[roseylovestosho]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

There are several reasons not to obtain your pup until 12 weeks at the earliest.

1. Vaccinations are not begun until 8-9 weeks of age. And given every 3 to 4 weeks. A minimum of 2 vaccinations should be given prior to leaving the breeders home.

2. Some pups are periodically nursing, although not full time. Usually full weaning is begun in earnest until approximately 8 weeks. So, therefore, a breeder won't allow a pup to go home until it is eating well on it's own. Reason is most pups go off food in an new enviornment for the first 24 hours. Hyperglycemia can occur. Changes in enviornment are stressful to new pups, they are better able to handle it if they are older.

3. Mother's do the majority of training between the ages of 8 and 12 weeks of age. A good breeder has much work cut out for them too. Socializing, potty training, getting them accustomed to grooming, etc.

4. 16 weeks of age for initial Bile Acid Testing (Liver Shunt) is the proper age. A good breeder will have completed this prior allowing a pup go to their forever home.

The above are just touching on why a pup should be kept until a minimum of 12 weeks of age.