Certainly not before you are ready, the right time is after you have finished your dog training education and of course, when the puppy is ready.
Leaving Home Can Be Traumatic for Puppies
If the pup leaves its original home too early, it will miss the opportunity for its pup-mother and pup-pup interactions. When this happens, the puppy may grow up under-socialized towards its kind. On the other hand, if it stays too long in its original home, it will become attached to its family, and it will be a harder transition when it leaves. A late shift also delays the critical socialization of the pup to its new family.
Eight Weeks Old is the Right Age
An eight-week-old pup is old enough to safely meet and play with other dogs in parks and puppy classes. It is still old enough to form strong bonds with the members of its new family.
However, it is vital to consider the level of dog expertise in the pup’s new home. The furry creature may be better leaving earlier or staying longer. First-time dog owners are advised to consider an older, well-trained, socially mature pup. A diligent breeder is often more qualified to housetrain, socialize, and chew toy train a pup. But when the breeder is not an expert, it is better to move the puppy to its new home.
Choose a Good Breeder
It is similarly important to consider the expertise of the breeder. A good breeder will:
- Rank a pup’s physical health and mental well-being above looks
- Keep well-trained and people-friendly adult dogs
- Initially, educate your prospective puppy to be well-trained and well-socialized
- Take time to see the way you get along with the older dogs before they let you meet the pups
- Supervise you with a pup when you don’t know how to handle an adult dog
- Raise dog’s indoors, around human companionship and influence
- Carefully choose a prospective puppy owner
When the parents of your prospective pup are friendly, it is proof of proper training and socialization from the breeder.