A question for breeders... - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Dark_Star · 11-06-2007, 08:01 AM

What's the lowest age at which a puppy can be taken away from it's mom without being affected too much ?

Thank you!

BamaFan121s · 11-06-2007, 08:05 AM

They should remain with the mother and littermates (and breeder) until 12 weeks of age. I have let pups go at 11 weeks due to circumstances that I thought were favorable. I really cannot think of any good reason for them to be let go earlier.

There are some people that have gotten pups much younger--some had no problems with this, some didn't. Those who didn't should consider themselves lucky.

Gazou · 11-06-2007, 08:05 AM

12 weeks old .

Dark_Star · 11-06-2007, 08:31 AM

How much earlier is "a lot earlier"? Bo was born on December 14th (3 years ago) and the breeder brought her to us on the following February 14th (more or less 9 weeks). There never seemed to be an issue. She's a happy, healthy, well balanced little critter...

In fact, I don't even know what the potential issues could be? Anyone?

Now, I'm getting a new yorkie from the same breeder (same mom too). She was born on September 16... and as much as I can't wait to welcome her, if I pick her up this weekend, she'll only be 8 weeks. So before I do that, I need to know what could be the problems...

BamaFan121s · 11-06-2007, 08:45 AM

Here is a sticky from the Breeder Section that breaks down the developmental stages by week for pups.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31003

Again, in many cases, pups brought home that age are fine, but in some, they are not. There have been studies indicating it is best to wait until they are older in addition to the advice of 12 weeks being the standard answer you will get from most long time, respected breeders. Doesn't that mean something? Is it really worth taking the risk?

Dark_Star · 11-06-2007, 09:10 AM

OK, here's the thing: she's an only pup...! She does not have littermates. And since I already have a yorkie, wouldn't that qualify as learning to socialize with other dogs or do they need to all be the same age, approximately?

And what about socializing with people? I'm sure she'll be getting a LOT more attention from us than at the breeders. I'm not saying she's being neglected or anything... but he has other dogs and puppies and obviously, she won't be getting his undivided attention as she will with us.

What I need to know, basically, is this: At this stage, is it the interaction with her littermates the major factor? The answer to that will greatly influence my decision.

Of course, I will defer to your experience as breeders on the subject.

Thank you again...

BamaFan121s · 11-06-2007, 09:23 AM

IMO, if the breeder cannot devote the attention the pup needs to best suit it's needs because of other dogs or whatever reason, then it seems like he isn't exactly fulfilling his duties as a responsible breeder. What if it was a whole litter, not just one pup? Would the whole litter be lacking for the attention they needed?

If there are other pups and dogs (that the pup should already be used to) then it should still be able to socialize with in place of littermates while remaining with the breeder, right?

Seems to me like an excuse to offload the pup early. What about the other dog you have--was IT the only pup in THAT litter?

Dark_Star · 11-06-2007, 09:48 AM

No, no, it's not the breeder wanting to unload her early, I'm the problem here...

It's only that I already love her and can't wait to hold her...

I guess I'm just too impatient... but because I love her, I'll wait...

BamaFan121s · 11-06-2007, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark_Star

No, no, it's not the breeder wanting to unload her early, I'm the problem here...

LOL, in that case, the breeder should put his foot down, and tell you NO rather than leaving it up to you...then allow you to visit and bond and get your fill of pre-spoiling the baby. (Which, IMO would be beneficial to you both anyhow.)

bdbmamaw · 11-06-2007, 10:00 AM

LOL! It is hard to wait. I did let one of mine go early (11 wks) once. But it was with my vets OK and it was under unusual circumstances and was going to a very responsible owner. (The new owner also used the same vet and he knew who it was going to.) But that's the earliest. There are soooo many things that could go wrong and they really, really need their mom, siblings and an experienced breeder who can detect any subtle hints of problems and knows how to take care of those needs.

But I really liked this thread. Most new owners feel the same as you, but at least you are honest enough to 'fess-up'. Hang in there, girl! The weeks will pass quicker than you think.

And congrats on your new baby!

Pics?????

Dark_Star · 11-06-2007, 10:25 AM

I'm afraid the "visit thing" is not going to happen, though... This breeder is roughly 160 miles away...

No, I'll just be very very patient...

scrapindee · 11-07-2007, 10:18 PM

In the long run, it will be better for the puppy to stay with the breeder until they are 12 weeks old.

scoobiedooiscoo · 11-08-2007, 05:38 AM

i got lacey at 8 weeks old and never had any problems,but i stay home 24/7 and do have other dogs that love to nurture. i think between those 2 thing is the reason she did so well, if i didnt have the other loving dogs that i knew would help nutrture and teach her i would have waited for sure. her breeder and i did alot of talking and i took a couple of trips to see lacey to make sure she was energetic and healthy enough to take early. i think if i would have picked out the male she had i would have agreed to not take him as early he just didnt seem as mentallly ready to leave momma. i know the part of the reason she let a couple go early was due to family illness/death.

YorkieRose · 11-08-2007, 05:41 AM

There are exceptions to every rule..in the case of a singleton, as a rule, they tend to be more bonded to humans early on..if the puppy is a decent size, vet checked and you will be home with it, you could go earlier then 12 wks...especially if the breeder has little time or desire to devote to this puppy, then I would take it as soon as I could.

BamaFan121s · 11-08-2007, 06:58 AM

Not really the case here, but still going along with the topic....

I think in general, I have a hard time understanding one of the reasons often given. "The mother wouldn't have anything to do with the pup anymore." Isn't this often the case when the female weans the pups?

Isn't that when the breeder should step in and make sure the pups are thriving, getting care, attention and progressing as they should be until they are old enough to be placed? Thoughts?

11-06-2007, 08:01 AM	#1
Dark_Star Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 48	A question for breeders... What's the lowest age at which a puppy can be taken away from it's mom without being affected too much ? Thank you!

11-06-2007, 08:45 AM	#5
BamaFan121s Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 11,432	Here is a sticky from the Breeder Section that breaks down the developmental stages by week for pups. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31003 Again, in many cases, pups brought home that age are fine, but in some, they are not. There have been studies indicating it is best to wait until they are older in addition to the advice of 12 weeks being the standard answer you will get from most long time, respected breeders. Doesn't that mean something? Is it really worth taking the risk? Last edited by BamaFan121s; 11-06-2007 at 08:46 AM.

11-06-2007, 09:23 AM	#7
BamaFan121s Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 11,432	IMO, if the breeder cannot devote the attention the pup needs to best suit it's needs because of other dogs or whatever reason, then it seems like he isn't exactly fulfilling his duties as a responsible breeder. What if it was a whole litter, not just one pup? Would the whole litter be lacking for the attention they needed? If there are other pups and dogs (that the pup should already be used to) then it should still be able to socialize with in place of littermates while remaining with the breeder, right? Seems to me like an excuse to offload the pup early. What about the other dog you have--was IT the only pup in THAT litter? Last edited by BamaFan121s; 11-06-2007 at 09:24 AM.

11-06-2007, 10:00 AM	#10
bdbmamaw Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 883	LOL! It is hard to wait. I did let one of mine go early (11 wks) once. But it was with my vets OK and it was under unusual circumstances and was going to a very responsible owner. (The new owner also used the same vet and he knew who it was going to.) But that's the earliest. There are soooo many things that could go wrong and they really, really need their mom, siblings and an experienced breeder who can detect any subtle hints of problems and knows how to take care of those needs. But I really liked this thread. Most new owners feel the same as you, but at least you are honest enough to 'fess-up'. Hang in there, girl! The weeks will pass quicker than you think. And congrats on your new baby! Pics????? __________________ MYLAN CONNOR PIXIE KERA SAMMIE

11-07-2007, 10:18 PM	#12
scrapindee Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Redlands Posts: 4,842 Blog Entries: 2	In the long run, it will be better for the puppy to stay with the breeder until they are 12 weeks old. __________________ Scrapindee--Team Furry & the Biewers www.houseofwags.com

11-06-2007, 08:05 AM	#2
BamaFan121s Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 11,432	They should remain with the mother and littermates (and breeder) until 12 weeks of age. I have let pups go at 11 weeks due to circumstances that I thought were favorable. I really cannot think of any good reason for them to be let go earlier. There are some people that have gotten pups much younger--some had no problems with this, some didn't. Those who didn't should consider themselves lucky.

11-06-2007, 08:05 AM	#3
Gazou YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 2,180	12 weeks old .

11-06-2007, 08:31 AM	#4
Dark_Star Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 48	How much earlier is "a lot earlier"? Bo was born on December 14th (3 years ago) and the breeder brought her to us on the following February 14th (more or less 9 weeks). There never seemed to be an issue. She's a happy, healthy, well balanced little critter... In fact, I don't even know what the potential issues could be? Anyone? Now, I'm getting a new yorkie from the same breeder (same mom too). She was born on September 16... and as much as I can't wait to welcome her, if I pick her up this weekend, she'll only be 8 weeks. So before I do that, I need to know what could be the problems...

11-06-2007, 09:10 AM	#6
Dark_Star Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 48	OK, here's the thing: she's an only pup...! She does not have littermates. And since I already have a yorkie, wouldn't that qualify as learning to socialize with other dogs or do they need to all be the same age, approximately? And what about socializing with people? I'm sure she'll be getting a LOT more attention from us than at the breeders. I'm not saying she's being neglected or anything... but he has other dogs and puppies and obviously, she won't be getting his undivided attention as she will with us. What I need to know, basically, is this: At this stage, is it the interaction with her littermates the major factor? The answer to that will greatly influence my decision. Of course, I will defer to your experience as breeders on the subject. Thank you again...

11-06-2007, 09:48 AM	#8
Dark_Star Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 48	No, no, it's not the breeder wanting to unload her early, I'm the problem here... It's only that I already love her and can't wait to hold her... I guess I'm just too impatient... but because I love her, I'll wait...

11-06-2007, 10:25 AM	#11
Dark_Star Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 48	I'm afraid the "visit thing" is not going to happen, though... This breeder is roughly 160 miles away... No, I'll just be very very patient...

11-08-2007, 05:38 AM	#13
scoobiedooiscoo Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 1,423	i got lacey at 8 weeks old and never had any problems,but i stay home 24/7 and do have other dogs that love to nurture. i think between those 2 thing is the reason she did so well, if i didnt have the other loving dogs that i knew would help nutrture and teach her i would have waited for sure. her breeder and i did alot of talking and i took a couple of trips to see lacey to make sure she was energetic and healthy enough to take early. i think if i would have picked out the male she had i would have agreed to not take him as early he just didnt seem as mentallly ready to leave momma. i know the part of the reason she let a couple go early was due to family illness/death. __________________ [url]http://www.dogster.com/dogs/585863

11-08-2007, 05:41 AM	#14
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	age There are exceptions to every rule..in the case of a singleton, as a rule, they tend to be more bonded to humans early on..if the puppy is a decent size, vet checked and you will be home with it, you could go earlier then 12 wks...especially if the breeder has little time or desire to devote to this puppy, then I would take it as soon as I could.

11-08-2007, 06:58 AM	#15
BamaFan121s Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 11,432	Not really the case here, but still going along with the topic.... I think in general, I have a hard time understanding one of the reasons often given. "The mother wouldn't have anything to do with the pup anymore." Isn't this often the case when the female weans the pups? Isn't that when the breeder should step in and make sure the pups are thriving, getting care, attention and progressing as they should be until they are old enough to be placed? Thoughts?