Puppy age

RubysGold

RubysGold

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I'm an experienced dog owner, and I have always believed that puppies should not be picked up until 8 weeks, although I know some people pick up at 6 weeks.
I think that picking up at 6 weeks, means the puppy misses out on lessons such as communication with other dogs.

However, the puppy I've bought, has just turned 6 weeks today. I'm seriously considering picking her up early. The puppies are locked in a bedroom, so aren't getting used to household surroundings/noises. They are overfeeding the puppies and the mum is sick of them and refuses to go near them, so she isn't learning any of the lessons she should be learning. They also smoke in that room

I understand that puppies have 12 weeks curiousity before they start to get fearful so I need to get her out of there to get her used to noises/dogs/people.

I have 10 dogs already (please don't ask why, I know its a lot but thats nothing to do with this post) one of these is the most placid, easily trained dogs you will ever meet, and my puppy would be able to learn the rest from her.

So what would you do? Do you think I should pick her up at 8 weeks or go with my instinct and get her now?
 
When I was younger it was nine weeks. I would pick a puppy up no younger than eight weeks.

She has plenty of time to get used to household noises and other dogs.

Also, why would you buy from someone who locks puppies in a bedroom, overfeeds them and subjects them to smoke? You are just funding irresponsible behaviour, surely? You can't save them all, and the more people who buy off crap breeders, the more crap breeders will breed!
 
Ditto that.....I know puppies are cute, but buying from spivs like this is creating and encouraging more breeding by spivs basically
crazy.gif

By the sounds of it, they will be more than happy to take your dosh at this age.
they do still learn alot from interacting with their siblings even without the presence of mother but I suppose it's up to you, only you have seen the situation.
 
It was an accident unfortunately.
The 'breeder' is a friend of mine, and I made the mistake of falling for one of the puppies *I was planning on getting a puppy, so wasn't a spontaneous decision to get one*
 
Yes, but crap care of them is not an accident....and if people are paying for puppies, who is to say there won't be another accident.
If they are a friend, can't you give them some advice on proper care?
 
If only he'd listen.
As you say all he cares about is the money, I can tell that much.
In a way I wish I hadn't fallen for this girl as I don't want to condone his behaviour but I can't not have her now, I love her.
 
Go with your gut and pick up that puppy, if the mother is no longer intrested at all and has no interaction then what is the difference between the puppy being with the other siblings or your dogs learning and playing? I had a litter about 2 years ago and did not sell the puppys until 8 weeks but although the mother was no longer feeding she was still cleaning them, playing and giving them all a good telling off! Especially when they tried to sneak in a sook!

Think you should go with your gut on this one if there is no plus point to being locked in a room!!

What ever you decide good luck with your new puppy x
 
Okay, a vet or other expert may be able to back this up or shoot it down but from an immunity point of view, I'd leave the said pup where it is for another coupla weeks. Pups aren't meant to be out and about on the street, mixing with other strange dogs til they've got enough immunities to cope. From what I understand, they get this thru the bitches via nursing til they're old enough to be properly weaned - it's not just about til they're eating food. Then even still, once you've got the pup home, better to not get him/her out and about til vaccinations are complete (I don't mean to start a debate about this - just that's how I learned it from working at a vet ages and ages ago).

Protocol may have changed but that's how I'd go....
 
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