If you are a breeder, you can feel a mix of emotions when it’s time to rehome your Boston Terrier puppies. You had some memorable feeding, potty, and playtime with them. You also know that you can’t just release those pups without primary vaccinations and socialization with the litter and their mother.
So, when can Boston Terrier puppies leave their mom?
When Can Boston Terrier Puppies Leave Their Mom?
Boston Terrier puppies can leave their mom at the age of 8 weeks old. If you rehome your Boston Terrier puppies too early or too late, some behavioral, emotional, and physical issues may arise. Allowing them to bond with their littermates and their mother will give them the puppy skills they need.
Some breeders prefer to rehome the puppies at the age of 12 weeks old, which is also fine as long as the puppies are well-trained with humans, other animals, and other environmental factors. This is to lessen the risk of getting a problematic and aggressive puppy.
If the pup is weaned from its mother early and has completed the necessary training and vaccination, other breeders may prefer to rehome them at an early age of 6 weeks old.
Stages of Growth of a Boston Terrier Puppy
Boston Terrier puppies seem to grow so fast. They would reach their full size at the age of 1 and will no longer be a baby. There are five stages of growth in a Boston Terrier puppy and I have put some changes that you should expect.
- Neonatal Stage (birth to two weeks) – they usually use their sense of taste and touch for everything since their eyes and ears are not functioning well yet. It is a crucial stage for the mother’s care as well.
- Transitional Stage (2 to 4 weeks) – their other senses will start to develop and they may also try to walk, yet it’s still wobbly.
- Socialization Stage (3 to 12 weeks) – the puppies will interact more with their mother and littermates. This is also the best stage to expose them to other people, men, women, children, or strangers. If you have other pets that are vaccinated, you may slowly introduce them to each other.
- Ranking Stage (3 to 6 months) – their teeth will continue to emerge to make them ready for more solid food. Exercises, proper play, and training should also be encouraged at this stage.
- Adolescence Stage (6 to 18 months) – they will reach their physical maturity at this stage. Some of them will be neutered or spayed at this moment because they will become sexually active.
What Happens if Boston Terrier Puppies Are Rehomed Too Early?
The younger stages of a Boston Terrier are pivotal when it comes to their development. If they are rehomed at a very early stage, they may experience great stress, aggression, or shyness around other people and animals. They can be more prone to other behavioral problems as well, such as excessive barking and chewing.
In addition to that, those puppies that are rehomed early can have separation anxiety. They can become very attached to their owner and may destroy things at home when you try to leave them. In as much as this is stressful to you, this is very stressful to them, too.
Lastly, the first round of vaccinations may be completed at 6 to 8 weeks old. Before this stage of a Boston Terrier puppy, it is not safe for them to travel, to meet other people, and most especially, other pets. Without proper vaccination and not yet well-developed immune system, they can easily catch diseases.
Important Experiences of a Boston Terrier Puppy Before Rehoming
A good and reputable breeder will make sure that each Boston Terrier puppy is given enough attention to developing physiologically and psychologically. These important stages may determine what kind of adult Boston Terrier they will be. It is the breeder’s task to ensure that these important experiences were met by your Boston Terrier.
Weaning
The weaning process generally begins at around 3 to 4 weeks old. It is the period when your Boston Terrier puppy starts to look for other sources of nutrients other than milk. Weaning can happen naturally, with the help of their mother. Their mom will start pushing them or moving away from them while nursing.
Aside from being a mother’s instinct, it is also the time when the puppies start to have teeth, so breastfeeding can be painful for the mom, too. At the age of 6 to 8 weeks, Boston Terrier puppies should be completely weaned from their mother. They should be dependent on soft food rather than milk.
This is one sign that the Boston Terrier puppy is now ready for his new home. Puppies should not be taken away from their mom unless they completely know how to eat on their own. Nipping and chewing can be developed if the weaning process is not done properly.
Socialization
Just like kids in a nursery who are trained to share their space and favorite dog toys, Boston Terrier puppies are trained in the same manner, too. Another factor to know if the puppy is ready for rehoming is its ability to deal with people, animals, and situations. You don’t want to take home a fearful nor aggressive dog with you.
Boston Terrier puppies can learn a lot from their mom and their littermates. They will learn how to relate, play, and communicate with other dogs. Through their mother and siblings, they can also learn some things that they shouldn’t do, such as biting, because of other puppies’ responses.
Boston Terrier puppies should experience playing with other dogs, as long as they are vaccinated. They should meet people, family and strangers alike. They should also be exposed to noise and other environmental stimuli. Socialization can make your Boston Terrier friendlier, more confident, and easy to train. Just remember to take it slowly.
Can Boston Terrier Puppies Survive If You Take Them From Their Mother Earlier Than 6 Weeks?
Yes. Boston Terrier puppies can survive even if they are taken from their mom before they reach the age of 6 weeks. However, there are lots of health risks accompanied by that. Some puppy development can only happen properly if they are with their mom and siblings.
Because of this delayed development, your Boston Terrier puppy becomes more susceptible to different illnesses.
Boston Terrier puppies that are taken away from their mother before 6 to 8 weeks of socialization, weaning, and training, have a higher death rate compared to those who stayed longer with their mom. Though some of them may survive, they can be harder to train and can develop diseases early in life.
Related Questions
Do Boston Terrier Puppies Get Sad When They Leave Their Mom and Siblings?
Yes. Boston Terrier puppies get sad when they leave their old home, breeder, mom, and littermates. It is normal for them to cry for a few days and roam around the house, smelling everything. Be patient and give them time to acclimate to their new environment and family.
At What Age Can You Consider a Boston Terrier Fully Grown?
Male and female Boston Terriers are considered fully grown when they reach the age of 12 to 14 months old. They will stop growing at this stage which is a year faster than large breed dogs. Both of them are now ready for breeding if they have no conditions or they are not spayed or neutered.
Conclusion
Boston Terrier puppies should not be away from their mother before 6 to 12 weeks old. This stage is very crucial when it comes to their physical, emotional, and behavioral development. If you don’t want to have a very problematic Boston Terrier, make sure to get one from a responsible breeder.
