ANSWERS: 4
  • I personally prefer puppies who have had the full 10 to 12 week opportunity. It IS all about socialization! At the beginning of 5 weeks (end of 4 depending on both the Bitch and the puppies) I start introducing baby rice cereal with a bit of defatted broth and milk..sometimes goat milk (watered) sometimes Bitches milk. By week 7 they should be fairly on puppy kibble slightly moistened (I use broth now and also mince up some meat to add to it, chicken livers boiled, defatted beef, chicken). From the 8th week to the 10th week MAJOR life lessons are being learned (plus they are assuredly eating almost 100% puppy food...they might try to slip up to Mom and belly up to the bar, but most bitches are DONE and are letting them know they are done!) They are learning that if they play too rough with Mom or with each other...there is a price to pay...because usually THE GAME STOPS abruptly! Mom growls or simply out runs the little buggers and their siblings either NIP HARD RIGHT BACK or scream, (bringing an annoyed Mom Dog to met out disapproval) or the nipped one screams and runs away....bottom line is that the GAME ENDS and thats no fun! Plus, I like using Mom-dog to help start the house training...who better? They love to follow her around and her happy attitude about going outside, starts them with the idea that THIS IS FUN STUFF KIDS! Praise and treats insure that when handed over to the new owner, I could give them Potty 101 to keep up what I've started, AND...their bladders are a bit better developed at 10 to 12 weeks than they are at 7 to 8 weeks...as long as the new owner supports the puppy...some have no or very, very few accidents in the house at all! Waiting lets them mature a little bit emotionally, mentally and physically. It insures that they are good to go on their eating; starting nicely with house training and have gotten a very clear picture as to what behaviors (puppy wise in play) are NOT acceptable by the best qualified "trainers" who speak their exact language! Responsible breeders I've known or worked with always have been willing to have deposits put on desired pups and encourage the "new owners" to visit during open hours...sometimes days, sometimes early evenings, weekends...to also share in socializing with THEIR puppy! (and to give training tips!) I personally no longer do any breeding, not for the past 15 years...too many unwanted puppies out there for my comfort level! But I do advise and help clients who are showing and breeding their dogs.
  • Thanks so much for all the informative imput, I was pushing towards 10 weeks. We have already fed them rice and they are already off of it. Did the moist food. And now they are eating it. As for poddie training they are doing very well on pads. They get their shots next week. We are not allowing them outside at all. Our neighbor whom, shouldnt be allowed to have dogs. Their dogs were always running a muck in the neighborhood. Also getting into our yard. "Two of their dogs ran away" (which I dont believe) 1 died of parvo, Not saying they are horrible because they died of parvo, although they should have been vacinated and taken care of. But now our yard is infected. To top it off, I kept smelling something dead when I went into my garage, and outside. I finally called animal control. They threw the dead dog in the trash can and left it their til the trash man came and got the trash >:/. Anyways I dare not allow the pups out their. Wow I rambled. I Do greatly appreicate your comments and I thank you once again.!
  • 10 weeks is my preference. My momma dogs gat stressed if I take them earlier. They also have more time to develop their little personalities. Which helps me find the right home for them. Also allows them to build self esteem and not be too shy. Just make sure during this time you are socializing them getting them used to kids, cats, adults, loud noises, and other dogs. Then when they transition to their new home they won't stress as much!
  • 2-15-2017 I am told that six to seven weeks is the optimum time for adoption. The puppy is old enough to know it's a dog and young enough to bond with a new family. But the timing is not crucial.

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