I have read most of the posts , and I just thought I would tell you how I feel. As a breeder and show person , I feel like I want to do the very best job I can raising the puppies in my care. Believe me , from 8 weeks to 12 weeks there is a lot of work to do. Yes the easy way out is to send them out early and let the new families teach them and clean all the poop!!
But what worries me most is the health of the puppies. I want them to be with me when they get their first shot at 9 weeks. It is my job as a reputable breeder to take the responsibility to watch them closely . Just like human babies the shots can hurt and they may not want to eat. In a heart beat , they can go from good to being in a lot of trouble. They are here because I know what to do for them , I can see the signs early, my husband and I are here watching them.
The next three weeks , we play and teach the puppies , not to bite, and to play nice. They learn so much in the three weeks. Yes they eat well and yes they could go to their new homes , but it is their 12 week shot that I want them to have with me too. That is the shot that might bring on a reaction. Again, I want them with me , as they are my responsibility . I do not want the new families to deal with a sick puppy.
When the puppies leave our home I feel they are healthy and emotionally ready.
I know this from the calls I get, saying "I have the smartest puppy" or " my puppy slept through the night"
I think 12 weeks is the right age for the Yorkies, but that is just me. I believe I am a responsible breeder, and I will keep my puppies longer if needed . I do not breed for the money so I am in no hurry to get them out the door.
However, I do believe larger breed dogs should go to their new homes at or around 8 weeks, they are just stronger than our little toy dogs.
