The Importance of Waiting Until 16 Weeks to Bring Your Puppy Home

By Sherri Smeraglia

When it comes to welcoming a new puppy into your home, patience truly pays off. As much as you may be eager to bring home your adorable new companion, there’s a crucial reason why waiting until they are at least 16 weeks old is in the best interest of both your puppy and your family. This blog post will explain why it’s essential to wait and the benefits that come with doing so, both for your puppy’s health and their early development.

Vaccinations: The Key to Your Puppy’s Health

One of the most important reasons to wait until your puppy is 16 weeks old before bringing them home is the completion of their vaccination schedule. While many breeders, including us, begin vaccinating puppies early on, it’s critical to understand that a puppy’s immune system isn’t fully protected until they have received their full series of vaccinations.

We use Zoetis, a trusted leader in animal health, to provide the vaccines for our puppies. Zoetis is renowned for its commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of pets through rigorous research and development. Their vaccines are designed to offer the highest level of protection against common and potentially deadly diseases. However, even with Zoetis’s advanced vaccines, it’s important to complete the full vaccination schedule to ensure your puppy is fully protected.

The First Five Shots Your Puppy Needs

Your puppy will receive a series of vaccinations to protect them from various diseases. The most critical of these include:

1. **DHPP Vaccine (5-in-1 Vaccine):** This vaccine is crucial in protecting puppies against five serious and potentially fatal diseases:
– Canine Distemper Virus
– Canine Adenovirus Type 1 (CAV-1) and Type 2 (CAV-2)
– Canine Parainfluenza
– Canine Parvovirus

Puppies should receive the 5-in-1 vaccine starting at 6-8 weeks of age, with shots given every 3-4 weeks until they reach 16 weeks old.

2. **Bordetella Vaccine:** Protects against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a primary cause of kennel cough.

3. **Leptospirosis Vaccine:** Protects against Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can cause severe kidney and liver damage.

4. **Lyme Disease Vaccine:** Protects against Lyme disease, which is transmitted through tick bites and is common in certain areas.

5. **Rabies Vaccine:** Protects against rabies, a fatal viral disease. This vaccine is typically given when the puppy is around 12 to 16 weeks old.

These vaccines are essential to ensure your puppy is fully protected against the most common and dangerous diseases.

Why 16 Weeks Is the Magic Number

Given the vaccination schedule, puppies are not fully immunized until they are around 16 weeks old. This is why we strongly recommend waiting until this age to bring your puppy home. At 16 weeks, your puppy’s immune system is much more robust, significantly reducing the risk of contracting serious diseases.

Support No Matter When You Bring Your Puppy Home

We understand that every family has different needs and timelines. Whether you decide to bring your puppy home at 8, 10, 12, or 16 weeks, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We will ensure that your puppy is fully vaccinated according to their age before they leave our care. However, we highly recommend that all new puppy owners consider getting pet insurance. This can be a valuable resource if any health issues arise, providing peace of mind and financial protection.

We send all our puppies home with the necessary paperwork to enroll in a complimentary 30-day pet insurance plan, but it must be filled out within 24 hours of bringing your puppy home, or the offer will be void. Additionally, there are other excellent pet insurance options available that you might want to explore.

The Added Benefits of Doodle Prep School

Another significant benefit of waiting until your puppy is 16 weeks old is the opportunity for them to attend our Doodle Prep School. This program is designed to give your puppy the best start in life, combining essential health care with vital early training.

– Health and Immunity:While your puppy is with us, they are not only receiving their necessary vaccinations, but they are also in a controlled environment that minimizes the risk of exposure to harmful pathogens. If your puppy happens to contract a virus or develop any health issues while in our care, we take full responsibility. We will ensure they receive the best medical attention, and if we sense any concerns about a weak immune system or other health issues, we will address them immediately.
– Rematching Opportunity:In the rare event that your puppy shows signs of a weak immune system or other concerns, we have the opportunity to reassess and even rematch your family with a different puppy if needed. This ensures that your family receives a healthy, strong puppy that meets your expectations and lifestyle. We also use this time to continue temperament evaluations to make sure the puppy’s personality aligns with what your family is looking for.
– Early Training:During their time at Doodle Prep School, your puppy will begin learning the fundamentals of good behavior and obedience. This training is invaluable, setting the foundation for a well-mannered, confident, and happy dog.
– Socialization:Our program also focuses on socialization, ensuring your puppy is comfortable around other dogs and people. This early socialization is key to raising a well-adjusted adult dog.

Why Waiting Is Worth It

You might be thinking, “But I want to bring them home when they’re a tiny little baby!” While it’s natural to be excited about having a small, cuddly puppy, it’s important to consider whether your family is truly equipped to handle the challenges that come with bringing home a very young puppy.

Bringing home a puppy before they’ve had time to receive proper vaccinations and foundational training can lead to the development of bad behaviors. Without the right training and redirection, these behaviors can persist into adulthood, affecting your relationship with your dog for the rest of their life. This is when issues like improper crate training, poor eating manners, and a lack of obedience can start to take root.

At 16 weeks, your puppy is still very much a baby but with a solid foundation already in place. They are at an ideal age where you can truly enjoy them without the stress and fear of negative behaviors taking hold. Plus, with their vaccinations completed, you can confidently take them out and about without worrying about exposure to harmful diseases.

Why Enroll in at least the Four- or Eight-Week Program?

Since puppies cannot go home until they are at least 9 to 12 weeks old, depending on their size, it makes sense to enroll them in our four- or eight-week program. This way, they can complete their vaccination schedule while also gaining the benefits of our comprehensive training program. By the time they are ready to go home at 16 weeks, they are not only fully vaccinated but also well on their way to being a well-behaved and socialized member of your family.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a puppy home is one of the most joyful experiences in life. To ensure this experience is as smooth and healthy as possible, it’s important to consider the timing. By waiting until your puppy is 16 weeks old, you are giving them the best possible start, both in terms of health and training.

Our Doodle Prep School is here to support you and your puppy every step of the way, offering a safe, nurturing environment where they can grow, learn, and thrive. We take full responsibility for their health and well-being during this critical period, and we’re committed to making sure your family is matched with the perfect puppy.

So, while it may require a bit more patience, the rewards of waiting until 16 weeks are well worth it—for both you and your new furry friend. And remember, no matter when you decide to bring your puppy home, we will be here to support you and ensure that they are healthy, happy, and ready to become a beloved member of your family.