Importance of Staying with Mom until 8 Weeks Old
Weaning a puppy from its mother is a gradual process that should start at about 4 weeks of age and finish between 7 to 8 weeks of age. Puppies should only be separated from their mothers when they reach eight weeks old. Some breeds may need to stay with their mothers for 10 to 12 weeks.
Legal Aspects and Benefits of Staying with Mom
In some states, it is against the law to sell puppies under 8 weeks old. By staying with their mom until they are at least 8 weeks old, puppies have the opportunity to receive important vaccinations that protect them from potentially deadly diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, and rabies.
Consequences of Leaving Mom at 7 Weeks
If a puppy leaves its mother at 7 weeks, it will be missing out on important socialization and bonding opportunities that it would have gotten if it had stayed with its mother for the full 8 weeks of puppyhood. Some behavioral issues such as aggression, food guarding, overexcitability, and fearfulness can occur because the puppy was separated from its mother at an early age.