9 weeks old - abit late to take puppy home?

[iloverhubarbcrumble]

We chose our springer puppy yesterday, at 4 weeks old. A busy, noisy household with small girls, puppies well used to being handled already. We had a choice of two: one very inquistive sniffer with less interest in us (Dora the Explorer), the other more placid and happy sitting in our laps (now Lola). We chose Lola - we'd have loved either, but decided with ESS, quiet at this stage might suit us better as a pet! Of course she might just have felt abit sleepy..

Anyway, sitting here reading Perfect Puppy book, which is definite that 7 weeks is ideal to bring your puppy home. We will get Lola at 9 weeks - it's not a major deal is it? Some people have said even later is better. I know socialisation is the issue. Any thoughts? And thank you.

Decided not to hijack kid's thread, but kid, especially if Teddy is a springer, I'm in this with you! We'll have our pup one week before you! I was so sorry to hear about Moby, so this is lovely to hear.

erm i think as long as less than 12 weeks for socialising with kids.

We got our puppy at 9 and a half weeks (prebooked holiday when he was 8 weeks) - the breeder was a friend and has children, puppies kept in the house with lots of people and other dogs coming and going. We house and dog-sat for them when the puppies were six weeks old. Our dog (now nearly two) is extremely well-socialised with both people and other dogs.

hi iloverhubarbcrumble, how exciting for you to be getting a Springer too. (Yes, Teddy is a Springer) Thank you for your thoughts on Moby. He is still greatly missed by us and I hope that Teddy will help us overcome our sadness. Its much easier to cope with him no longer being here, but I still feel so sad that it happened to him. He certainly opened my eyes and heart to Springer Spaniels.

I heard that at 8 weeks old, pups don't deal with change too well so they recommend getting them at 7 weeks. Not sure if 9 weeks would be better than 8 tbh. How come you can't get your pup till 9 weeks anyway?

Mine will be 11 weeks by the time we pick him up on the 21st/22nd August, really wish we could get him sooner but our holiday is all booked so I am happy for him to stay with breeder and mum until we can get him.

Teddy is living with his mum, litter mates and another family dog. His litter mates will begin to leave for their new homes at 7 weeks. When we collect Teddy, there will be 2 pups left behind. One is going the day after we collect him and the other is being kept by the family.

I hope you have some photos of your pup. I wonder what area you are in? Would be great to meet up with our pups

9 weeks is absolutely fine to come on to a new home - you will have no problems with 9 wks vs 7 weeks, and remember the pup will still be socialising with other pups and mum (at least) in that time too so learning some important lessons in that time. Still plenty of time for getting used to you all and fitting in at 9 weeks old.

Thanks all - I feel reassured. Great to get some good experienced comments. Have to admit part of the reason for the post is a desire to go on about the puppy.. feels great we are going ahead after (years of) waiting for the right time.

Kid we are in kingston - you? Would be amusing if you were down the road! We on hols the week before, breeder v happy to have her till we're ready.

I'm in London.
I've added another photo of Teddy aged 5 weeks.

I had to wait for 2 weeks to get permission from my HA, I waan't happy having to wait but at least they agreed which was a huge relief.

Moby was very special to me, I don't know how I am going to feel about this pup. I am hoping I can still bond with him without the fear of losing him too. I don't see why I would allow that to happen, I love him so much already and have only met him once!