As of August 1, 2024, the CDC imposed new requirements for the importation of domestic dogs from rabies-free countries, raising the age requirement of imported canines from 8 weeks to 6 months.
This regulation was imposed under the guise of rabies-prevention, but it provides little to no benefit. Instead, it makes it more difficult to maintain genetic diversity in registered dog breeds and negatively impacts socialization.
This is a huge barrier for dog clubs that rely on partnership with other countries to responsibly preserve and improve sporting breeds.
For the Dog trainer for sport, puppy will start as young as 8 weeks old.
The Growth stage: between 8–16 weeks is very important Exposure to the environment, critical socialization period that ends by 16 weeks
Puppyhood training is very important, relationship building, creating structure, etc
A loving and trusting bond is develop during puppyhood.
I hope the CDC will reconsider and Make Puppy Great Again.