We're going to look at a puppy on Sunday!!!! But I do have a question!

[mum2seb]

I'm VERY excited!!!! The Lakeland Terrier society contacted me, saying that there was a breeder not too far away with 2 puppies (a dog and a bitch). I'm wondering, though - the puppies are 4 months - should I be worried that they obviously haven't sold them yet? I'm going to phone the breeders back later with some questions - do I ask them about why they still have the puppies? Is it a good idea to get 4 month old pups? (I'm only getting one, by the way!! Hopefully the dog - if it's a good family fit!!). I'm all nervous now!! Any advice gratefully accepted!!

I am not an expert in any way shape or form.

But personally, the breeders keeping the puppies for 4 months sounds like a good idea. It will hopefully mean that they have been properly weaned, with their mother, rather than moved on asap.

but it may be that they have returned for some reason (it doesn't have to be a show-stopper lol, the family may have split up/ had to move suddenly or something unrelated to the puppies) better to ask though x

i don't know why people perpetuate breeding dogs

NCDL plenty of dogs need homes

Hard to say really - I know pups aren't selling as well due to the recession. It may also be that hte people choosing before you were looking for dogs to show and the remaining ones have some small imperfections which would rule them out for that. You'll just need to ask.

Also, due to their having been kept so long they may not be well-socialised so you'll need to ask lots of questions about what they have seen/done so far. This is important because there's a window (roughly between 10 and 16 weeks old) when pups should see and do lots of different things in order to prevent them being scared by them later in life (this is what puppy socialisation is all about). If they haven't seen or done much then that, coupled with the fairly strong minded attitude which some terriers have, could be problematic.

I'd be looking for them to approach me confidently and inquisitively, to give up their toys to you easily, and to be happy being handled. If they show any signs of fear I'd steer well clear.

Best of luck x

Thanks, I'm phoning them tonight, so I'll ask!

Well, I've spoken to the breeder again (he probably thinks I'm some mad woman!), and he says that it was originally a litter of 3 - one was sold locally, and they just haven't had any interest in the other 2. The puppies are out all day with their mum, and haven't been in a car yet for much distance at all. There are some other adult dogs around that they socailise with (grandparents and great grandparents, as well as some other older siblings). I suppose this means they've not had much contact with other breed dogs! He says they're friendly, mad puppies, but I suppose he would say that, wouldn't he?!

Well, I've arranged to go and look at them on Sunday, and we'll see. If they don't feel right, I won't get one. I SHALL be sensible! I don't need a nightmare dog to deal with!

The chances are this puppy will need extra help in dealing with people, given that it has only really been in the company of other dogs. It also hasn't been in a house so won't have experienced everyday noises (hoovers etc) or goings on.

tbh it would not be my first choice, especially if you are a novice owner, but best of luck.

we got our puppy when he was 4 months,which is a bit older than we wanted,there were 3 in his litter,and the farmer hadnt bothered advertising them,his parents took one and he still had 2 left,
the only problem we had was that he really pined for his other doggy friends(he had the other pup from the litter,his mum,his dad and another farm dog with him)after a week he was fine,but the first few days were a bit sad,the kids wanted him to play and he wasnt having any lol,
he is great now though,and im glad his age didnt put us off,