Mom28kds Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 If a breeder releases the pup at 7 weeks is that Ok? I had a dog once that we got at 5 1/2 weeks. Way too early I realized afterward. I swore I would never get a pup that young. But what age should I be comfortable with? If a breeder lets it go at 7 - 8 weeks is that being a resposible breeder or should I look elsewhere? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WiseOwlKnits Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 8 weeks or later is ideal. I wouldn't personally worry about 7 weeks though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 A breeder letting a puppy go at seven weeks would set off my warning bells that maybe he/she isn't really a "good" breeder. Not to say it's a terrible thing. Just not optimal IMO. And most really good breeders strive for optimal with their pups. Not to mention that in some states it's illegal to sell puppies before they're eight weeks old. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rose in BC Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 8 weeks would be minimum anything less would be a red flag for me about the breeder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flowing Brook Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 In my state the law is eight weeks. I think this is ideal however we have gotten puppies at 7weeks and they have been fine. I prefer not to let them go any earlier than 8 weeks. It seems to make them more clingy and have more behavioral problems if taken away from mom earlier than 8 weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 I've always heard 8 weeks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bzymom Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 I wouldn't take any puppy before 8 weeks if mom were available to care for it. Each day is important. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom28kds Posted March 19, 2013 Author Share Posted March 19, 2013 Thanks everyone. I'll insist on 8 weeks. If they can't hold until 8 weeks. I'll move elsewhere :thumbup: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momtoamiracle Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 I'd definetly wait until 8wks. One week can make a difference. The earliest I'd let my puppies and kittens go was 8 wks, and like was mentioned, 10 wks is really good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhschool Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 10 weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 Ten weeks for the permanent home, but between 8 and 10 weeks, when they are at peak cuteness, they should be in a half-way house. Mine, for instance. I will PM you my address. Terri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dory Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 As a breeder, I would be telling you to reconsider the pup you are getting. No reputable breeder lets a pup go under 8 weeks. I don't let mine go until 9 weeks. A week makes a HUGE difference on a pup's development at that level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom28kds Posted March 19, 2013 Author Share Posted March 19, 2013 Ten weeks for the permanent home, but between 8 and 10 weeks, when they are at peak cuteness, they should be in a half-way house. Mine, for instance. I will PM you my address. Terri What is a half way house? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom28kds Posted March 19, 2013 Author Share Posted March 19, 2013 What is a half way house? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom28kds Posted March 19, 2013 Author Share Posted March 19, 2013 As a breeder, I would be telling you to reconsider the pup you are getting. No reputable breeder lets a pup go under 8 weeks. I don't let mine go until 9 weeks. A week makes a HUGE difference on a pup's development at that level. What do you breed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dory Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 What do you breed? I breed American Cocker Spaniels. I also worked with the vet clinic helping rehab and re-home abandoned pups and dogs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 What is a half way house? It was a joke. Never mind... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anotherbrother Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 Years ago when I was growing up we had many puppies, and bought many puppies. Back then it was thought that it was very important to get a puppy between 7 and 8 weeks, because it was an important time for developmental milestones. Beyond 8 weeks was not considered ideal. As with everything, times change. Personally I don't think a puppy that is seven weeks is too young to come home. Expect a lot of work and lost sleep. I have two dogs that I've purchased as puppies that we're between 10 and 12 weeks. I think they were too old. Even though I knew better I probably shouldn't have purchased them, but I couldn't leave them either. Both of these dogs while super healthy have fears that were developed before they were in my home. Had they been home with us when they were younger they probably wouldn't be a problem. Also, it's super important to see the facilities that the puppies are being bread and raised in. Are they clean, are the adult dogs happy, clean, well taken care of? Have the adult dogs had all of the appropriate screenings before breeding? Is there a health guarantee? What shots have they had? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 It was a joke. Never mind... I got the joke. I LOLed. I want to be a Puppy Halfway House, too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isabella Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 Another breeder here, and our Canine Association and Breed Club (both of which we must be members), does not allow breeders to sell puppies under 8 weeks old. My prospective owners usually can't wait longer than that, so they go at 8 weeks, but I give the option to keep until 10 weeks. Most people don't take that option, but I have had a couple. A few have asked to take them a few days before 8 weeks, and aside from the legalities (which I'm not willing to compromise), every day does count. I find by 8 weeks my puppies are extremely well socialized, confident in themselves, and mama has usually started giving them the cold shoulder for a week or two, so they are also not excessively tied to her! Also they are getting to be more of individuals and comfortable on their own, rather than being dependent on litter mates for company. My breed is Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and they are independent dogs, so some other breeds may need more time to get to that stage of readiness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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