Two dogs in a flat left for hours

It's not the weaning, it's the socialisation within the group, the bite inhibition which very young pups might not acquire if taken from mum too early. A 6 week old pup left alone is worse than being with another dog, as long as the other dog is prepared to tell off the puppy.

As for flat v house, I think it very much depends on the dog. One of mine likes to wander constantly, so the garden is useful, he'd need hours of walking/training if he weren't allowed to wander, stare at and chase birds etc. Winter isn't much fun when he can't go in and out all the time. The other two are less restless and happy to cwtch.
 
There's a train of thought that bringing them home at six weeks increases the bond with the humans, there's a train of thought that bringing them home at six weeks means they miss out on vital week of socialisation/environmental proofing/bite inhibition as mentioned.

I know quite a few working dogs that were taken home at six weeks and they are all pretty clingy and/or insecure (I include my own dog in this - I got him at 14 weeks but his previous owner had him from six weeks) and a few have serious environmental sensitivity (freaking out at different floor surfaces, noise, strangers etc).
 
CaveCanem said:
There's a train of thought that bringing them home at six weeks increases the bond with the humans, there's a train of thought that bringing them home at six weeks means they miss out on vital week of socialisation/environmental proofing/bite inhibition as mentioned.

I know quite a few working dogs that were taken home at six weeks and they are all pretty clingy and/or insecure (I include my own dog in this - I got him at 14 weeks but his previous owner had him from six weeks) and a few have serious environmental sensitivity (freaking out at different floor surfaces, noise, strangers etc).
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There's also my own train of thought that I have 7 working dogs who all live together loose on the farm. When getting puppies at 6 weeks all have integrated with my other dogs perfectly. I did once bring a 12 week old pup into my environment and although she's a great dog now at 5 years old there is certainly a difference between the relationship the others have with her compared to the relationships they have with the others who came at 6 weeks old. I own a female only pack and bringing new puppies home at 6 weeks works for me and my girls, older than 6 weeks and there can be small problems arise. My vet is my strongest advocate :) She just loves my dogs and totally agrees that in my situation 6 weeks is the age I need to have them at. None of my dogs are clingy. They are all very well balanced girls and know their jobs and can work away from me doing it. I'm happy, as are they and that's all that matters to me. Each to their own and I am not claiming that the 6 week old puppy in the OP is in the best environment, it isn't as little social contact, in my situation I am with my dogs all day, every day, outside on the farm :)
 
Each to their own indeed, but you have a pack and you live on a farm - a six week old going into a smaller set up (one other dog, or none to teach them how to be a dog in a pack) and which may be exposed to a bit more environmental stress might not find it so easy.
 
OP, if you are not sure of the breed of dogs they are, how come you are so sure of their ages? Agree 6 weeks is too young for a pup to be leaving its family, but are you SURE its only 6 weeks? Do you know her routine? I would have no qualms about keeping a dog in a flat if he/she got a good walk first thing, let out for a toilet break lunchtime, and was with them all evening getting loved, trained and walked. Dogs adapt to their routine.
The other dog will be company for the young pup, so it isn't entirely alone, and the older dog now has a friend.
Theyr her dogs, they don't seem to be being cruelly treated, the younger dog will get used to the routine- maybe she has a toilet tray for the pup - I don't see a problem.
If you are really concerned, speak to her. But I assure you the dogs are probably quite happy.
 
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