The Standards and Guidelines for the Health and Welfare of Dogs states that a puppy must not be permanently separated from the dam (mother) and littermates for the purpose of transfer unless the puppy is at least eight weeks of age and is fully weaned.
The ideal time
Eight weeks after birth, the puppy is eating solid food on their own, they have benefited from socializing with litter-mates and observing mom, and they are well within the ideal timeframe to bond with new owners. Breeders may also opt to keep the puppies until 10 or 12 weeks of age.
The mother dog may step in if things get out of hand. For this reason, pups should not be separated from their littermates and mother until they are between seven and seven and a half and eight weeks old since this is an essential aspect of their training.
However, this is the bare minimum. The ideal minimum time that the puppy should be able to separate from its mother is 8 weeks. Still, many ethologists also claim that the puppy should be with its mother until 12 weeks of age.
Suffice it to say, as a general rule of thumb, 16 weeks is a good estimation.) Whatever puppies see at this age, they will consider a normal part of life as adults.
11 to 12 Weeks is Fine for Some Breeds
A few more weeks with their mother and littermates, as well as the people they know in their family, is often best for them. Larger puppies, however, shouldn't wait this long to go to their new homes. Nine to ten weeks of age is fine but any older could be problematic.
However, many experts agree that the best time to socialize a dog is before they reach six months old. This is because puppies are more open to new experiences and learning during this stage of their lives. After six months, dogs can still be socialized, but it may take more effort and patience on your part.
Experts say that even the first night at home, your new puppy needs to sleep by himself on his own bed, not snuggled up to you like a favourite stuffed doll. Allowing your new pet to sleep in your bed will quickly become a learned habit, and one that's difficult to break when your dog decides it's your bed or no bed.
Increases Potential for Developing Separation Anxiety
A huge part of teaching your puppy to sleep on their own is to encourage their confidence and sense of independence. Sleeping with your puppy can inadvertently perpetuate their anxiety at being left alone and not allow your puppy the ability to build resilience.
Where Should Your Puppy Sleep? While you may eventually want to let your dog sleep in bed with you (or your kids), it really is best if your pup starts out sleeping in a crate — you can always let them in the bed later, once they're fully potty-trained, sleeping soundly, and happily acclimated to their crate.
The Code of Practice for the Private Keeping of Dogs and Code of Practice for Breeding and Rearing Establishments state that puppies must not be separated from the mother before seven weeks of age and not sold or given away before eight weeks of age.
Puppies separated from their dams and littermates too early often tend to bite more readily and harder than those that are separated at eight weeks of age (Lindsay, 2000; Fox and Stelzner, 1967), and they may also develop other behavioral problems as adults, such as high reactivity, anxiety, attachment-related problems ...
How Many Times Do Puppies Poop? Healthy puppies should poop between one and five times a day, usually right after a meal or within 30 minutes after eating.
The instant you feel your puppy's teeth touch you, give a high-pitched yelp. Then immediately walk away from him. Ignore him for 30 to 60 seconds. If your puppy follows you or continues to bite and nip at you, leave the room for 30 to 60 seconds.
If possible, take your puppy out right before bedtime for a final potty break. During the night, if you hear your puppy stirring or whining, it's probably time for a potty break. Most puppies can hold their bladder for 4-6 hours overnight.
Ignoring them at night won't help them build confidence and may make them worse which isn't what anyone wants. They need to be taught how to be independent slowly. We would never recommend ignoring your puppy when they cry at night, especially in their first few nights.
Where Should a Puppy Sleep at Night? Your puppy needs to have their own sleeping space. A properly sized crate is useful for sleep training, and your pet will soon learn that this is where to go for a quiet and safe place to rest. Bonus: Teaching your dog to sleep in the crate also helps with potty training.
How Long Until A Puppy Can Sleep Through the Night? You can expect your puppy to consistently sleep through the night from around 8 weeks but there is no hard and fast rule.
A lot of puppies can sleep through the whole night after two weeks of training. But there are some puppies that it will take a little bit longer. As a general rule, you can expect your pup to sleep through the night after 2-8 weeks of training.
Show your puppy where to sleep.
If he seems drowsy, encourage him to nap in his safe place: a crate, a dog bed, or a quiet place in the house where he can nap undisturbed. It may take time for him to get the idea, but eventually he'll recognize that spot as the place for sleep.
The first night at home puppy is likely to cry, whine or even bark during the night. This is because for his first two months of life, his nights were spent snuggling into his mum and siblings and feeling warm, comfortable and safe in their presence.
From 3-6 months, they should not be left longer than their age in months (for example, 3-month-old puppies cannot be alone for longer than 3 hours). If possible, dogs older than 6 months should not be left alone for longer than 4 hours at a time.
At 4 months old, a puppy can be left home alone for a maximum of 4 hours. To be safe, you might want to keep it at 3 hours alone. Make sure to give them lots of cuddles when you return.
According to The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, a good good starting point is to aim for 5 minutes of exercise, twice a day, for each month of age. For example, 3-month-old puppies should have 15 minutes of exercise twice a day, then 20 minutes twice a day at 4 months, etc).