[horsnaround]

Okay good thread. I didn't consider myself a backyard breeder. ( but guess in yt eyes I was). No I did not do all the genetic testing that I have now learned I should have. Yes I had a great vet on my side and discussed with him when to breed on which days etc.... I also had a lady that had worked around another yorkie breeder locally. Actually where I got my first yorkie many years ago. That being said. My goal was to have 3 litters spay momma keep one pup and have 3 litters etc.... Lexi had big litters I remember being so scared when the 7 th pup came that no way she could raise all these pups. But she did three times. She spent a lot of time with them at first but by week six not much at all. These pups got out of the pen several times a day and played with my other dogs. Closely supervised. But by eight weeks were eating great. Every buyer came to my house and I met with them and knew the situation. Heck some came every week after birth. I encouraged them to bring other dogs (small) into my home to see what they would think of a puppy. Now from this site maybe not a good idea. I always said they have to be current on shots and flea protection. I loved these pups I put packets together explaining all that could go wrong and what to do with a young pup if it did. They had been seen by my vet twice appropriate shots given. Every pup went home with a care package. And a blanket that smelled like the litter mates. Said call me anytime with any questions. AKC registration. And asked if they planned on breeding them. And suggested strongly not to. I did make a spay neuter contract with the last litter. I live in a rural community almost every pup went home at 8 weeks a few stayed longer. The first litter I know 6 to this day still doing well. I send happy birthday emails. And usually will here back. The second litter I lost contact with 2 after a year. The last litter I keep in touch with all 7. One pup out of the last litter had to have surgery on a hip due to growing to fast. I called her legs. Her name is Bella know. She is doing wonderful a year later. Bottom line due to this site and watching many videos on puppy mills. The female I kept back is spayed. Also I sold most of my pups very cheap according to this site. But I know they have great homes and tell any of them I would take the pups ( guess dogs) at this point anytime. I also have people who have one of my pups say if anyone needs to re home one of the others they would love to have it. So in my eyes success at this point. In others maybe not so much. And who knows if down the line it will be a different story. The oldest will just be 4 very soon. That being said I go back and forth about 8 to 12 week take home. Yes I believe 12 weeks with someone who knows what to watch for is much safer for the pup. And so sad for the member on this board who just lost her pup. ( been way to many). I say get to know your breeder well before ever taking a pup from them. You need to have another person to go to for questions.
Okay sorry this got so long