The ideal age for a puppy to leave his or her mother and littermates is at least 8 weeks old. It is not recommended to pick up a puppy at 7 weeks for several reasons.
Firstly, puppies go through an important socialization period between 6-8 weeks of age. During this time, they learn valuable skills and behaviors from their mother and siblings. They also develop important social skills, such as bite inhibition, through play with their littermates. Removing a puppy from this environment too early can deprive them of these crucial learning experiences.
Additionally, puppies need time to develop physically and emotionally before they are ready to leave their mother. At 7 weeks, they are still in the early stages of development and may not have acquired all the necessary skills and behaviors to thrive in a new environment. They may not have fully weaned from their mother’s milk and may still rely on her for comfort and guidance.
Another reason to wait until 8 weeks is to ensure that the puppy is in good health. At this age, they should have received their first vaccinations and have been dewormed, which helps protect them from common diseases. Waiting until 8 weeks allows the puppy to receive proper veterinary care and ensures they are healthy enough to transition to a new home.
Personal experiences and situations can also shed light on the importance of waiting until 8 weeks. For instance, I once adopted a puppy at 7 weeks old because the breeder assured me it was fine. However, the puppy struggled with separation anxiety and had difficulty adjusting to his new environment. It took a lot of time and effort to help him overcome these challenges.
It is not safe or recommended to pick up a puppy at 7 weeks old. Waiting until they are at least 8 weeks old allows them to benefit from crucial socialization experiences, develop physically and emotionally, receive necessary veterinary care, and ensures a smoother transition to their new home.