i know that the best time for a pup to leave mum is 8 weeks, so that it can learn dicsipline , social skills from mum etc, but if mum isnt spending time with pups from 6 weeks, and all other pups have gone to their new homes too, does it serve any purpose waiting until 8 weeks arent i better having it here so i can start giving it the best training, socialisation etc   thanks

Hi guest. My first thought was why isn't mum spending time with pups? Is she being kept away from them, or does she just want nothing to do with them? If she is being kept away from them I wouldn't touch the pup. Mum, in my opinion, should be able to mix with her babies for as long as she wants. Even if she is a top winning show dog and the owners want her back into peak condition quick. Surely her pups future behaviour must be of paramount importance. Is she from a reputable breeder, or a 'back street' puppy farmer? If a puppy farmer, again I wouldn't go near any of these pups. You'd be asking for trouble.

Of course, it could be that mum wants nothing to do with her pups. In that case, if the others have gone, then I wouldn't see a problem. Why have the others gone? I wouldn't let any pup go at 6 weeks.

Quite right Lindylou. I let my bitches have as much time as they decide with their pups, and I've still had them back in the ring, with no sign that they've had a litter, 12 weeks post-whelping (especially when I've kept a puppy). I'm sure it's because they've weaned in their own time so it's been stress-free.

Why does one pup deserve any better than the ones that have already left at 6 weeks?

Digger,

They ALL deserve better than to leave at six weeks ;)  around six to eight weeks is the time when they really begin to learn about being a dog, how hard they can bite/bite inhibition, how to behave with other dogs, how to read other dogs etc. this is quite an intense time for the pups and also the hardest time for the breeder, pups need lots of attention at this age and lots of room to play and be boisterous.  Mum should normally be involved too.  At this age they are usually more mobile and confident in moving about so they spend huge amounts of waking time in play.  This may not seem important but is the ground base for a well socialised dog.