Why do puppies go the their homes at 8 weeks old?

[AllergicToNutters]

Just wondering as it seems there is quite a narrow optimum window. Does anyone know the reason for this timing?

Allergic, very glad you are going to give this shyster a wide birth, but can I ask, why do you feel you need to go to a breeder? Rescues, both independant and the 'big names' all have puppies too. Do you really need a pup? What about an older dog? Is there a certain breed you are looking for?

Would you consider a rescue pup?

LEveD - I am going through a breeder as that is what's been recommended. I want a Golden Retriever or Lab Retriever. As they are quite large dogs, I want a puppy so it does not overwhelm my 6yo son. I know pups are harder work and very boisterous, but I want to start from scratch. I know that Many Tears has rescue pups but they are all in Wales! Golden Retriever pups are never available. I am totally in support of rescues and the work they do but for me, I think a breeder is going to work best. I like the idea that you get lifelong support too - I know rescues offer this too however.

Allergic

That's terrible. Can you not report her to the breed club ? Reputable breeders should not be carrying on like this. It's only because people don't report and will buy pups that they get away with it.

What breed are you interested in, if you don't mind saying ?

Golden Retriever/ Golden lab. I have just had an email from my breeder and she now has a boy available as her couple today failed to turn up!!!! Am soooo excited! Fingers crossed i pass muster :-)))))

Have pm'ed you.

thanks MrsDeBe - have pm'd you back x

I don't know if the recommendations have changed recently, but I read a book about the development of puppies from birth and it advised that at 6 weeks of age the puppy is very sensitive to it's surroundings and for the next couple of weeks the environment it's exposed to will have a great impact on it's behaviour for the rest of it's life. For this reason it was better to have introduced loud noises and such before this stage or afterwards, not during. I suppose this is all about development of sensations. 8 weeks was considered a good time for rehoming.

However, it also went on to say that if rehoming didn't occur at 8 weeks, it was better for the puppy to wait until 12 weeks and have moderate socialisation (a step up from handling and introducing mild stress) beforehand as well as worming and the first vaccination (or both, can't remember) so that the puppy has time to let this go through it's system without the added stress of being rehomed.

I guess this is why breeders release at 8 weeks OR 12 weeks.

Allergic, I breed/show Golden Retrievers and would be interested to know who this breeder is and can also point you in the direction of a reputable breeder in your area if you like? (not sure where you are?) I should point out I do not have any litters planned myself, nor have I had one for almost 5 years.

I do wonder if the breeder, by saying the puppies are 'away from Mum' means that they have very limited access to her. This is very old fashioned, but some breeders still do it. I allow my bitches unlimited access to puppies, but after around 4 weeks they do spend less and less time with them and become easily irrittated by them. As a breastfeeding Mum, I can see how 10 large puppies all trying to get at your teats would be annoying to say the least!

In some cases, it is fine for puppies to leave for their new homes at 7 weeks. I have let puppies go at 7 1/2 weeks and like them to be gone by 8 1/2 weeks. I am always happy to keep one or two puppies longer by prior arrangement though, I am in no rush to 'get rid' of them. However, at around 8-9 weeks, puppies enter a 'fear stage' and so it's often easier for them to adjust if they move before that. Also, most socialisation needs to be done before 12-14 weeks of age. Prior to this age they are likely to accept new things and other dogs freely and after they are 'hard wired' to be more cautious of new things. You can carry your puppy and only mix it with vaccinated dogs if you want to be cautious, but I (and after discussion with my vet) do walk puppies in low risk areas after 8 weeks ish, it's good for recall training!

I think it's important that puppies don't leave too early, as this can equally lead to problems. Puppies that leave too soon tend to be a lot more mouthy than other puppies IME and I think the experience of the owner comes into it as well. A week can make a uge difference in the life of a puppy.

Breeders are not likely to be able to socialise a whole litter well enough, so it is not a good idea for them to keep the puppies until 12 weeks, although for some small toy breeds this is important.

As for vaccinations. I personally don't vaccinate puppies I breed. This has nothing to do with costs, but the fact that I prefer first vaccinations to be given at 9 weeks and second at 12. Also, as different vets use different vaccines, then sometimes if they have had their first vac they are told they need to start the course again at the new owners practice.

I'm sure I have seen Minimuu post that she likes ot get her pups at 6-7 weeks, but I could be wrong.

Your vet is taking the piss if he/she is telling you its a different vaccine its the same not different might have different names but its the same.

I dont release till 10 weeks. Mine get weaned at 3.5 weeks and mummy is allowed free access but usually she is done at 6-7 weeks. We wean earlier than other breeders cos of size and size of some litters we have one of the giant breeds.

The lass that is thinking of getting a dog shouldnt take them before 8 weeks as they need their littermates and mummy to learn the ropes. Then to learn that us humans are part of that when leaving. Also if looking for a pup go view as many as you can and find someone that is on call 24/7 and will tell you all about the breed warts and all not just the good bits.