Much of a puppy’s key development happens withing weeks 5-7. Puppies begin to explore and find new people and things interesting. If something or someone new comes into their area, a litter of puppies will all run over to it together. By the time puppies reach 7 weeks old, most dams have finished weaning them. This doesn’t mean that they’re ready to leave their mother though, puppies that are removed from their litter and mother before 8 weeks of age undergo much more stress than puppies re-homed after 8 weeks. That early stress inhibits their ability to learn about toilet training, and can contribute to problems when older such as reactivity, destructiveness and resource guarding. It is for this reason we recommend not to bring home a puppy before the age of 8.5 weeks, and that to sell a puppy under the age of 8 weeks is illegal in Tasmania (Animal Welfare Act 1993 11.3.)
For a complete and detailed guide on everything that is important to know before bringing home your puppy, you can download Ian Dunbar’s, Before You Get Your Puppy