mini girl Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I have always let my pups go at 8 weeks to their new homes - have kept them longer in some circumstances though when necessary for the new owner mostly - I keep them to 9 weeks if flying. A very nice young woman is arranging a puppy for her parents - they all visited us and were totally happy with the pup they choose and have had a poodle before. But had an email from the daughter this evening saying she had been advised its best to leave puppies with their mother to 10 or 12 weeks. I can't see that this is such a good idea - I've always thought 8 weeks was the best age for bonding etc. my pups are miniature poodles and not tiny minis usually an 8 week old pup is around 2 klo and well and truly weaned from its mother. Any thoughts on this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinbcs Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I think she might be confused with cats. Puppies need to scoialise with other dogs ie. the litter and mother between 6 and 8 weeks to learn how to be dogs but from 8-12 weeks they bond best with people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oakeydoak1 Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 My bitch didnt want to have anything to do with hers after about 6 weeks, so would be of no benefit for them to stay longer!!! I agree with dancinbc's they bond with the human mum or dad from 8 weeks on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 8/9 weeks here only longer if where running to on or the reason was one that we are happy with We have had some people who thought 12 weeks meant less training for them in our last litter If they want it to stay till 12 weeks for no real good reason then we would charge them to look after because you do have to maintain/grooming/socializing/vaccs / training all things that the new owners should be doing at that age Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christina Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I don't think it makes any difference what age a puppy is to bond with the new owner. Mine leave at 10 to 13 weeks, I groom from week 5, socialise off my premises from week 6 & give them a few tries on the lead, no extra cost, but the sit, stay & do cartwheels etc training is for the owner to do. I have had various dogs come to me at 4 to 8 months old & have no trouble bonding. Bugger starting grooming at that age though, big screamings & wriggles Leaving at 8 weeks is probably easier on the breeder but no difference to the dog. Maybe discuss who advised her of this & why & why you disagree & see how you feel from there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparkyTansy Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 8/9 weeks for me... but i do know of a breeder of a small breed that keeps them on a bit longer - usually go at 10-12 weeks. For me, my pups were ready to go at 8 weeks... bitch had had enough, and they need more one on one attention with humans. i would ask her where she got her information Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WreckitWhippet Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 I don;t vaccinate until 8 weeks, do it's 10 days plus after that, before they leave home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aspyre Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 Usually 8-9weeks with my breed, but I've had smaller breed litters in the past that I dont let go til 12wks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oakway Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 8 to 9 weeks here. Just say that if the pup isn't collected by 9 weeks you will have to charge boarding fees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
**Super_Dogs** Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 and they need more one on one attention with humans. 8-9 weeks for me. With a large litter it is hard to give the puppies the individual attention they require and want from 8 weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angelsun Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 8 weeks here because it's simply the law first and foremost and secondly because although they are weaned off mom by six weeks, they need time to sort out other things, needed before they leave and I need to ensure that their six week shots kick in and they get an extra dose or two of wormer. I used to let my cresteds go at 12 weeks because they simply needed more time to mature. They were never ready to deal with new homes at 8 weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Missymoo Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 You are the breeder, you decide! Dont let a puppy buyer dictate to you whats best for YOUR pups! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mini girl Posted August 11, 2011 Author Share Posted August 11, 2011 I have now just opened another email from this lady and she is now asking for us to keep the pup to 12 weeks - as her parents are very worried about the time between the vaccinations and not being able to have contact with other dogs - till after its 12 week vaccination - apparently the girl takes her poodle to the parents house quite regularly and the son takes his dog there too - while I want to be helpful - I just feel its a bit of an impersition to expect me to keep this puppy for 3 extra weeks when I don't do this except under very special circumstances. I am not a big breeder with runs outdoors my 4 dogs live in the house and I am hoping to have another litter early October and will be minding one of my boys that does not live with us most of September while his owners are away. My husband says just say no its not what we do - God knows if they back out I can always find another home for him - but its got me all uptight and worried - some puppy owners and just wonderful but some can be such a headache. Do you think she is asking a bit much of us?? and has anyone encounted similar customers and what do you do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saffioraire Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 Why don't you google scholar searching for behavioural development stages of puppies? Here is a good abstract: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1748-5827.1987.tb01322.x/abstract However you will need to purchase access or get a friend at a University to download the article for you. I think as a breeder you should educate yourself in the areas that your prospective homes question, so you are in complete control of the decisions made for your kennels progeny. You do not want to appear ignorant or be dictated by a 'purchaser' (for lack of a better word). Most small animal vets should have a basic grasp on behavioural developmental stages also, so it would be wise to question your vet on this issue. Another avenue would be to contact the Delta Society for any information they are willing to divulge. Do you really want to turn around with the answer of 'this is not how we operate and if we were to do this we would charge you board money' ?? As this attitude would possibly bring them to question your motivations for breeding your dogs in the first place, and no reputable breeder wants this image against their name. Surely a prospective home should not be penalized for wanting to do what is right for the puppy's welfare by being charged fee's by the breeder. If their thoughts are incorrect then finding a more conclusive answer from an educated avenue (ie. a journal paper or your vet) would surely set their mind at ease that what you practice normally, by allowing the pups to leave the nest at 8 weeks, is most appropriate for your breed, and as the breeder you know best. I hope this helps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mini girl Posted August 11, 2011 Author Share Posted August 11, 2011 Thank you for that - will look at that article - yes I have googled very, very extensively and always try very much to be aware of what is right for raising a litter of pups - have a very good relationship with my vet and he has always been happy for me to home my pups at around 9 weeks - even 8 -remember a lass wanted her pup at 7 weeks and he said no that last weeks or so with mum and the litter is very important - I have not had any problems with any of my pups by them leaving at around 9 weeks. As you say I don't want to be seen as a breeder who is too hard and comes on as my way or the highway and only in it for the dollars which couldn't be further from the truth - or even more so one that who does not know the facts - from quite a few years experience I know that my pups are ready to leave home by 9 weeks and I have never found this presented any problems to either the pup or the new owners - occasionally I have kept pups longer if circumstances were that it was difficult for the new owner at that time - I do try to be accomodating in this area. But I feel these people are a little over cautious or don't want to have to go to the trouble of keeping the puppy isolated for the needed time - granted its not the easiest situation - at all costs want my reputaion as a good breeder to continue but don't want to be taken advantage of either. Will send her an email letting her know the facts and advise that her parents seek vetinary advice re isolation from the other family members dogs when they visit till the vaccination is complete. Guess at the end of the day its not the end of the world and if it makes them happier and more at ease - now all I have to do is convice my husband!!! But they are quite a bit of extra responsibility and work from 9 to 12 weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
becks Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 I'd just suggest if they are worried about the other dogs to make sure they are already vaccinted to date and wormed/flead or to just leave those dogs at home for a couple of weeks - surely they could do that if they are that bothered by possible illness? Remind them it is good for pup to meet new pets and people, socialisation is very important too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
espinay2 Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 (edited) Puppy socialisation is very important ant the period up until 12 weeks is critical. Agree that you need to be reading up so you can inform and educate potential puppy buyers. Up until around 8 weeks is a critical period for pups in the litter. It is during this period that they learn some important socialisation skills including bite inhibition. Removal of a pup from the litter earlier than this can often result in a puppy who has poor understanding of doggy lenguage and social skills, has poor bite inhibition and often gets 'frustrated' and agressive in social situations with other dogs later in life. It is important to read up and understand why 8 weeks is the usual recommended date. After 8 weeks is the phase when it is important for dogs to socialise not just with dogs but with people and to see other sights and sounds. At this age it can be important to separate a pup from other litter mates for most or a percentage of the time so that they begin to interact with people even more rather than their siblings. This window of opportunity for early socialisation last up until about 12 weeks of age and is a very important period. It can be a fine balance between immature immunity and socialisation but there is a LOT that can be done in this time. Wrapping a pup in cotton wool during this period can be very counterproductive for the pup. Whether the pup is with you or in its new home, it will need to have a start with its training and socialisation during this critical period. It is important to be able to explain to puppy buyers what needs to be done with a pup during this important period and how they can go about it. Or if they want you to do it, to explain what that will involve for you (and yes it may involve explaining any additional costs IF you wish to charge them for taking on that early socialisation role for them). There are links to some good articles on this webpage which may provide you with some information so you can talk to your puppy buyers: http://www.4pawsu.com/vaccinations.htm A good book for puppy owners is 'The Perfect Puppy' by Gwen Bailey I also suggest the Dogstardaily free ebooks 'Before you get your puppy' and 'After you get your puppy': http://www.dogstarda.../free-downloads Edited August 13, 2011 by espinay2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 We like most breeders still attend dog shows,walk our adult dogs in fact life goes on as normal.Pup interact with our adults after they came home from the shows & never had an issue they need to be exposed to some germs Personally we wouldn't do it because its easier for them,we have certainly ran on pups where there was no other option but this isn't one of those cases. If you decide to head down this path consider some options. Will they want to visit?? What are there expectations of you in the training department ? Do you think they may pull out last minute if there that worried? What if there vet says its not fully covered until after the optional 16/18 weeks booster? I gather your dogs aren't sitting in the house to suit there concerns so have you informed them that your dogs will still be going out & about Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mini girl Posted August 14, 2011 Author Share Posted August 14, 2011 Thanks for the gr4eat advice will look into the books and links reccomended etc and have taken on board all of this - do we ever stop learning!! In the meantime I have spoken to my vet who advised if a pup has the first immunisation at 6 weeks the second can be given at 10 weeks - think they feel happy enough with this so it may have resolved itsself for me at least I hope so - meanwhile I will open some of those links and do appreciate the advice- I must say I do feel around 8 or 9 weeks they are well and truely ready for the one on one that comes from their new owners. And also a good point - no my dogs are not to be housebound until a twelve week old pup does go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizT Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 I had five pups in my last litter. The first went the day she turn 8 weeks as the buyer was local and ready to take her the moment she saw her but came back the next day for her. Others went during that 8 week and one stayed with us until 11 weeks because the daughter had uni exams and wanted to have them out of the way before devoting all her time to the new puppy. I was happy to keep her for this extra time and she was lovely to have around. The question of charging extra was never an issue with me and under those circumstances I was more than happy to keep her a few weeks more. My sister looked into a breeder keeping a Cavalier Puppy in London until it was 12 weeks old as she she was waiting to take her annual leave and the breeder was going to charge 100 pounds a week! So she would have paid an extra 400 pounds for the puppy. She ended up getting a Miniature Poodle Puppy at eight weeks a year or so later as her Partner works from home now and it was easier circumstances by then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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