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Originally Posted by deonk1  Welcome and Congrats!
I just wanted to let you know that some of the previous posters are right in a sense about the 12 week time when pups are supposed to come home, that being said mine came home at 9 weeks too and he's fine. BUT that's because of a few things.
My breeder assured that they were socialized with the other litters at the same time (she had 3 in total), and she gave each pup one-on-one time with momma every day to learn how to play and bitting is a no no. If you're breeder didn't have such a socialization ritual, you need to create that for your baby. There are some posts on here, as well as great books I recommend "My Smart Puppy" as a good place to start, also I'm reading some books by Jean Donaldson who is pretty good too.
Socialization is also the key, but until the second set of shots comes in you shouldn't do too much. If you know for certain you have a doggie friend who has not been exposed to parvo or other contageous diseases and is UTD on shots, then you may be able to let them play, but avoid high traffic areas like pet stores you never know what germs are there. As soon as all the shots are done, and the vet ok's socialization make sure she meets lots of dogs.
I also recommend having a look at health and diet forum, there is a sticky on premium foods, science diet does not fall into that category, and your baby will be a lot healthier if you find a food on that list.
If she likes cat food, (which she can't have), first try getting her on a quality kibble (I use Now!) then supplement with something called Trippet, google it... it's wet food, it's not meant to be fed alone, only as a supplement. it smells disgusting but boy they eat it up.... it gives them just that extra bit of meat in thier diet, and it's super healthy.
Best of luck, keep up posted. |
There is more to socialization and the dam is the one that does it. We as humans, unless we are versed in canine behavior can't.
No reputable breeder will allow a pup to go home until a minimum of 12 weeks, a minimum of 2 innoculations. There is a reason for this. We want to insure that everything is stable and we make the transition to the new family without any problems.
In addition if a pup is to be bile acid tested for LS it should not go home until 16 weeks. As Bile Acid testing is done at 16 weeks and again at 6 months of age.