When puppies are born, they are destined to be separated from each other. This sad fact is so often overlooked by us as we are eager to welcome the new addition to our family.

However, we must not forget that it is so important that puppies live with their mother and their brothers and sisters. If the proper time isn’t adhered to this cause certain physical and psychological problems later in life.

The same a human baby your puppy is dependent on its mother, they will receive all the same things such as food and love from mother. Staying with their sibling for these early weeks also builds social skills and the importance of acceptable play. During this period, it is also important that the puppies are introduced to humans and have an increased contact with people.

The weaning process should be gradual and not forced as this may cause both harm to the mother’s health and the puppies. Forcing the weaning process can result in blocked mammary glands which cause the mother extreme pain and the threat of mastitis.

On the physical and behavioural side if the separation is to early the puppies could develop problems such as poor physical condition, decreased learning ability and serious separation anxiety.

For more information: www.veterinarypracticenews.com/study-early-separation-from-litter-increases-chances-of-behavioral-problems/

It is a sad fact of when we buy a puppy we are forcing them to separate from the mother and siblings and when they are separated they may need a lot of attention and contact from you to start.

But it is important that you help them adjusts to their new surroundings in a way that does no stifle them and cause them to rely on you to much they develop anxiety’s.

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Remember reassuring the puppy that he has not been abandoned will start to build a strong bond.

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Photo by Vanessa Serpas