[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by alyx

In the UK it is the norm to get your pup at 8 weeks as leaving them longer could lead to lack of proper socialisation and lead to a lot of problems with training in the future. The first 12 weeks are seen as the most important for socialisation - away from the mother taking the pup out and about to meet people and seeing different things, providing they are not allowed to mix with other dogs which aren't vaccinated or put on the ground where such dogs may have been.

At 8 weeks, providing they have come from a decent breeder, they should be well used to eating on their own. They should have been doing so for some weeks so it's nothing new to them. It's not ideal to leave a pup all day, but what you're planning on doing sounds fine providing you leave the put in a safe pen with food and water accessible to them all day and somewhere for him/her to do her stuff. He/she will also need some safe chews and you must give him/her as much time as you can.

My pup's now 18 weeks. I got her at 8 weeks and she's completely house trained (tells me when she needs to go out as won't use pads), very well socialised with other dogs and people. She (along with my little boy) are the main attraction along our sea and river proms, as they both have so many fans it takes forever to get a decent walk in. She's great in the car and people didn't even know she was there when we went on a steam train trip the other week. She's a fantastic, strong and well adjusted little pup, and I'm sure yours will turn out the same as long as you devote the time to bond with her and train her. It's so much easier when they're rehomed at 8 weeks. I've had pups at an older age and had lifelong problems as they've not been properly socialised when they should have been. As I say, it's the norm in the UK and many other countries so if you want to get your pup at that age don't let anyone make you feel guilty about it. Good luck. Give that pup lots of love, attention and correct feeding and she'll be fine.

While it is the norm in the UK, she lives here on this side of the pond and we do things differently. I'm not saying that you're wrong in any way, but I fully trust the breeders and the mother club (YTCA) when they say pups must be with their mothers until 12 weeks of age. Especially since there is a described list.

Puppy Development

Originally posted by feminvstr and written by The Humane Society of the United States

Birth to Two Weeks: Neonatal Period

Puppy is most influenced by his mother.

Senses of touch and taste are present at birth.

Two to Four Weeks: Transitional Period

Puppy is most influenced by his mother and littermates.

Eyes open, teeth begin to come in, and senses of hearing and smell develop.

Puppy begins to stand, walk a little, wag tail, and bark.

By the fourth or fifth week, eyesight is well-developed

Three to Twelve Weeks: Socialization Period
During this period, puppy needs opportunities to meet other dogs and people.

By three to five weeks, puppy becomes aware of his surroundings, companions (both canine and human), and relationships, including play.

By four to six weeks, puppy is most influenced by littermates and is learning about being a dog.

From four to twelve weeks, puppy remains influenced by littermates and is also influenced by people. Puppy learns to play, develops social skills, learns the inhibited bite, explores social structure/ranking, and improves physical coordination.

By five to seven weeks, puppy develops curiosity and explores new experiences. Puppy needs positive "people" experiences during this time.

By seven to nine weeks, puppy is refining his physical skills and coordination, and can begin to be housetrained. Puppy has full use of senses.

By eight to ten weeks, puppy experiences real fear involving normal objects and experiences; puppy needs positive training during this time.

By nine to twelve weeks, puppy is refining reactions, developing social skills with littermates (appropriate interactions), and exploring the environment and objects. Puppy begins to focus on people; this is a good time to begin training.

A pup doesn't have to be 8 weeks old to bond with their new mommys or daddys, and to acclimate well into their new lives. The extra 4 weeks with mom help pups learn doggie ettiquette that no human, no matter how much love they give, can replace. They can substitute, but it's just not the same.