While it’s important to socialize and handle puppies at an early age, there are some guidelines about when and how puppies should be touched, especially in the very first few weeks of life.

Here’s why young puppies (particularly those under 8 weeks old) should be handled with care or limited touching during certain stages…

Mother’s Bonding and Care

• Critical Development Period – In the first few weeks, puppies are primarily dependent on their mother for survival and emotional development. Early touching or handling by humans can interfere with the natural bond between the mother and her puppies, which is essential for proper nutrition, warmth, and emotional security.
• Nursing and Comfort – Puppies rely on their mother for nursing, cleaning, and comfort. Disrupting this natural process by excessive handling can cause stress for the puppy and potentially harm its development.

Immune System Development

• Lack of Immune Strength – Puppies’ immune systems are still developing in the early weeks, and they rely heavily on their mother’s milk (especially colostrum in the first 24 hours) for antibodies. Handling too much or too early can expose them to pathogens, especially in environm/”ents where hygiene isn’t controlled, increasing the risk of illness.
• Vaccination Schedule – Puppies need their first vaccinations around 6 to 8 weeks of age to protect against diseases like parvovirus and distemper. Until they are fully vaccinated, handling should be limited to avoid exposure to diseases.

Socialization vs. Stress

• Too Much Stress – While socialization is important, excessive handling too early can overwhelm a puppy. They need to bond with their mother and littermates during the early weeks, learning essential skills such as bite inhibition and body language. Overhandling can cause unnecessary stress, leading to fear or behavioral issues later on.
• Natural Behaviors – Puppies need time to develop naturally with their littermates—playing, learning boundaries, and socializing with each other. Over-interaction with humans can sometimes disrupt this process.

Physical and Mental Development

• Sensitivity to Touch – Puppies’ nervous systems are still immature in the early weeks, so excessive touching or handling can overstimulate them. Gentle, limited handling is better to avoid sensory overload.
• Needing Rest – Puppies sleep a lot during their early weeks, and over-interacting with them can disturb their much-needed rest. Proper rest is essential for healthy physical and mental growth.

Development of Good Habits

• Handling Later – While early socialization is important, handling should be done in a way that encourages positive experiences. Over-handling before 8 weeks can make some puppies more prone to fear or anxiety when touched by humans. It’s better to wait until they are older (around 8 weeks) to begin more structured handling and exposure to new experiences.

When Should You Start Handling Puppies?

• Between 3 and 4 weeks – Puppies begin opening their eyes and ears, and their senses are more developed. This is when gentle handling and positive exposure to humans can begin, but it should still be limited.
• Around 8 weeks – By this time, puppies are generally ready for more consistent and safe human interaction. It’s a critical period for socialization, and this is when you can start regular handling and introducing them to different people, environments, and stimuli.

Young puppies should not be excessively touched, particularly under 8 weeks, because it can interfere with their bonding with their mother, disrupt their natural development, increase stress, and expose them to health risks. Limited, gentle handling from around 3–4 weeks and focused socialization after 8 weeks is more beneficial for their overall well-being and proper growth.