Downsides of getting a puppy at ONLY 5 weeks old?

Question

I know my standard around here is 8 weeks, and I've heard that they need those 8 weeks to learn alot from their mother and siblings.

It turns out that a breeder by me had pick of the litter from a breeding she studded. She received the puppy today at ONLY 4 weeks. I want to buy the puppy, but am afraid that being away from both the mother and siblings and the mothers milk are a big problem... am i right?!!!!

She is telling me I can have the puppy at 7 weeks.

Please help!!!

Answer 1

You are very wise to be concerned. I dont know where you are but in my state it is against the law to sell a pup before 8 weeks of age. 4 weeks old is very young and should not be taken from it's mother at all. The pup needs the mothers milk to grow strong and get all that mothers milk has to offer to the pup and to be taught many things by the mom and the other pups. 7 weeks isn't bad but check into if it is legal to sell a pup at that age in the state your in.

I rarely sold my pups befor 10 weks of age because I was a resposible breeder. I know how important it is for the pups to have the very best start in life and in their new home. Also check with her as to how many shots she planns of giving the pup and how many times she is going to worm the pup. After picking the pup up maybe your next stop should be at your vets for a complete check up.

Answer 2

There isn't much you can do about it, and maybe it is a really nice dog and is worth it. However, I would find someone's opinion on pick of the litter VERY suspect, who took their puppies away from the mother at 4 weeks. That is TOTALLY ridiculous. It sounds like the owner of the mother is, best case scenario, a borderline puppy mill. The puppy needs that time to learn how to "be a dog" per se. The mother and the siblings need to be there to teach the puppy these lessons. Puppies removed from the mother and litter too early suffer from a lack of proper socialization during their sensitive period, and I personally believe that they still need milk at that point. (I am aware that they do eat solid food as well, but any animal taken off of milk too soon has a tendency to have stunted growth and health problems throughout life).

Obviously, my outrage at this is only if the puppies were removed for mere convenience. If there was a health issue preceding this, then that is completely understandable.

Answer 3

The puppy in question should NEVER be taken away from mother or siblings at 4 weeks. Even if already weaned on solid food, a puppy needs to learn from mum and siblings how to 'be a dog'! The breeder may be putting a lot of care and love into rearing such a young pup, but it would be irresponssible of her to offer it to you at 7 weeks of age unless you had lots of experience with puppies and dogs in general who have been taken away from their litter at such a young age.
Having said this, your concern is commendable, and you could be just the right person for the pup's re-homing as long as you are patient, understanding and loving towards it's particular needs and situation. In other words, maybe it's better off with you than ending up with someone who knows little or doesn't bother to ask for advice or help as you did!

Answer 4

DO NOT accept this puppy. Most likely, it will suffer from malnutrition and other problems because it's not physically able to be away from it's mother that early. You have to understand that a week (because you are taking the dog at 7 weeks) is a long time in a puppy's life. Just look at how much puppies grow in one week. It's really scary that this person is willing to let you have the dog early because if she was a reputable breeder, she would understand this concept. I would suggest looking elsewhere. Even if you are in love with this dog, it's better to have a healthy, happy puppy than one that is not going to live very long and may potentially cost you thousands at the vet.

Answer 5

You are right. You should buy the puppy at 8 weeks. This is better for the dog, and you. It gives you time to think about what your getting into and plan for it. Research about vets, training classes, etc. You need time to get ready before you buy it. Also, visit the breeder multiple times and choose a puppy out ahead of time and bond with it early in it's life so it feels more comfortable when it goes to your house. Wait till the dog is 8 weeks old, not 7. It couldn't hurt to give it more time with it's mother, but it might hurt to take it away too early. Better be safe then sorry.

Answer 6

Yes, in some states it is illegal to offer for sale any puppy or kitten for sale that is under the age of 8 wks.

Any breeder that would allow ANYONE to take a puppy away from its mother at 4 wks (pick of litter or not) is not a responsible breeder.

7 wks isn't too bad, and if you insist on buying this puppy, but everything in writing, and get a health guarantee, take it to the vet the day you get it! that way if there is something wrong, take it back.

Answer 7

the puppy will not be socialized properly and behavior problems are just the start.,
the puppy has had no shots , and the mothers milk will void the shot anyhow for now .
The puppy can pick up anything from parvo to distemper to a really bad case of parasites taking over the pups digestive tract.
A bad case of giardia or coccidia could kill your puppy before it even had a chance, not to mention the vet bills you will incur
IT IS ILLEGAL TO SELL A PUPPY BEFORE 8 WEEKS OF AGE FOR A REASON!
Run from this unscrupulous breeder only looking to make fast money

Answer 8

Dogs that do not get enough time with the parents and siblings can have behavior problems. They don't learn to "play bite", by their moms reprimanding them while playing. They also can suffer from seperation anxiety. I have also seen that they tend to be harder to house train.
I would steer clear of this particular puppy and get one that has had the proper time and nouishment from the begining.

Answer 9

I believe it is even illegal to sell the dog before it is 8 weeks, you should wait