How Long Should A Puppy Be With Its Mother?
Sometimes, the greed of man leads to harm to nature and also to animals. For example, in the case of puppies, it is not infrequent that they are separated from their mother before the recommended time. In addition to causing great emotional damage, this could lead to unpleasant behaviors in the animal, both as a child and as it grows.
There is a technique known as imprinting , which is based on the socialization of the animal from birth, especially with its family. Like humans, dogs absorb behaviors that they will use to shape their personality as puppies.
The most important part of this process covers weeks two to seven, at which time you will begin to discover the world, to know where you come from and who your family is. This process is extremely important, since the personality and behavior of the dog depends on it. Let’s see, therefore, how long a puppy should be with its mother.
How long a puppy should be with its mother
Puppies must complete their imprinting and nursing period to be balanced buts. Although the imprinting process can be concluded at seven weeks, the breastfeeding process does not end until at least nine weeks. The fact that one process has concluded does not mean that the next one should be accelerated, since both are different.
However, although nine weeks is the marked time for weaning, it does not mean that it cannot occur later. What you can never do is finish it before, and there are many who recommend that instead of at nine weeks, it be done at twelve. Why?
Apparently, after the first nine weeks, the mothers of the cubs begin to treat them more strictly ; They take them by the neck and even give them small bites to teach them a series of rules and ‘manners’ that will serve them in life.
Therefore, the longer a puppy is with its mother, the better its behavior and emotional state. We understand that if you are expecting a puppy you are eager to have it, but be patient, it does not matter to wait another month and have a healthy and happy animal in the future.
What harm to the puppy
If a puppy is separated from its mother prematurely, it can cause various damages. Here are some of them:
- Scary and insecure personality. When a puppy is out of its environment prematurely it can create insecurity and not know very well where to go or what to do. This will make it not a happy animal and, possibly, it will not bring you the happiness you are looking for when having a pet.
- He will not know how to relate. We have already seen that socialization is very important. If this does not last the established time, it is most likely that the animal has problems relating to other people and other pets.
- It will be suspicious and aggressive. These will be the consequences of feeling insecure. Let’s say that you will always be with the ‘loaded shotgun’ in case something comes along that you don’t like; another sign of unhappiness.
However, if the times are respected, the puppies will enjoy these benefits:
- They will learn discipline. Canine mothers teach their puppies what is right or wrong through biting. A step won that you will not have to teach him.
- They will know where the limits are. If they get annoying wanting to play or fight each other, the mother acts and teaches them that there is a time for everything.
- They learn not to hurt by playing. Playing with their siblings they will learn how to do it so as not to harm anyone. If one of his brothers is bitten hard, he will react with a cry, and the ‘aggressor’ will learn that he has passed and must soften the game.
- They will know the power of affection. During that time, the mother cares for them, licks them, plays with them, and makes them feel loved and important. This will make the affection and their capacity to love grow in them as well.
In short, be patient and do not adopt any animal that has not been with its mother long enough.
