RE: How long before seperate puppy from mother dog
When I bred Aussies and Heelers, I found that separating as early as possible was best for the puppies and moms. All 5 litters I did the same way.
If you allow a dog to continue to breast feed after their mother has tried to start winging, you are prone to more serious worms. Not to mention, like with my dog, bleeding and severe pain to her nipples from the incoming/full sets of teeth. My puppies were always completely winged somewhere between 4-5 weeks of age, starting in as little as 2 1/2, just depended on individual teeth growth. As soon as they reached the point that the breast milk was not needed at all, and of course, lots of daily time spent working/training on solid dog food (starting with watered dog food not canned) and water bowls, the pups were good to go within 5 weeks. This also kept the puppies from getting too attached to their mom, which can cause more serious anxiety and depression for pups, who stay with their mom 2-3 months after birth and are then re-homed.
But you cannot de-worm or give shots to puppies at this early age. Therefore, puppies were claimed for small re-homing fees ($10), and I investigated to ensure proper homes. All new owners were completely happy about the process, and could not agree more on why I was releasing earlier than most (many were farmers too, looking for heard dogs). My breeding was never done as a means to make money, I simply wanted my babies to enjoy parent hood (the dad was so silly, protective, and even helped clean the babies) and all puppies had healthy stable transitions into their new homes. Also, all the owners wanted to be responsible for shots and worms, simply because of preference in medication/shots etc. None of the pups were reported with worms upon re-home either, and the owners would usually de-worm anyways as a prevention.
The new owners often reported that they were easier to train. Not as much crying either; maybe for like the first 2-3 nights at most, but this is normal when separating any puppy from it's mom. Also, potty training is easiest accomplished when you train for this during the food and water process. Taking all of the dogs out at the same time, with the parents teaching them what to do really helps in the long run.
But, separation really reflects on the owners. Depending on how the pups have been raised/trained/allowed to roam, will determine how easy the separation and new owner ship will go. I only say this because it is too often that negligent dog owners end up with puppies, re home/sell the pups, with no type of structure for the pups before the new ownership.
I am not implying that my method is preferred, just sharing the experience that I had. Hope this helps!
I think I went around your questions sorry.
No, the sooner the better. The pups cry more when you allow them to come to know they will be in your home with its mother always. It's most crucial training period is in the first few months after birth, meaning the sooner it can be separated, the sooner it can understand its life in the new home.
Yes- if it is too early, the mother will usually snap at you or whine and let you know. If she does not, very good chance that everything is fine. Just gotta let the pup adjust.
