Is 7 weeks too young?
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| Yup.
On the most basic level, most state laws prohibit the selling of puppies under the age of 8 weeks and the AKC frowns upon it. If they find out, they may refuse to register the dog. On the dog side, puppies learn a TON of socialization info from 6-10 weeks so you could end up with behavior problems. On the annoying side, that's a very little puppy and you could have some sleepless nights of whining and crying. More so than if it was a little older. Just some quick and basic info. |
| I'd also worry if any breeder wanted me to take a puppy home earlier than 8 weeks, 10 weeks preferably. In addition to the concerns Maxmm raises, I'd worry about the knowledge and ethics of the breeder. |
| It's not recommended for a maltese to go home until they are 12 wks old, so I can't imagine getting my sheepie earlier than 8 wks. |
| I agree with the above - under 8 weeks is too young. . . |
| ditto |
| I ditto...wait another week. You may not see the negative results of taking a pup away from its mother and litter mates too young, but you will see it as time goes on...they need so spend that time with the littermates and mother. At 8 weeks, they are ready to bond with the new human parents and begin socialization...
My concern would be...how the breeder handles the litter from early on will effect the pup's life. A good breeder will handle the pup when young, will introduce it to different surfaces, will expose it just a bit to different sounds, etc...before you even get the pup, hopefully the breeder did what they should to create a well adjusted pup. Is there some special reason the breeder wants you take the pup early? |
| it is illegal to sell puppies before 8 weeks in illinois, i would check the laws in your state. i would also raise your concerns with the breeder, it sounds a little fishy to me! |
| She has two litters right now and I think this may be about the money. I am going to offer to pay her this week and pick Abby up next. |
| Please just make sure your breeder has done all of the necessary health testing too on the parents of your pup. Eyes & Hip Certifications, make sure she's given her her first shots & de-wormers, just to ensure the health of your pup. Try to meet at least the dam too to see what her temperament is like.
There is plenty of information here about how to go about interviewing a breeder here on the forum if you just peruse the Getting a Puppy section. It just is very concerning that the breeder is willing to release the pups so early. There are a few Old English Sheepdog Club of America breeders in your area listed on their referral page and if you email Tarja Peters directly from that site she may be able to put you in contact with a few other people in your area. I hope everything works out for you. |
| Thanks for all the great advice. We met the dam and sire and they are sweet and mellow. She has been given 4 shots and is weaned but I still do not want to bring her home yet. I had terrible behavior problems with a dog that was taken too early and I just don't think it's fair.l |
| I agree with all others, I made the horrific mistake of letting a puppy go home at 6 weeks just this past december with a heartbreaking result. Puppies MUST remain in their birthhomes (spoken like a true adoptive mother!) until they are a minimum of 8 weeks.
I would also like to encourage you to think carefully thru what you say about others online. Peoples families and lives can be very damaged by off handed comments about a breeder or family loving and raising sheepdogs. Good luck with your new baby! There is nothing more wonderful than adding an oes baby to your family and I'm sure you will have years and years of joy from him or her. |
| Another thing to consider is that puppies learn social skills, like pack order and bite inhibition from their littermates and mom during this time which is very important development for them.
We look forward to hearing all about your puppy and of course you must share puppy pictures with us when you do get your puppy home! |
Oak Ridge Acres wrote: I would also like to encourage you to think carefully thru what you say about others online. Peoples families and lives can be very damaged by off handed comments about a breeder.
Especially if they're true. |
| Good news!!! We do not have to pick our puppy up for another two weeks. Thanks for all the good advice. It gave me courage to take a stand. |
| That's wonderful news Dolly!
Please start a new post announcing your puppy and tell us all about him/her! |
Anonymous wrote: Good news!!! We do not have to pick our puppy up for another two weeks. Thanks for all the good advice. It gave me courage to take a stand.
Wonderful! Your pup will be so much better off for having that extra time with Mom and the other pups. Can't wait to hear all about your pup.... and we LOVE pictures. Especially puppy pics! |
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