OK I have been wondering if I should feel bad about getting a puppy when it's only 6 weeks old? Because every time I ask a question about him someone says something like "It's illegal to have a puppy when it's 6 weeks old." People make it sound mean, like I am an irresponsible owner, which is not true. So should I feel bad for adopting a 6 week old puppy, the breeder said it was fine, but other people don't, Please give me your opinion?
2007-06-26 08:25:48 · 18 answers · asked by ? 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Thank you Jesslyn848
2007-06-26 08:29:31 · update #1
See my avatar?
That's my puppy, Bandit, Mini Dachshund
2007-06-26 08:31:29 · update #2
BTW My puppy is still with half his puppy family, we are puppy sitting his brother until the breeder comes back on Saturday. (There were only 2 puppies in the litter)
2007-06-26 08:33:55 · update #3
DBTW (Double By The Way) I had met Bandit before we adopted him. So his scent was already, the funny part is if we go outside and put them on the sidewalk and call them they follow. And they are fine so far.
2007-06-26 08:41:39 · update #4
TBTW The breeder is a family friend
2007-06-26 09:07:04 · update #5
8-10 weeks is best; I'd have to question how reliable or responsible the breeder was, who lets a pup go that young. Makes us wonder whether they put the welfare of the pups or the size of their checkbook, first.
HOWEVER that being said you already have the pup and sometimes there are circumstances that mean pups must leave their moms at an earlier age; in those cases you need to make the best of it and I agree you need straight answers.
2007-06-26 08:31:43 · answer #1 · answered by Karen W 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
The breeder of my dogs usually holds them until they are 10 weeks old. One of them was 12 weeks because he was very tiny. I did get one at 6 weeks simply because the breeder (who is a close family friend) lives alone got very ill. In fact I took mom and the pups as fosters but I still feel this may have had some effect on them as they had to be moved from the place they were familiar with and from their "Daddy Jim" Snickers is still a little immature at 14 months. My other 3 are all from the same breeding so I know it was nothing to do with that.
Years ago many pups would go at 6 weeks, but now some places it is illegal to sell them before 8 weeks.
It's not your fault the puppy went so young it's the breeder. You only know what he told you was okay. You're not a bad person, but I would say he's not the best of breeders.
2007-06-26 16:01:40 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. P's Person 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Here in GA its not illegal to own a 6 week puppy, but at the shelter i work out we make sure puppies and kittens are two pounds and 8 weeks because at that time they have a healthy immune system. six weeks should be ok tho if you're keeping bandit, inside 99% of the time and away form other dogs for a while.
Congrats on your new puppy
2007-06-26 15:34:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A lot of breeders sell them when there 6 weeks, but a good age to take away from there mothers in 8-10 weeks so they can learn all the basics of being a dog.
2007-06-26 15:54:59 · answer #4 · answered by Mikayla 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The longer the dog stays with its mother, the better. Our dog was abandoned at 6 weeks, and as a result has a tendency to bite-- bite inhibition is one of the many things a pup learns from its mother.
I am shocked that your breeder says it's OK to let you take your 6wk old pup home. A responsible breeder would tell you that 8-9 weeks is the earliest. You are certainly not an irresponsible owner, it sounds more like you have found an irresponsible breeder!
2007-06-26 15:29:33 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 10⤊ 0⤋
I got my puppy when she was 5 weeks old. The person that sold her to me had her and her brothers and sisters in a barrel outside all of the time away from their mother. she seemed weak and sort of sick so I had no problem in taking her and giving her the best care. She is now 3 years old and the best dog. She is so loving and truely believes that I am her mother since i took care of her when she was so young. If you want a puppy that young go ahead aslong as you take good care of it. Have fun cause puppies are a handful, but worth every min.!
2007-06-26 15:31:13 · answer #6 · answered by amy00 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
You have nothing to feel bad about. You got a puppy and you are taking care of it. The puppy has a good home and that is what counts the most.
2007-06-26 15:42:23 · answer #7 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hello there
with all respect, 7-8 weeks with the litter is a minimum :)
The pup never gains proper social skills :)All you can do is to be your pups best mom from now on :)
Try some reading, or perhaps a dvd :)
Nothing is lost :)))) and Best of luck!!!
2007-06-26 15:57:16 · answer #8 · answered by Rahaaa 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
even akc says not to get rid of until 7 weeks.
I live n Virginia,USA and it's law that they stay with mom until 7 weeks.
It's at teh age of 6-8 weeks that the mom and siblings would teach them doggie manners like biting.
Also a lot of time there is more anxiety when gotten at 6 weeks
2007-06-26 15:54:19 · answer #9 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry what others say, even though you really should wait till 8 weeks. Just take really good care of your new puppy, and make sure he gets all the nutrients he needs. Congratulations on your new addition.
2007-06-26 15:31:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋