I am buying a Jack Russell terrier puppy (5 weeks aprox.) for my girlfriend (doesn't live with me by the way), I've already asked her parents and mine, i'm planning to give it to her on the 23rd December (24 and 25 are busy days). Since we're near the holidays, these puppies are running out fast, so I'm gonna buy it on the 7th, but my question is, should I take it home with me for him to get used to me (I visit her a lot so he will see me often) or should I let the vet hang on to it for me until the 23rd comes? People have recommended me to take it since it should get used to humans, but what if the day i take it to her house the dog has to get used again? After all, i'm only gonna hold on to it for like 2 weeks. (Answers with details please and recommendations, not just opinions)
2007-12-02 08:12:21 · 8 answers · asked by allowmm 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You did not say if the puppy was still with the mother or not. If so, the puppy should stay with its mother and siblings until it is weened, at approximately 7 - 8 weeks. If you take the puppy away before then, you may be creating more problems than solving your dilemma. The puppy will likely nurse on your fingers or things in your home, thus destroying them.
I have two Jack Russells myself. I picked out my puppy when she was just five days old and paid for her then. The breeder then kept her with her mother until she was fully weened, naturally. Why can't you do that? If the breeder won't agree to that, then they are not reputable. If it is a veterinarian with whom you are buying from, then they are just as bad; they should know the consequences.
However, if the puppy is no longer with the mother at five weeks, then you may want to take it home, but be ready for the feedings of formula (after all, you would become mom) and the other care taking. At that age, they are too young to be left alone for any extended amount of time.
I hope you and she are ready for the hyperactivity that a Jack Russell has. If you haven't already check out terrier.com for more information. As mentioned, i have 2 and walk them for about an hour each morning and then take them to a large field to play fetch in the evening. They need to get all that energy out!
Good luck!
2007-12-02 08:27:19 · answer #1 · answered by sindlouhoo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would take the puppy home. Boarding at a vet will cost money, probably a lot as it will be 2 weeks. The puppy will not get a lot of attention and socialization. If it is home with you, you can start house breaking and crate training. You will have a happier puppy who is used to people.
5 weeks is really too young for a puppy to leave it's mother. Many good breeders keep puppies to 10 weeks. It sounds like you are getting from a pet store or something similar. I would recommend finding a breeder or going to a shelter or rescue. A breeder should be willing to hold the puppy till AFTER Christmas for you.
You should wait till the 26th to give the puppy. If you are busy for the 24 and 25, then wait until things have calmed down to give the puppy.
2007-12-02 16:26:15 · answer #2 · answered by Kate M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Five weeks is really too young to separate a puppy from it's mother. Will the breeder allow you to pay for the puppy, and keep it for you until it's 8 weeks old? Myself, I wouldn't take it to the vet and have them keep it. A vet's office is like any other medical facility. Animals frequently come there because they are SICK. A puppy that young would have very little if any protection from disease, and being in a vet's office for 2 weeks would be just begging for it to pick up some sort of bug. I know they try to be as careful as possible, but they can't just put a bubble around your puppy to protect it. Really, if at all possible, I'd have the breeder hang on to it, preferably until after all of the holiday excitement is over. BTW....welcome to the world of jack russells....they're a hoot!
2007-12-02 16:19:29 · answer #3 · answered by twhrider 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The puppy will be too young to take from its mother at 5 weeks. Why not pay for it now and take it when it's 8 weeks old? Don't leave it at the vet's office, they'll leave it in a crate and won't start on it's house training and you'll end up with a pup that's okay with peeing in its crate. If these people are selling puppies at 5 weeks I'd give serious thought to whether or not you want to deal with them, I wouldn't. Whatever you do good luck.
2007-12-02 16:51:01 · answer #4 · answered by Little Ollie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually the age that the puppy can go is 6-8wks. I had gotten my German Shep puppy at 6 wks and he is 120 lbs, 5 years old and HEALTHY!! One, why not adopt a puppy that is in need of a home rather than spend alot of money, have you met the parents, do the breeders have a license, references, etc. CHeck out www.dogzfirst.com. They have puppies for adoption from11 wks to 6 mths. All shots done and they will be put down on 12/6 if no home is found due to the shelter is very overcrowded. Once is a Jack Russell mix, very small and CUTE!!!
2007-12-02 16:24:31 · answer #5 · answered by leggylegz1 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Never buy a Jack as gift. They require to much time and eneregy. You girlfriend need to make that choice. The rescues and shelters are full after Christmas when that quite little puppy pees and poops on the carpet. tears up the new clothes and requires lots of attention.
2007-12-05 19:06:37 · answer #6 · answered by renegadebuddhacoach 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That puppy is way too young!!!! A puppy should NEVER leave its parents before 8 weeks old. You will be facing a lot of socialization and health problems if you take it away from its mom this early. And it is a horrible breeder that would sell you a puppy so young.
2007-12-02 16:17:08 · answer #7 · answered by bettathang 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
a puppy shud not leave its mom until it is 8 weeks old, not 5!!! wat eva u do DONT get a 5 week old one!!!!
2007-12-02 16:21:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋