| The readiness periods are fairly well documented although some breeds and some individuals have variances of course. (you can refer to Scott and Fuller, Clarence Phaffenburger, etc.) I can already hear the "gasps" as I read quite often 8 weeks. 8 weeks has been the rule for the airlines for shipping and I believe that is simply an arbitrary age so that they are comfortable that the pup is stable physically. It has nothing to do with the readiness periods. I too subscribe to the 7 week theory as the fear impression period is not ideal for changing environments. Less than 7 weeks they still need to be with their littermates and mom. 7 weeks is also the ideal time for running the PAT test so it all falls together quite nicely.
That being said, much depends upon how the pup is being handled at the breeders. Pups that are getting individual attention and stimulation do just fine staying home for a longer period of time. Pups that stay home too long however and are neglected in their education, can become pack dogs with their littermates.
I also believe much depends upon the breed. The Rottweiler by nature is so oriented to work and human interaction, I believe they simply jump at the chance to "go do" with a person almost regardless of age. The working breeds seem to have that in them which is why they rarely suffer from choosing their dog friends over going and doing something with a person.  |