6 - 7 weeks old!

[jenclerm]

Hello everyone!

my pup will be born the week of the 26 of August, and the breeder is letting him go Oct 9.08

He will be 6 1/2 to 7 weeks old...

I read that pups should not be let go till about 8 to 9 weeks old.

What should I know when bringing home such a young puppy?

thanks everyone!!

Jen

 

[maxkaurasky]

I've also heard that 8 or 9 weeks is better. My dog, Kaura had pups in February(shes fixed now) and we waited until 9 weeks to start giving them away. We even had some until they were 13 weeks. Kaura did get a bit nippy with them, but it seemed to me that she was teaching them manners. She would grab the back of their neck if they bit or were playing to rough. Im no expert though, maybe call & ask a vet's advice.

 

[storm22]

6 to 7 weeks is fine, you might want to get some pet milk (you can get it from supermarkets) if your worried, it is the best time for socialisation in pups they learn it around 6-8 weeks so going to a new home around then is alright, i got storm and koda when they were 5 1/2 weeks and that is young but they both were on solids and they were doing fine, just ask your breeder how long they've been on solids that will help

 

[jenclerm]

great thanks Storm!

 

[lurchergirl]

I wouldn't want a puppy much younger than 8 weeks old. I feel that the continued socialisation with litter mates and his mum is vital at that age... though of course the breeder needs to start the socialisation with the outside world (people especially as well as noises etc.) as well.

Vera

 

[storm22]

I wouldn't want a puppy much younger than 8 weeks old. I feel that the continued socialisation with litter mates and his mum is vital at that age... though of course the breeder needs to start the socialisation with the outside world (people especially as well as noises etc.) as well.

Vera

i agree too, but i think what helped me is all the other dogs around, so they did still have that litter mate socialastion with the older dogs we had, i didnt like getting them at 5weeks of age id rather it be 6weeks onwards but they were all going and with that extra milk and that my dogs have done fine

 

[fickla]

I would also not want a puppy younger then 8 weeks although it's not horrible to get a puppy 6-7 wks old. As for the mom becomming nippy at 6 wks: well yeah! The mom is starting to wean the pups and is going to teach them some manners. This is just them needing to learn some basic impulse control. I would want my pup to get the continued socialization from his mom and littermates that is so important!

 

[leema]

I agree with fickla's post. "Nippy" mums are teaching important lessons for puppies.

 

[lane]

I got a new German Shepherd puppy 2 weeks ago. He was 6 weeks then and has settled in well with my other two. I got my last 4 dogs at 7 weeks and have had no problems with any of them. I think if you have other dogs with good temperaments and you supervise them it helps. If you take over the routine where the breeder left off they should be fine.

 

[jenclerm]

thank you everyone for the info, I really hope the pup settles in okay. My fist taks its to get him off Pedigree and on to Purnia.. that sould be fun..

unless someone knows a better dog food..

Purina Puppy Chowwas recommned by my boss whom trained CNIB dogs.. and she feeds thisto her lab.

 

[fickla]

Purina puppy chow is unfortunately not any better then Pedigree. Corn is the #1 ingredient, followed next by chicken by-product! When looking at foods you want a protein source as the first ingredient, and ideally little to no corn and no by-products.

I'm not going to tell you which food you should buy since there are tons of great foods on the market, but look at the ingredients before purchasing. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, I would recommend Nutro Natural Choice, but ideally a food even better then that!

 

[jenclerm]

Hi Fickla,

I did more research and saw the corn too I am looking Canidae right now, and I have heard good things about Nutro Natural Choice, so I am still doing more research.

thank you for the advice!

Jen

 

[snooks]

i agree 8 weeks minimum. the socialization puppy misses is very important, good breeders don't let them go before that. their ability to cope and deal happily with suddenly being alone is underdeveloped and it will be a much huger impact on ur life with howling and really frequent pottying. much harder to potty train when u start behind the curve and mom is usually still cleaning them all up.

i know ur dying to get hold of puppy but waiting will make u both happier.