ages.

Thanks very much
Cheryl

8wks or later
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=452

7.5 to 8 weeks

Agree with Rocky911. Eight weeks or later. The puppy has a lot to learn from mom and siblings during those eight weeks and if taken sooner, I think some of that education gets lost and could (could, NOT ALWAYS) make life and training a little more difficult for you. Especially in the puppy biting area... good luck!

No sooner than 8 weeks.

In my case it is later because I do my first pup shots at 8 weeks and have the entire litter cerfed at 8 weeks. I like to keep pups with me to be sure there will be no reaction from vaccinations before sending them to their forever homes.

We got our first 3 at 7 weeks and they did fine. I let my pups go at 7.5-8.5 weeks, and as they got older, I can really see the benefit of keeping the pups for a while longer as they learn alot more from the mom and the "pack" the older they get.

I would agree with at least 8 wks. They really learn a lot of behavioral lessons that week between 7 and 8 wks, which I think are quite valuable in life. Some breeders now are waiting even longer than that.

I have one that was 7 wks when I got her (she was the puppy from hell, though...no bite inhibition, difficult to potty train, etc. etc. etc.), and one that was 8 wks old when I got him. Based on that limited personal experience, the 8 wk old was lightyears ahead of the 7 wk old in many aspects. The one who was 7 wks old became a fantastic adult, though. As did the 8 wk old...

Remember, too, that in many states and in many areas it is actually illegal to let them go when they're less than 8 wks old. That was a law that was passed in Los Angeles County last year. Granted, now I'm seeing some *very* young puppies and kittens (4 wks or so) being called "8 wks" by the animal shelters around here just to get them adopted out of the shelter situation...

8 weeks, at least.

Old timers tend to follow the Day 49 theory. Many state laws now prevent placement prior to 8 weeks, and personally, I think 8 weeks is perfect. No sooner than 8 weeks is the best time to send a puppy home.

We got Jack at 10 weeks and I'm really glad we did. Before getting him I read a lot about pups learning lessons about things like bit inhibition even after the eight week mark. We didn't really have an issue with puppy biting with him. He did the play bite thing maybe 2 or 3 times, we made yelpy sounds when he did, and he stopped. He also had a very easy time socializing with other dogs from day one.

The earliest at 8 weeks. I am keeping mine from 9-11 (aside from one who is going at 8) I agree with eeryone else. They learn so much in pack leadership that they cant in their new homes. Is a happier senerio in the long run. (for all)