[cj125]

Originally Posted by BamaFan121s

That's just going to have to remain a difference of opinion, I'm afraid, as most here, including the parent breed club see otherwise and believe that vital socialization skills are learned while with mom and littermates during the 8-12 week range. As far as it being normal for them to leave at 6 weeks, that's not even legal here in many states. Are you going to say that our parent club, vets and authorities know nothing? Should we all really get into a debate over who's country is more advanced in the areas of proper pet care, treatment and socialization? Silly, isn't it?

Honestly, the comparisons of UK vs US social norms that so frequently happens needs to be put to rest, on both sides. I get sick of reading comments that suggest we here in the US should make an effort to be more like the UK, and vice vs.

[quote=JeanieK;3084747]Since it is the NORM in the UK for puppies to leave their mothers at 6 to 8 weeks, you have nothing to compare it to.

But if you were to see the difference between one that was taken from it's mother at 6 to 8 weeks and one that was left until 10 to 12 weeks, you would realize that there is a huge dfference in their behavuior and confidence.

If you have ever watched a mother teach her puppies, you would understand, and it has been my experience from observing my mothers with their babies that the teaching doesn't even begin until 8 weeks.

Before that age the interaction between mom and babies is one of care taking. Once she has weaned them, she starts to teach them. It is so amazing to watch. If you have ever observed it you would understand.

She teaches them proper dog ettiquett, how to be a good pack member, and how to play nice.

Breeders who routinely let their puppies go at 6 to 8 weeks, cannot tell you this because they do not know this, because they have never seen it. n So they tell yhou that they will be fine.

The other aspect is that they are weaned between 6 to 8 weeks, so they are taken from their mothers and handed over to the new owner without gradually switching from mothers milk to dry kibble. Many of then don't even know what to do with kibble at that age.

This cause stress and upset stomachs and possibly hypoglycemia. Which in turn leads to the new owner hand feeding the puppy, which inturn, can lead to eating issues in the future..

So please, even though you say it worked well for you. Don't advocate to other people that they do the same. You have no idea how much better it could have been.[/QUOTE]

Good posts Misty & Jeanie!

Originally Posted by alyx

How on earth is it's mother going to introduce it to other people (including those in uniforms, in dresses, in trousers, in loud colours, short ones, tall ones, fat ones, thin ones, long haired, short haired, clean shaven, in groups, etc) traffic, the sea, the countryside, transport, etc, etc, etc? THATS'S socialisation and a dog's not going to get that being shut in a pen/crate/kennel with its mother.

Dogs do NOT suffer from leaving their mother at 8 weeks at all. Dogs leave their mother and littermates at that age in the UK all the time to absolutely no ill effect. Are you saying that all our vets, breeders, welfare organisations, etc, know nothing? The PDSA aren't even against them leaving at 6 weeks but I do think that's too young. Most of our vets run puppy parties so they can mix with each other before they're fully vaccinated.

Attacking everyone who gets a pup at 8 weeks is ridiculous and needless. We are all entitled to our opinions and mine is (and that of all our vets, etc) that there is nothing at all wrong with a puppy leaving at 8 weeks unless there are health issues.

Tilly's 10 weeks now and already is doing clicker training and has learnt sit. She also comes when she's called and is virtually housetrained. She also doesn't get nervous around other people so won't end up being yappy through nerves. She's not frightened of the sound of traffic and nothing at all has worried her so far. She loves going out in her pouch and being fussed by people. It does them no end of good and no harm at all. She's also happy to be left in her crate when we go out without her. Yes...she's mouthing still but that'll stop soon enough. The benefits she's received by coming to me at 8 weeks are tremendous. We're going to have a great family dog with no timidness or hang ups. She's already there. She's also fit, healthy, well wormed, well fed, vet checked and very happy. She's didn't miss her mother or siblings for one second. She's had no trauma and no stress. She's a fab little dog and she's already a very firm part of the family.

It really is no crime against nature to have a puppy at 8 weeks providing you're prepared to put the work in. Breeders over here expect their pups to be gone at 8 weeks and if they're not they start worrying about being lumbered with pups.

PLEASE READ #8 UNDER THE "CODE OF CONDUCT"...
Yorkshire Terrier Club of America Code of Ethics