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02-21-2006, 12:28 PM
Oh I absolutely agree the age a puppy leaves its dam and littermates can make a big difference. The later a puppy leaves, as in the 10 to 16 week age range, they can learn so much from their siblings. Bite inhibition is a big one, they bite brother or sister too hard - brother or sister will bite them back so they learn biting isn't always the thing to do. They also pick up a lot of doggy social skills and manners from their siblings and dam. Another interesting thing to look at is the developmental stages of puppies and dogs. While 8 weeks is a fairly acceptable age, that is actually a fear period. Seven weeks is a bonding period with humans and a lot of the real performance oriented people used to like to get their puppies at that age. In my opinion and experience though, the older puppies are much better adjusted all around.
Debbie
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