Quote:
Originally Posted by xsupergirl  Hello all,
I will be adopting a YorkiePoo this Saturday, He is 7 weeks old (I understand that that is young but the breeder has certain circumstances)
I just had a few questions since this will be my first puppy!
1. Being that the puppy is between 6-7 weeks old are there any specific things I should do so that the puppy does not lose skills that it would gain from their mother for those additional 2 weeks? (I read a lot about this online and honestly it's scaring me that by getting the puppy so early I may be a determinate to his health)
2. I work from 9-4 PM everyday and occasionally I'll either work later in the am (10 am) or work from home - Is it okay to leave the puppy in a crate which is connected to a xpen for them to play in? Any advice on this?
3. What type of foods should I be feeding it?
4. Any tips for potty training?
Honestly anything would help! I've been on the internet and reading puppy books for the past week, I just want to make sure that I am ready for this puppy.
Thank you! |
1. There are hundreds of skills the mom would have taught the puppy had the puppy been allowed to stay with the mother for the appropriate length of time. Your puppy could suffer from a number of issues including, but not restricted to, separation anxiety. Be prepared - this is not an easy condition to deal with and I speak from experience.
2. In no way is it okay to leave a YT puppy @ 7 weeks old all alone for this long. There are too many things which could happen, including hypoglycaemia, which is life threatening.
3. Is the puppy even weaned yet? My YT was not fully weaned until over 10 weeks of age. I think you should seek vet advice re: this.
4. 7 weeks is way too early to consider potty training.
For the record, I disagree that the responses here have been harsh. They have been realistic. I think that, whatever the circumstances are which led to the breeder releasing the puppy this early, you would be better to not replicate the rashness of taking this puppy from its mother without understanding the repercussions of what you are doing.
Is there no way to take the mom and the pups to a shelter or at least take the pups and the mom to a home together?
If you are determined to take this on, which is wholly unfair to the puppy despite your noble intentions, then I would suggest that you visit with a vet BEFORE taking this puppy home so that you can be armed with all of the necessary information and equipment.
I, for one, am appalled at the sheer volume of people who 'breed' and find themselves in 'circumstances' which result in puppies abandoned to shelters or inexperienced owners.
Nonetheless, I hope that you make the right decision for you and the puppy and wish you best of luck.