5 weeks...too young to leave mom?

[xibo]

Hi all, I'm new here and have a question about what age is too young for a puppy to leave its mother. I just found out that a friend of mine got a puppy and it is only 5 weeks old! I have a 5 month old puppy and did a lot of research before getting him and everything I've read cautions against taking a puppy away from its littermates before 8 weeks of age. I know my friend has no idea about this and I want to make sure I have my information correct before bringing up my concerns with her. Is 5 weeks way too young? What can be done to avoid problems in the future with this puppy, if it is too young?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I have attached a picture of my little cutie, Darwin. He's around 4 months in this picture.

[crazy_puppy]

Darwin is a very nice GSD. Is he purebred?(reg'd)?
I can remember when Axa was that age....enjoy these times, they wont last for much longer!! Pretty soon you'll have a 65lb's teen boy on your hands!!!! Welcome to the forum btw

[Boxermomma]

I would have to agree with you. Five weeks is much too young. Up until eight weeks the pups are still learning many important socialization skills as well as bite inhibition. That, and more, is the reason that is against the law in some states to sell before eight weeks of age. Some breeders wait until ten weeks. Maybe you can print out some information on socialization and bite inhibition and anything else she will have to teach the pup herself instead of the pup's mom and littermates.

BTW: Your pup is beautiful! Good luck with him!

[Shalva]

5 weeks is way to young ..... way tooo young....
it just makes me so sad.....
so what does she need to do....

socialize socialize socialize..... read and learn about how to teach bite inhibition.... and understand dog.... realize that it is likely that unless this puppy gets into daycare it is highly likely that he will not be good with other dogs..... and could develop some significant behavioral issues.

get that puppy into obedience training as soon as it hits 8-10 weeks.....
get the puppy into daycare where he can learn some dogspeak....

realize that hte puppy is going to need lots of care and help to learn bite inhibition.... and hope for the best.



oh and your darwin is adorable.... gotta love those ears....
S

[shandoggy1]

5 weeks is way to young cuz they don't get to learn all the things they need to from there mom and litter mates. I would deter her from taking a pup that young and tell her to tell the people she is getting it from to keep them until 8 week's when they are fully weaned to leave mom.

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Can't really think of a thing to add, I agree with what has already been said.

[crazy_puppy]

Oh and 5 weeks is way too young. There was a topic about this....I'll see if I can find it for you.

[crazy_puppy]

geez I guess I posted the same time as everyone else!
I found the other thread, maybe it will help.
http://www.globalpaw.com/thread11903.html

[xibo]

Thanks so much for all the info. I'll be sure to pass it on to my friend so she can make sure her puppy learns all he needs to.

As a side note, crazy puppy, you must know lots about GSDs. What is a "normal" weight for a male at 5 months? Darwin will be 5 months this Sunday and he weighs about 45 lbs. Is that normal?

Anyway, thanks again !

[Roie]

i agree 5 weeks is much to young. i never get my puppies until they are 10 weeks.. so tell her to keep a close watch on that puppy.. and the breeder that she got him from must be wacked...

[calgal]

Sometimes breeders of small breed dogs wont let them go till around 12 weeks. I got my first Yorkie when she was 14 weeks, and the second when she was 6 1/2 months. It depends on how small and how well they are doing. No matter the size, I'm sure a reputable breeder would not let a pup leave until it's at least 8 weeks old, maybe longer.

[xibo]

The person she got the puppy from isn't a breeder. Just a person who didn't get her dog spayed and it got pregnant. Apparently it's a belgian shepherd and the father is either a duck toller or a lab mix. Hopefully this person will smarten up and get her dogs fixed after this. It all seems very irresponsible to me.

[PawNclaws]

I agree with whats been said so I really have nothing to add except your Darwin is a real cutie . Anywho yes, and its clear she/he knows nothing on this subject. If they did they wouldnt of let the puppies go that early- its just toooooo young. Your friend has a long road ahead but once its traveled they'll have a nice little companion(or shale I say large). I get angry at people who let their pups go earlier then 8 weeks, 6 and 7 is considered to early IMO because within that one or 2 weeks the puppy would learn things not tought by the people but by the litter and dam- that are vital in the behaviour and socialization of the pup.
Anyway Welcome to GP .......