Adopting and bringing home a puppy is the happiest moment in anyone’s life! The wagging tails, puppy eyes, confused head tilts & naughtiness ensure you have a wide smile 24x7. You have not only found a companion but also a snuggle buddy and a workout partner (to get you moving out of the bed, every day!)
But just like a test needs preparation, bringing home a puppy also requires expert know-how.
And who is better than a puppy, our vets & canine behaviorists to help you in this journey!
For everyone’s convenience, let’s name our adorable floof, Brownie who is an Indie!
P.S. - He is looking to adopt humans & this is his list of what you need to know before bringing him or any of his other furry friends home!
Do you really want a dog…
Or do you just want a puppy?
Ask yourself this question before you adopt or bring home a puppy because puppies are small & undoubtedly, cute but they will eventually grow. And as they grow, their needs will keep changing too.
One day they are puppies and you will love playing with them. And the next day, they will grow to become adults with entirely different needs. They will need more exercise. Their food intake will increase, etc. A few years later, their age will start catching up with their body. You will have to be there for them through thick and thin. They will need extra care & love.
This is why Brownie has a heartfelt request. Only bring home a puppy, if you are truly ready to take over the role of a pet parent.
Now that you have decided to enroll as a full-time pet parent, here are a few things you need to know!
The age of a puppy
Brownie, our vets & canine behaviorists have a lot in common when it comes to age.
They firmly recommend adopting a puppy who is at least 60 days old (8 weeks or 2 months approximately.)
But why?
Why should a puppy be above the age of 60 days/8 weeks/2 months?
Imagine a puppy biting people whenever someone tries to come near their food or being anxious & aggressive whenever someone tries to pet them.
These are some common issues faced by most pet parents early on. They are left utterly confused because according to them, they are doing everything right. And they are not wrong either.
Brownie, our vets & canine behaviorists say that these issues crop up due to early separation from a puppy’s natural habitat. But how?
It is because puppies learn from their littermates or siblings as they are called. When they are 3 to 5 weeks old, puppies go through a period known as the Primary Socialization Period or Canine Socialization Period.
What is the Primary Socialization Period?
It is during this period that puppies learn about the world around them. When they’re with their mother & siblings, they learn how to play, interact & communicate appropriately with other dogs.
Puppies also learn basic impulse/self-control & bite inhibition by getting feedback from the mother & siblings.
It has also been suggested through studies & research that puppies who are separated from their family at a young age, can face dog behavior problems, temper tantrums, temperament issues & in some cases can even be difficult to train.
The best way to avoid these behavioral problems is to ensure that you wait out their Primary Socialization Period before bringing them home.
Human Socialization Period
Generally, the socialization period in puppies can be divided into Primary Socialization Period also known as Canine Socialization Period (from 3 to 7 weeks of age) & Human Socialization Period (from 8 to 12 weeks). It is during this period that a puppy can learn from the mother & siblings & the family that will bring them home!
The human socialization period is considered as the weaning age. The mother starts separating her puppies as they can now live on their own, without the mother’s milk. This is a developmental stage & plays a major role in a puppy’s life. That’s why this age is considered to be an ideal time to bring them home.
This phase will slowly expose the puppy to different stimuli. They will interact with other animals, sounds, touch, food, new people, etc. Remember not to overexpose. The aim is to create a positive association that will stay with them throughout their lives!
This socialization phase tends to have a big impact on a puppy’s behavior & confidence. This also leaves a mark on their future interactions with the same stimuli.
Brownie suggests that once puppies like him have completed their Primary Socialization Period, they are now prepared to experience socialization with the human family. This will strengthen their bond with the family.
Can you bring home a puppy before 8 weeks?
Our in-house vet experts & canine behaviorists suggest not to bring home a puppy before at least 60 days/8 weeks/2 months of age. But there are some circumstances where an exception can be made.
- Motherless & single puppy
Often strays or abused & poorly bred dogs may find themselves in a situation where the mother & the littermates haven’t survived. This leaves the puppy alone & scared.
If you ever find yourself in a situation like this, we urge you to bring them home.
Once you have brought them home, get in touch with your nearest veterinarian for guidance. You can also contact us on +91 8431620000 & our team will assist you every step of the way.
- Ethical reasons
Apart from the above-mentioned reasons, there are other reasons too. The ethical ones.
When you bring home a Beagle, a Labrador, or a Golden Retriever puppy under 2 months of age, chances are they were bred unethically & illegally.
When a breeder is trying to sell you a puppy who is under the age of 2 months, the intention is to earn quick money. We love cute, smooshy puppy faces & that’s what illegal breeders sell us. When they give the puppy away, they choose not to give them an environment that is essential for a healthy life. This puts the puppy’s life in jeopardy.
A legal & ethical breeder will always understand the needs of the puppy & the mother. They will make sure to provide a suitable environment for their growth. They will not trap your emotions but will help you by giving you the right information.
- Health factor
Just like human babies need their mother’s milk for a particular period of time, puppies also need their mother’s milk to gain passive immunity which is needed to fight against several diseases.
Puppies who are separated early from their mother, are more prone to diseases and have a high mortality rate. Difficulty in weight gain, constant health issues are some of the ill effects of early separation.
That’s why little Brownie is requesting you to adopt! So many puppies need a forever home.
Brownie believes that every puppy is capable of being the goodest boy or girl. It will only take some diligence & knowledge on your part to ensure you & your puppy form a forever bond!
Now if you are planning to make a four-legged addition to your family & have questions, contact us on +91 8431620000 for a personalized consultation. Our vet experts & canine behaviorists will be at your service!
And in case you already have a little bundle of joy, we can help you with everything they will be needing! From dry food for puppies like YKibble™ to deworming medicine, Deworminator™, we have it all!
Shop for all your puppy’s needs now!
You can also join our online pet parent community called Wiggles Tribe on Facebook. Get all your questions answered by our team of experts with just a click!
*Disclaimer: This blog is vet-approved and includes original content which is compiled after thorough research and authenticity by our in-house team of vets and content experts. It is always advisable to consult a vet before you try any products, pet food or any kind of treatment/medicines on your pets, as each pet is unique and will respond differently.
Dr. Pranjal Khandare is one of our empathetic veterinarians at Wiggles.in. She has a Masters in Animal Genetics & Breeding and has over 3.5 years of experience. Having treated more than 5000+ pets so far, her expertise lies in genetic diseases in pets and treating exotic pet animals.
