[Yorkiemom1]

I pulled this out of my puppy pak information that I distribute with my new owners. There is always a lot of discussion about leaving or not leaving babies with moms until 12-14 weeks old....I explain to my new owners why you can not own a Rosehill Yorkie under 12-14 weeks of age. After much research and documentation of evidenced based results achieved by leaving puppies with mommas until 12-14 weeks of age, this is what I commit MY breeding program to.

This is the most important time in your puppy's life development and growth, not just physically but emotionally and psychologically as well.

The experiences, or lack thereof, during this most important time will shape your puppy for his or her entire life. This is the reason your puppy cannot leave his mother until he is at least 12 weeks old. These are the most crucial days in the puppy's life experience. That momma is teaching that puppy how to be an integral part of a pack, regardless if it is with other dogs or if "the pack" is the "human pack", i.e., your family!
BIRTH to 2 WEEKS OF AGE:
Puppies cannot even regulate their own body temperature or eliminate without the mothers stimulation. They are only aware of direct contact. The introduction of mild stress to puppies during the first several weeks develops dogs which are superior when in learning or competitive situations. They are better able to handle stress, are more outgoing and learn more quickly. Mild stress at an early age will actually increase the size of the brain. It is during this stage that we involve every puppy in the "Bio-Sensor Program" explained in detail at the end of this article.
2 to 3 WEEKS OF AGE:
Their eyes and ears open. They begin to hear and respond to taste and smell. This is the time to introduce items to the whelping box such as a plastic soda bottle, knotted sock, newspapers, cardboard box, etc. It is also important to continue picking up the pups daily, love them, talk to them, and spend time with each one individually.
3 to 7 WEEKS
Puppy is now learning how to be a dog. He must live with his mom and littermates during this entire period. He will learn how to stop mother's discipline by acting submissively. Pups should not be weaned during this time! A puppy removed from its mom and litter during this time can become overly noisy, have a discipline problem, or be a fighter. The mother is allowed as much time with the pups as she wants. She will naturally begin to spend a little less time with them on her own.To raise a pup any other way, makes you an irresponsible breeder.After week five is ideal for timing for a puppy temperament test. The brain waves of the puppy are the same as a mature dog, but the puppy is a clean slate. If the puppies have been properly socialized and have not been traumatized before the test, the test is a reliable measure of their suitability for whatever role in life they are expected to fulfill. It is an excellent aid in placing puppies in working situations or compatible pet homes.
Breeders have an important responsibility to provide proper experiences for the puppies they have bred. Mom did not ask to be pregnant and the puppies did not ask to be born. Now that they have arrived as the breeder planned, the breeder must take responsibility and socialize these same pups with diligence, care and sincerity. We follow a "7/7" rule...by the time they are 7 weeks old, we have had them on 7 different surfaces, in 7 different areas, playing with 7 different types of toys, introduced to 7 different types of food stuffs ( formula, canned dog food (RC Puppy Mousse), kibble softened with formula, kibble softened with warm water, softened kibble mixed with RC Puppy Mousse, kibble mixed with RC Mousse, and then just kibble. We start out with Royal Canin Starter Mousse, Mini Royal Canin Baby Dog and graduate to Mini Royal Canin Puppy, which is what you receive in your puppy pack.)

From three weeks of age when the learning stage begins, to 16 weeks of age, the character of a dog is formed. No matter how good his inherited character traits, if they are not socialized during this period, they will never be as good a dog as they could have been. It is also worth mentioning that a poorly bred pup will not have the basic foundation needed to benefit anywhere near as much from this early training. Excellent, proven pedigrees are an essential part of the formula for breeding healthy, well adjusted dogs.
What role does genetics play vs. environment?
In addition to genetic pre-disposition in regards to temperament, the environmental and social experiences also make lasting impressions on a developing puppy. Important stages in a puppy’s development begin at birth, peak around 10 weeks, and extend to maturity.
Having all of the above in mind, understand that you must have a healthy, sound pup to start with. Genetics dictate a dog’s temperament. With a well bred pup, the above socialization will help your pup reach his or her full potential.
These all important experiences, or lack thereof, during this time will shape your puppy for his or her entire life. Let's give them the best possible start to their new life in our world. Take care, take time and do it right, and do right by the dog. He will be a part of your family for the next 12 to 18 years.

This information has been acquired from many, many articles on this topic. I use this information to lay the foundation for my babies and their development, because I believe it contributes to the "all around design" of the very best puppy you can own.