is 6 weeks to young?

Question

my friends dog had puppies they are a pomeranien and rat terrier mix....he said he can give me a puppy once its 6 weeks old but im worried that it might be to early to give it to me.

Answer 1

Well, most vets would prefer 8 weeks and that is generally considered by all to be better since it gives the puppies a chance to be completely weened and also it does seem that sometimes they adjust better when they are taken a bit later.

However, if he is bound and determined to give it to you at 6 weeks it should be OK but you want to MAKE SURE to take it to a vet RIGHT AWAY to make sure it is healthy etc...

If you can get him to wait till 8 weeks it will be better all round but 6 is OK and there should be no need to worry too much.

(I will say this, as far as poddy training goes, I have always found it easier (my own dogs and others) to train a dog that was left with its mother (who was also poddy trained) longer, it seems that maybe the mother teaches them A LOT in those few short weeks).

Answer 2

Yes, six weeks is too young. Dogs learn a lot from being around their litter mates and mother; it's not just a case of them being able to eat & survive. Mother dogs & littermates help to teach many inportant socialization skills, such as bite inhibition. It is proven that a dog taken away from it's "birth family" too early can be excessively bitey, as they haven't been taught that biting hurts. As well, depending on it's personality, a dog can become severely shy or agressive (while they seem like opposite traits, they are both related to fear). There is a time called the "fear imprint" period, as well, around 6-9 weeks- major changes during this time, or any sort of traumatic incident could cause behavioural problems in a dog that could last a lifetime.

As well, a puppy's immune system isn't very strong, and they haven't been able to get all of their booster shots by that age - I thinkthere's only one they get by 6 weeks. By sending them out into the world, around other dogs and situations, you could be exposing them to diseases and illnesses that they aren't equipped to handle yet. Small dogs are even more important to protect, as they are generally weaker than their larger counterparts.

A good breeder, or even a compassionate "accidental" breeder, would not want to risk their puppies' lives just to get them out the door sooner. If your friend insists on getting rid of the puppies at such an early age, I would be concerned about the other aspects of their care - have they/their mother seen a vet? Are possible health or genetic issues known?

Answer 3

You are right, 6 weeks is too young for a puppy to be taken away from its mother. The interaction they get with their littermates during 6-8 weeks is crucial. They learn social skills and the beginnings of bite inhibition. Dogs who are homed at 8 or 9 weeks in general are healthier and, with continued socialization at their new home, grow up to be more confident adults.

Honestly, I would hesitate to get a puppy from someone who is willing to give away puppies at 6 weeks.

Answer 4

I'd say 8 weeks minimum; however I would consider the breeder first.

One of my dobes came from a fantastic breeder - she wouldn't let me have the dog until about 11 weeks, and I was worried - falling into the wives tale that you had to get the dog at 6-8 weeks. However - this pup was so well socialized (she took the puppies everywhere agility trials, etc), very adept at doggie language (from remaining with her litter and mom to learn it) and practically crate trained and house trained. So - if she's a wonderful breeder - leave it there - if not - take it and do a proper job yourself.

Answer 5

yes...6wks is too young. the puppies need to be 8-10wks before leaving their mom. So, I would wait another 2-4 weeks before taking the dog. My dogs that I have wouldn't allow them to go to homes until they were 10wks old. The breeder preffered this because then they knew they were ok and were healthy enough and ready to be away from their mom. Good luck.

Answer 6

Dear Lola.....
PLEASE WAIT UNTIL THE PUPPY IS AT LESST 8 WEEKS OLD! We bought a puppy when it was 6 weeks old, and a week later it was put to sleep, because it was not weaned yet, and puppy food got it ill. So i advise you to wait two more weeks.

Answer 7

Eight weeks is ideal, but if it's weened it should be OK. Remember however the younger you get the pup the harder to house break and the less likely it is that he will sleep through out the night.

Answer 8

Six weeks is a lottle young.
The loner they are with momma and the rest of the litter the better social skills they will have.
Once weaned they learn how to behave around other dogs by interacting with the littermates and the mom.
I like to have them with mom for at least 8 weeks

Answer 9

Puppies ideally should remain with the mother until 8-12 weeks of age to be fully weaned and mom will start showing them pottying. My puppy had to come at 4 weeks old (Mom got very ill and they needed to separate pups from Mom) and while she didn't have separation anxiety, house training is proving to take more time and she had to be bottle fed for the first couple of weeks. Puppies should receive mom's milk or a goat's milk formula alternative until 12 weeks of age to aid in develop of bones, digestive system, and brain.

Answer 10

Eight weeks old is better. The mother will be more willing to let them go. She should be pretty well finished weaning them by then. Also the pups should not have any behavior problems. GOD BLESS YOU!