Hi, just went to a adoption shelter and there were two 5 week old puppies there. They seemed very close but I can only take one pet. So I wanted some advice a) is 5 weeks too early to dopt (bearing in mind they have already been taken away from the mother) and b) is it bad to split them up?
Thanks

I can't believe that a shelter would allow 5 week old puppies to be put up for adoption.

No, it's not okay. In some states it's illegal.

At 5 weeks of age a puppy is not ready to leave it's mother. The earliest is 8 weeks and I wouldn't even recommend that. I'd wait until 12 weeks of age.

Are you prepared to handle a puppy that age? Do you know anything about raising a 5 week old puppy, the possible health risks, the special feeding and care?

Is this really a shelter or is it a puppymill?

A puppy shouldn't be adopted that young. 8 weeks old is the soonest a puppy would be ready to be adopted. I feel terrible for the poor things. You do not have the experience needed to be the puppy's mother, and neither does the shelter. This just sickens me!

No it's not a puppy mill, someone dropped them off without the mother so they have a choice of putting them up for adoption or, well I think we all know the other otion. I asked for advice which obviously means no I probably don't have the experience to be the puppies mother bt was hoping for some friendly advice while trying to make this decision. I have been told that they don't have much chance being left in the shelter which is why I considered taking one.

Do you know if the puppy has been weaned or is the shelter still bottle feeding?

Above all, if they puppy is already on dog food, do not change the dog food when you bring puppy home. Make sure to buy the same brand. Puppy's tummy's are very sensitive, a change in diet at this point could lead to severe tummy problems.

Have they been vet checked? Have they had their first set of shots?

Are you able to take on both? If so, I would. It would be better for them because of their age, but don't do it just because of that. Two dogs is a lot of responsibility and at this age there will be a lot of costs in the first year. Shots, neutering, supplies.

From what I understand from the staff they have had their first set of shots and worming and yes they are on puppy food. I can only take one dog due to landlord restrictions and I was really worried about separating them, I was not looking for a pup that young but it's so sad to see them in there and as I mentioned the lady who works there said they have more chance of survival in a home rather than shelter.

Also I thought a puppy of that age needed full time care, I work and will only be able to pop home for lunch during the day. The lady that works there said no it's fine as long as there is plenty of food and water. I was quite surprised by this, what do you think?

I walked away cause I wanted to check that I would be doing the right thing, there are a lot of older pup that I could also help

A puppy that old does need constant care. I wouldn't suggest bringing a puppy of that age home if you have to be at work.

Is there any way you can take a few weeks off? How about having someone else pop by during the day?

At this age a puppy needs to potty, a lot. Every hour, 2 hours is pushing it. Also, crate training won't be easy. The rule is 1 hour for every month of age. That's what a puppy should be spending in a crate. At 5 weeks the pup can only spend 1 hour in a crate. If you work full time then it's not going to work.

I know that it's sad. I also know that your heart is pulling you to adopt this pup. It's wonderful that you want to do this, but a 5 week old puppy is like a newborn child. It's a lot of work.

Personally, if I was in your position, I'd consider adopting a slightly older dog. One or two years of age, a dog that can be at home alone during the day. One that is already mature but not so old that it can't adapt to you and your lifestyle. I'd get the dog on a Friday, that way you have all weekend to adjust him/her to his/her new home.

Buy all the supplies before hand. Make sure that you have a vet that you can trust because you will be calling on him a lot, especially if this is your first dog.

We have a wonderful Dog expert on this site, and I'm also here. I've had dogs all my life, currently have 3. Yes, I have a zoo. ;)

We can help you with crate training, potty training, everything and anything.

I really wouldn't get the 5 week old pup. I know you want to, but it really isn't a great idea. This pup needs a very specific home. A retired couple that has 24/7 to spend with this little one would be the best.

I know it's hard to walk away, but like you said, there are others that need your help. Trust me, the puppies always get adopted, it's the older dogs, over 1 year old, that usually end up never leaving the shelter, never finding their forever home. Because of this, they usually make the best pets. It's like they know that you rescued them from certain death.

What kind of home do you have? How much living space? Do you have a backyard? Can you walk the dog daily? Are you very active, want a dog that will go for walks with you, play catch, or do are you the type of person that likes to just sit and relax, wants a dog that's content to sit by your side?

These are all things to consider so that you get your best match. The better the match, the happier you'll be and the dog will be. :)

Yep I know you are right, and I think I knew this which is why I walked away, it's just hard and I think I needed someone to confir it. I really apreciate your advice. I will continue on my search! :). I may be back at a later date for some more advice

Yep i know you are right, and i think i knew this which is why i walked away, it's just hard and i think i needed someone to confir it. I really apreciate your advice. I will continue on my search!! :). I may be back at a later date for some more advice

We'll be here.

Before you adopt talk to us. I can help you in your search for the perfect companion. I truly believe in adopting from shelters, but there are breed specific shelters, so what you want in a pet is really important. It's best to get a dog that fits your lifestyle, that will be a welcome member of your life. After all, this is a long commitment. :)

I'm glad that you decided to talk things out before going with impulse. It's hard to walk by the cute little puppy, I know. Trust me I know. ;) You're doing the right thing, for you and for the puppy.

Keep us posted. :)

I am going to copy and paste this from another question I answered.

From the age of five weeks, the mother teaches her puppies basic manners. They learn to be submissive to her leadership and what behaviors are acceptable. If necessary, she growls, snarls, or snaps at them as a form of discipline. When weaning the litter, for instance, the mother will discipline her puppies so that they will leave her alone. Because the mother disciplines them in a way that they clearly understand, after a few repetitions, the puppies will respond to a mere glare from her. If a pup has not learned to accept leadership (and discipline) in its early interactions with dogs, its training will be more difficult.
Also (Now this isn't gospel, but it's a good rule of thumb to go by) Puppies that are removed from the nest too early tend to be nervous, more prone to barking and biting, and less responsive to discipline. Often they are aggressive with other dogs. Generally speaking, a puppy taken away from it's mother and litter mates before seven weeks of age, may not realize its full potential as a dog and companion. To maximize the mental and psychological development of puppies, they must remain in the nest with their mother and litter mates until seven weeks of age. AT least.

I agree with thinking 7 weeks is still too young, and the longer they get to socialize with mom and litter mates the better. But because they are in a shelter already, there is going to be people who come in there and "ohhh and awwww" over these little puppies, chances are they're not heading for a good home if someone was to knowingly adopt a 5 week old puppy.
Do you have any experience with young puppies?
Do you know what food you would feed them?
You know that they will be no where near housebroken right? Or even ready to be trianed for that?
You know he/she really shouldn't be left along ALL day by themselves at this age right? Especially with no mom or litter mates.
Are you going to crate him/her?
What will you do about speration anxiety?
I think this has bad idea written all over it. But can you do when a shelter, who supposedly has the animals best interest in mind is going to adopt these puppies out?

Opps sprry, my bad, I got a little excited and didn't finish reading the posts. Good job in not adopting these poor little guys, hopefully someone who knows what they are doing will adopt these little guys. :(