It is sooooooo hard to continually see this happening....I know they say large breed dogs can be separated earlier than 12-14 weeks....while getting a puppy 6-8 weeks of age MAY not be the death of that baby, there are several things that "Jon Q Citizen" just does not know....(1) A breeder starts to vaccinate puppies at 8-10 weeks of age...when a breeder lets a puppy go at 6-12 weeks, the breeder is avoiding the expense of giving the vaccinations. They are NOT letting that baby go to you at 6 weeks old because they love you and want to make you happy....the breeder is simply increasing her profit margin!. (2) Puppies 6-10 weeks of age are fragile and this is when they start getting "sick"...they do not handle stress well at that age, and weaning, all the new experiences they are going to encounter cause an enormous amount of stress, so the first thing that happens when you get baby home, DIARRHEA AND NOT EATING!!! Being with momma and familiar surroundings during weaning helps this baby develop a sense of stability and security....but, if the breeder does not have to deal with diarrhea, dehydration, and a vet visit, there again, increased profit margin....she makes you think you will be such a wonderful loving parent, she will allow you to have this precious baby because the breeder thinks you are super....NOT!! She is avoiding that vet bill! I have an 11 week old baby right now that is going to her new owner soon....this baby will go to her new family and she will not be an emergency vet visit on these people because the baby was separated too early and can not stand the stress. She will not have to be vaccinated, because I have paid for all that, so I can watch my baby and how she reacts to vaccinations...if this baby is destined to have a fatal reaction to a vaccination, it will be on ME, not on some adoring new owner who is absolutely gushing with excitment and love for this new little soul. This baby is weaning from momma to kibble...she does not nurse for milk any longer, but momma allows her to suckle at night as they go to sleep....I think this is vital to stabilizing this babys security and confidence for its lifetime....this week will be very stressful on baby becuuse we will be prolonging separation from momma....from most of the day, to include night time....this is going to be stressful for baby, but it will be on ME to help the baby adjust, NOT the new owner.... So when your breeder "is gracious enough" to let you have your puppy at 6-12 weeks of age, dont think it is because she thinks so highly of you and your skills....she is avoiding the cost of keeping that baby an additional 6 weeks, regardless of what is best for the baby. Do you REALLY want to deal with a breeder that cares so little for her babies welfare? It should be all about the puppies, not what a breeder can clear $$$ off a litter she lets go early rather than later....she is not doing you or the baby any favors by letting you take your baby home early. |