Breeders, vets, trainers and other Canine professionals differ in their opinions and reasons as to what is the best age for a puppy to go home to its new family. When we first started breeding 30 years ago it was very common to send puppies home at six weeks old. For the most part we had great success with our babies leaving at six weeks. However, over the years as breeders, vets and professionals in the canine industry learned more about the psychological aspect of a puppy, some felt that between seven to eight weeks was the optimum time to send home a puppy. There are a wide range of varying opinions when a puppy should go home. Each and every one holds some validity and truth to them. Breeders, who show, will sometimes keep puppies until between 10 and 12 weeks because they are looking for some of those “show” characteristics. Standard Poodles are a large, hardy breed. Our babies here at Family Affair have dry kibble available to them at three weeks of age. At four and five weeks they are eating well and for the most part going outside to potty on their own. Between the sixth and seventh week, we wean the puppies and let them go to their new homes between seven and eight weeks. There are advantages and disadvantages to taking a puppy home between seven to nine weeks as well as taking a puppy home a little later. Two of the advantages of the seven to nine-week age are bonding and establishing dominance. Seven to nine weeks is the bonding period between you, your family and your new Pup. The puppy is much like an infant and craves that human contact. They are content at this young age to be close to you. They are still sleeping a lot and their favorite place to sleep will most likely be close to you. After eight or nine weeks, they are becoming more curious and a little more independent and ready to explore. At the younger age you can also establish a dominance role easier. Instead of finding his position in “a pack of dogs” he will find a place in your “family pack”. The advantages to taking a puppy home a little older is the fact that the transition seems a little easier on the puppy with less crying and separation anxiety. Crate training and the housebreaking process may also go smoother and faster. Here at Family Affair Standards when the puppies are a little older we have already started them on leash training and basic commands. All of our puppies are well socialized, introduced to new environments and go thru a bio-sensor program at very early age. If they remain here with us at Family Affair Standards, even up to six months, the transition into your home will still be extremely successful as well. If you do encounter any problems of any kind with your new puppy we will be available to help. For the people who are concerned about taking a puppy home between seven and nine weeks or need the puppy to stay longer for any other reason, we will be happy to keep a puppy for a few more weeks, for a small daily boarding fee. As a new puppy owner you need to make the decision about when to take your new baby home and be comfortable with it. If you need help in making that decision, we will be glad to discuss it with you.