We had 2 x 6 week old pups (both rescues the mum had turned on them) and they did very well, although I'm not sure if it was because they were so young but they both bonded rather too well with me which caused them to have seperation anxiety when I wasn't around. They were the quickest at toilet training of all our dogs !

I'm probably don't know enought to vote on here LOL

well I was gona say 8 weeks but I've read a lot about the 8th week 'fear period' so i put 9 weeks.... having said that, my pup will be coming home at 8 weeks, so have to be careful not to scare him lol

tuti, please be aware that the first fear imprint period lasts from 8 to 12 weeks of age. At 9 weeks your puppy will still be susceptible to lasting trauma from any painful or frightening experiences. Not trying to lecture, just a heads-up

Hi All

7 Weeks is the best time to rehome a dog. See a part of my article on critical periods in a Puppy's Psychological Growth

0 to 7 Weeks
Neonatal, Transition, Awareness, and Canine Socialisation. Puppy is with mother and littermates. During this period your puppy learns about social interaction, play, and inhibiting aggression from its mother and littermates. Puppies must stay with their mother and littermates through this critical period. As the puppies learn the most important lesson in their lives--they learn to accept discipline.

7 to 16 Weeks
Human Socialisation Period. This is the period when the pup should be homed. The puppy now has the brain waves of an adult dog, but his attention span is short almost that of a goldfish. This period is when the most rapid learning occurs. Learning at this age is permanent so this is a perfect time to start training, but make it fun. This is also the perfect time to introduce the puppy to things that will play an important part in his life. Introduce the puppy to different people, places, animals, and sounds in a positive, non-threatening way.

Stan

Doglistner JMO I am not an expert or a doglistner but have a little experience with training puppies and I personally think 7-16 weeks is far to late, 7- 8 is about right for me though it does depend on the breed, individual circumstances and the experience of the new owners to some extent. In much of the research I have done it states that the socialisation period starts from four weeks onwards when the puppies brain is pretty well myelinized, certainly much earlier than seven weeks ..and much better than any goldfish I would say . I think If you introduce a puppy to the home too late you risk missing out on bonding with the new owner at an important time in the puppies life , and I personally think it is much better for the puppy to start bonding with the new family and to go through the fear imprint stage individually in its new home than in a litter particularly if the litter is in a kennel where the puppy will not receive as much stimulus. JMO

*whispers (Mini, he said 7 weeks at the top of the post, the 7-16 weeks statement was just validating his reasons )

I think you have misread me 7 weeks is the right time to home 7 to 16 weeks is known as the Human Socialisation Period.

You may wish to follow this thread where I have categorically stated that early socialisation is important
Stan

Thanks Emma.

Stan

welcome Stan
why dont you pop into the introductions section and tell us a bit about yourself

(i am picking up my new pup on 11th March when he will be 7 weeks and 4 days old )

Whispers ....Emma read down a little
.....and my response Doglistner JMO I am not an expert or a doglistner but have a little experience with training puppies and I personally think 7-16 weeks is far to late, 7- 8 is about right for me though it does depend on the breed, individual circumstances and the experience of the new owners to some extent. In much of the research I have done it states that the socialisation period starts from four weeks onwards when the puppies brain is pretty well myelinized, certainly much earlier than seven weeks ..and much better than any goldfish I would say . I think If you introduce a puppy to the home too late you risk missing out on bonding with the new owner at an important time in the puppies life , and I personally think it is much better for the puppy to start bonding with the new family and to go through the fear imprint stage individually in its new home than in a litter particularly if the litter is in a kennel where the puppy will not receive as much stimulus. JMO