06/09/2026
Have you ever wondered why you can't take home a new puppy until they're at least 8 weeks old? Well, puppies are still learning how the world works, just like infants!
During their first 8 - 10 weeks, puppies learn critical social skills from their mother and littermates. This is when they begin to understand canine communication, bite inhibition, play boundaries, body language, and how to respond to corrections from other dogs.
These early lessons help shape confidence, emotional regulation, and social behavior. But while puppies learn how to live with dogs during this stage, they still need guidance to learn how to live successfully with people. Early training can make a huge difference in helping your puppy hit important milestones!