Is it safe to adopt a Doberman puppy at 2 weeks old? What's ideal?

The puppy at this stage is best being close to the mother. Because you don't have access to her, you'll want to create the environment. You'll need to visit your local Pet store and pick up a puppy feeding kit. This should include a breastmilk substitute/formula, a bottle, and nipples. He'll need to be fed often until he's a little older. Keep him warm with a warm water bottle and be sure to stay close. If he seems weak or unresponsive you'll need to take him to the Veterinarian immediately. The best solution would be to find his mother (if you can) and let him stay with her until 6-8 weeks of age.

Aw, what a cutie. 6 weeks old is pretty young to be away from his mama. These guys are often fed by their mom until closer to 8 weeks. A good quality puppy food, probably canned or kibble soaked in warm water will be necessary. At this age he probable won’t eat dry kibble. It is best if you feed the same thing the breeder fed in the beginning. This will help with the soft stool and keep him from diarrhea. Once he eats that well, you can transition. I would choose a high quality large breed puppy food for the first year. I like Merrick, if your budget allows. If you need a grocery store available food, try Purina One. If his stool is really soft, he needs to have a fecal check with your vet as he may need deworming.

Ideally, they should stay with the mother and litter until at least 8 weeks of age. This can prevent behavioral issues as they get older. They can start weaning to solid foods beginning at about 4 weeks of age. If they can stay with the mother and litter while weaning, this would be best for them in the long run.

Weakness is unfortunately a very non specific symptoms. The first thing I would suspect could be causing such a sign in such a young dog would be gastrointestinal parasites. Make sure that your pup has been dewormed and has had its fecal sample checked for the presence of any remaining bugs. The diet you are using is fine, but please make sure that it is a large breed puppy specific diet. Any adult diet will not provide the appropriate nutrients to a puppy. Rabies vaccines are generally given to dogs 12 weeks and older. The combo shots are typically started at 8 weeks and then given every 4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Hope this helps.

I typically try to encourage breeders to adopt out around 7-8 weeks of age. It comes down to socialization and being around the mom as long as possible. Socialization has been known to begin between 3-6 weeks and if you take the puppy away from the littermates too early, then this benefit of socialization could be harmed. I would encourage the breeder to hold on to the puppy for another 1-2 weeks longer than normal. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hello. I do not know if it is illegal to take a puppy away from its mother at 6 weeks of age, but it is a very common practice. By 6 weeks, the puppies are large enough to eat on their own, & may actually be tearing up the mother's breasts as they aggressively nurse. Now, puppies do seem to develop better social skills if they are left with their siblings until they are 8-12 weeks, but this does not mean your pup will have any problems. Do not feel bad. I am sure she will develop into a great dog, especially since you are already so concerned about her welfare. Do not listen to people on social media. Only the loudest & nastiest comments will come through. Care for her as any puppy, have your vet check her out as soon as possible to make sure she is healthy & parasite free, & obtain vaccinations as your veterinarian recommends. You will do great. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Tobis is way too young to be away from his mother. You will need to source some puppy milk to feed him every four hours. you should be able to get puppy milk from a veterinary doctor in your area. If he does not have any, you can buy it over the internet. Just search for "puppy formula". Here is detailed information about raising a puppy: http://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/resources/canine-guide-to-raising-orphan-puppies