At what age is it better to buy a puppy?

At what age is it better to take an amstaff puppy?

When the future owner decides to get a Staffordshire Terrier, he is faced with the question of at what age it is better to take him from the breeder.
This is an important question, and comes next to the question: who to choose a boy or a girl.

There is a myth that it is better to take a puppy as early as possible in order to have time to raise him “for himself”. This is a deep delusion.

Is it possible to take a puppy if he is 1 month old?

Let's take a look at what happens when a puppy reaches 1 month of age.

Now we are not considering the case when the irresponsible owners of the female (I can’t even dare to call them breeders) begin to feed the puppies separately at almost 2 weeks, and by 1 month they are ready to say goodbye to all the puppies, if only they no longer care about them.

So, the amstaffic puppy is 1 month old. At this age, the mother is already finishing breastfeeding. And stops licking them. The puppies are getting their first food. There is a smooth transition from mother's milk to independent nutrition. While feeding on mother's milk, puppies received primary immunity and protection against viral diseases, now they need to develop their own immunity. How? Vaccination. The first Nobivac Puppy vaccination is done at 4 weeks, not earlier! And if you do not follow the vaccination schedule or do not vaccinate puppies at all, then there is a high probability of their death - 70%. Who's ready to take the risk?

Another major aspect that is overlooked by those who adhere to the early weaning myth is that the mother is still raising the puppies! The mother teaches her children the behavior and rules of the dog pack, shows them the basics of hierarchy. From the simplest - including teaching to keep cleanliness in the puppy house.

After the age of 4 weeks, puppies learn to behave like adult dogs: they play among themselves, fight, violate each other's boundaries and defend their own. They try the voice, explore the sounds of other puppies. In general, they interact with each other in every possible way. All this is controlled by their mother and gives the first serious concept of discipline. If the puppy does not receive the basics of education from the mother, this can lead to difficulties in the future, if not problems, both for the animal itself and for its owners.

Here you can get acquainted with the Theory of the stages of development of the dog (M. Macphail, G. Schuler).

As a result, even if a month old Staffordshire Terrier puppy already looks big and independent - this is an illusion, he is still completely dependent on both his mother and the breeder.

When should you take a puppy?

We believe that it is safe for a little Stafford to move to a new family after 12 weeks of age. This is optimal. At this age, the breeder has already done all the vaccinations, and passed the quarantine. The puppy is already accustomed to a certain diet and diet. He is strong enough, went through the initial basics of socialization with his brothers and sisters, knows some commands, is easy to learn and is ready for a new life.

Thus, the age of 2.5-3 months is the most suitable when to pick up a puppy.

There is an opinion that in a family where there are small children, it is better to take a puppy later, when he is 4-5 months old. At this age, the puppy is already strong enough and children's games cannot cause him great inconvenience, and he himself is able to escape from trouble. But if the parents correctly organize the communication between children and the puppy, set clear boundaries, then it is possible to take the puppy earlier, it all depends on the age and upbringing of the children.

Therefore, we always advise you to carefully choose a breeder and be in touch with him. We are sure that with a good breeder you will always find the best date, taking into account all your circumstances and possibilities.

And may your amstaff please you for many years!

© Tatyana Lazko, co-owner of the American Staffordshire Terrier kennel "Strider in Diversity"