When buying a puppy, how many weeks old should I expect the price to drop?

Question

Over 16 weeks old? Are there disadvantages to getting an older puppy (over 16 weeks old) - like bad behavior already established or we missed the cute puppy stage?

Answer 1

Generally I charge slightly more for an older puppy because:

1. I probably held on to it for that long because I was looking at training it as a Service Dog.. so it is already a better dog structurally and mentally than the average pup

2. Its already housetrained, trained to sit and come when called.

3. Its had all its shots

4. I was looking for the perfect home for it... and if you have to quibble about price, you cannot afford a dog or the potential vet bills.

5. Both of my breeds are puppies for a VERY long time.. while they may no longer be small puppies they still are mentally babies.

Answer 2

A lot of bad puppy behavior is corrected by their mother and littermates. I would be more concerned about a puppy taken away too young as they tend to have more social problems. In my experience most grown dogs learn quickly in a new situation what is expected of them and try to please you.You should be fine if you get your pup right into a routine as you would any pup. My 1st dog was 4 months when I got her and she was the best trained dog I ever had. So I guess it will partially depend on how she is being raised so far.I would also think at this point the seller may lower the price before the puppy gets to old to sell if they arent planning on keeping it. Than again I think the pups shots should be completed so that is an expense you shouldnt have to pay.

edit-my mistake,they are right! Price reductions usually occur in puppy stores and you should think hard about that. Unfortunately if thats the case the puppy has probably spent the last 2 months in a cage and could very likely end up w/ social issues aside from the fact its probably a mill dog that will have health problems as well.

Answer 3

The price only drops if the there are reasons. Many good breeders may keep a puppy that shows potential. If at a certain point, it no longer seems to have that potential, they may then sell it. Generally if I do this, the price is the same as it was before. You also get the added savings of more vet care,wormings, and vaccines. The disadvantage is that if the pup lacked socialization, there could be problems.
If the pup in question was never sold because it was the "runt" or some other PROBLEM, the price could be lower...however, that carries it's own risks.

Answer 4

Why would the price drop?? If the dog is a well bred dog, quality breeding, raised well, vaccinations the whole deal.. It's just the same dog at 10 weeks that he is at 16 weeks, only he has some training now, and is getting housetrained likely.. Had more time w/ mom... Why would he be cheaper?? Why would he have bad behaviour?? If you are buying the dog thinking that the breeder is just leaving the puppy to grow up and not doing anything with him... Then you have chosen the wrong breeder.. If I have a puppy here longer, I teach him to sit, lay down, I get him all housetrained.. Get his vaccinations all finished up.. He would be treated like one of my own dogs.. He is actually more valuable as he is leaving that puppy thing and has a good start on training etc..

Answer 5

Unless someone is going out of the breeding business, you may not find a price reduc. It would depend on the way the pup is living right now, as to his behavior, somewhat anyway. And at that age, he might already be well on the way to being house broken. And of course dont forget about the cute puppy stage of chewing ur house apart, lol

Answer 6

According to decades of clinical study, the best time to adopt a puppy is at 49 days. At that point, the puppy is starting to bond with whoever it is around. From 7 weeks to 12 weeks is the best time to socialize puppies with people, so they will be calm and secure when they are adults. After all 3 sets of shots, the best time to socialize with other dogs is before 16 weeks.

At 16 -20 weeks, puppies start to lose their baby teeth, and may be teething. It is best to teach Bite Inhibition before this stage.

Also, the best time for training, for teaching "come", and teaching to walk calmly on a leash is before 10 weeks.


These things are possible after 16 weeks, but take much more expertise and a lot more time.

Answer 7

We got our puppy at about 16 weeks and we got our 3 cats at 16 weeks and I can say that every animal is different but they are still young enough to train but I have to admit I really did miss the baby stage.

Answer 8

What the ****?!

Let's see. We'll assume the puppy is now 52 weeks old. He's now house broke, has basic manners for both home and away and while traveling. Can travel comfortably in a crate or on the seat, in a boat, car or airplane. He can heel, come, sit, down, stand and stay, both on and off leash in areas of reasonable distractions. He's probably pointed (if not finished) ready to title, maybe even already titled (CD) ... and you want to know if the price has 'dropped?'

You're kidding, right?!

Answer 9

Uhhhh - stop right there. This seems like a bizarre situation to me. Where are you geting this puppy from?
I ask because responsible breeders don't have blue light specials on puppies. I would think very, very carefully about the people who have got the pup. What's their story?

Answer 10

The price is really cheap if you adopt from your local shelter, usually dogs "bought" come from puppy mills and from poor living conditions and usually are very sick. So if you buy from a pet store you will pay thousands to get him better, because he will be sick, GTD.

The shelter has all kinds of dogs, with shots and fixed who need a good home.

Sad to think none of you are smart enough to know that and stupid enough to waste your money buying one. Don't you ever read the newspaper or watch anything about stuff like this? I wonder what this world is comming too. Sad for the animals left to die at the shelter. And it's your fault.