On a personal observation - Most of the threads that we see saying "help my puppy is not eating... etc." usually are about puppies that are under 12 weeks.
If you ask in the breeder section you will probably get more answers.
One answer for you is that Mom teaches behavioral rules during this time and they also learn a lot about being a dog from their siblings in the litter. Submissive positions, like rolling over and exposing the belly, are learned in the pack and playing teaches other behaviors, like how hard he can bite without being bitten back. Its also important that puppies gets lots of love from people during this period otherwise they may never make a very good pet. Ignoring or lack of attention can be devastating.
From the Humane Society:
Staying With Mama Until 12 Weeks
When a young puppy is around his mama and littermates early in life, he can establish a concept of social behavioral patterns and knowing how to discern between right and wrong conduct. Although puppies usually complete the weaning process when they are around 7 weeks of age, they greatly benefit from the additional time with their families. If possible, a puppy should not leave his mother and littermates until he is a minimum of 12 weeks, advises the Humane Society of the United States.
Learning Through Play
If a puppy has the privilege of enjoying the company of his mother and littermates, he can develop a healthy understanding of the doggie world. By partaking in physical play with his siblings, he can learn everything from how to have fun without being too aggressive to knowing how to accurately interpret social cues sent by his peers. Without this key early interplay with siblings and mommy, a puppy may become an adult who not only lacks basic etiquette, but who also bites, chases and pounces too fiercely during play. Not only does plenty of early play time frequently stop puppies from displaying overly aggressive behavioral patterns, it also enhances flexibility and muscle control.
Social Status
Being around a family unit for a sufficient period of time can help a puppy gain an understanding of social status in doggieville. When a puppy is around his littermates and mother, it can help him develop overall respect and an appreciation of order and rules. This may prevent a puppy from becoming, a dominant adult dog who is impatient and unable to wait his turn.
Discipline
A mother dog's presence not only is comforting to pups, it also is as a disciplinarian. If a puppy does anything inappropriate, mama can communicate that to him. If he is too pushy and bossy with his littermates, she may growl at him as a means of saying "stop." If he is too persistent about nursing, she may do the same.
Touch
Mother dogs lick and groom their puppies as a way of keeping them squeaky clean, but also for expressing affection and and showing them that physical touch is a type of social experience. By gaining this understanding courtesy of mama, a puppy can develop positive associations with touch -- definitely not a bad thing for life in a cuddly human household. |