**A friendly reminder for a healthy happier dog & family.**

The Case Against Early Adoption

It is well-established among breeders and canine enthusiasts, who frequently interact with a large number of dogs, that puppies will exhibit a number of negative behaviors when taken from their dams and littermates before 8 weeks of age. The effect is sufficient for many breeders to refuse the relocation of puppies to their new home until they reach 8, 10, or even 12 weeks of age. This sentiment is echoed by veterinarians and researchers as well in an increasing number of studies. One such study found a correlation between the development of social anxiety and separation from the litter prior to 60 days of age (Sargisson, 2014). Dr. Overall sites what is perhaps the most impactful study thus far on the subject in her book:

“Adult dogs, who have been separated from their dam and litter from 30 to 40 days, experienced a greater incidence of excessive barking, fearfulness on walks, reactivity to noises, toy possessiveness, food passiveness, attention-seeking behavior and destructive behavior then dogs who had been kept with their litters through 8 weeks (Pierantoni et al, 2011). This is some of the strongest evidence that dogs should neither be separated from their litters and the influence of the dam nor adopted into a new home before 8 weeks of age.”

In addition to the above, it is actually illegal for breeders to sell puppies before 8 weeks of age in several states.