Quote:
Originally Posted by MyPeanutAbbyGra  The breeder I'm getting my puppy from said that I could take her at 9-10 wks old. Should I insist that she keep her until she is 12 weeks old? I'm very new at this and eager to get my girl home to me, but not at the expense of her health. I've already lost one baby/dog/family member recently and I do not want to go through that again nor do I want my little girl to get less than absolute best start she can get.
I am home all day everyday, so I would be with her. Does that make a difference?
I'm sure the breeder would keep her a few more weeks if I insisted. |
This is from the YTCA:
8) All puppies leaving the breeders possession will be a minimum of twelve (12) weeks
of age to facilitate adequate socialization as well as appropriate emotional and
temperament development through interaction with siblings, dam and other dogs.
Puppies learn bite inhibition during this period from their mom and littermates. Many people who have gotten a puppy too young have had problems training their puppies not to bite.
Also, the fear imprint period occurs between 8-10 weeks. It's important to avoid stressful events like the first car trip, first vet visit, etc. Traumatic, frightening or painful situations during this period tend to leave a lasting impression.