Age to be away from mother..

Hi

I got myself a little staff pup on Sunday. The owner of the pups said the mother had stopped feeding her puppies, and had rejected them, so they were not getting their mothers warmth or food etc. The owner told me the puppy was 7 week old and as it wasn't getting the mothers attention etc that the pup could be taken away from her. So we have had Buzz since he was 7 and a half week old...but hes very small. Vet said hes just a small puppy because his mum hadn't taken to him, and that he was sharing puppy food with 8 sibling so he may have been pushed to the back at feeding time.

I'm just a little concerned that the pup is too young to be away from her. I've been feeding him puppy milk and puppy food. He has a hot water bottle in his bed and a clock so he thinks the ticking is his mothers heart. He cries a lot...if i walk out of the room and call him he won't follow, he'll just cry. I hold him on my chest, and make sure he's never ever on his own.

Am I doing this right? Or is there anythig else I could be doing to calm the pup down? Thanks in advance.

I wouldnt focus too much on paying your puppy too much attention as this can lead to seperation anxiety. I think in general people who breed their dogs rehome at 8-9 weeks old so your pup isnt far behind. get the pup used to a variety of different situations farm animals traffic and other dogs and in particular loud noises ie: fireworks now would be perfect so he doesnt get scared later in life . ah I do love a staffy puppy if you need help we are always here

I agree with Mia05. Let Buzz experience plenty in the next few weeks, if you know anyone with a friendly dog/puppy, get Buzz introduced early to other dogs, so Buzz will start to learn his place within the company of other dogs. Enjoy...

the normal time fir a pup to leave mum is 8 weeks so it isn't too bad.

however, the breeder is quite wrong! Bitches stop feeding their pups at around 5 weeks & gradually remove themselves from the litter - it's all part of the independance process. It's quite normal & no excuse to separate the pups early.

i'm not saying that the breeder is bad, but often they like to send tge pups out early because they're becoming hard work! i've heard of breeders sending the pups out at 5 weeks old because the bitch isn't feeding them, when actually they just don't want to make the effort (and spend tge money) to ween the pups onto solids.