HELP: Reputable Breeder or NOT?

[Sarah515]

I have never purchased from a breeder so I am very wary of what are good signs and what are bad. I found a breeder on Next Day Pets that sells yorkies for $500, and I emailed him and asked him questions about the puppies. He told me that the puppies will be about 5 lbs full grown and they come with a 1 year health guarantee...which all sounded good to me. I then asked him why he lets the puppies be taken home at 6 weeks, bc I thought it was 8 weeks at earliest, and he said that at 6 weeks the new owner would provide the shots and worming, and at 8 weeks "it is at his expense". He then ended the email saying, "My dogs are healthy enough to go early. Some people have a lot of there pups that crash early on." I don't know what to do?! I would appreciate any help I can get with this.

Thanks!
Sarah

P.S. The name is Malachi Kennels, in Missouri, in case anyone has heard of them?

[vainchick5]

I personally would try to stay away from nextdaypets.com. There have been a lot of bad breeders on there. There are good ones too but sometimes it's hard to weed out. He doesn't sound good at all to me. To not only sell them for $500 but to let them go at 6 weeks is a disaster waiting to happen. A reputable breeder would never sell them that low, and I know some do so the price isn't that big of an issue. But letting them go at 6 weeks is wayyy to early. The earliest they say is 8 weeks but 10 weeks is the average. If he doesn't care enough about his pups to take on the costs of shots and worming, he's probably not a good choice.

[Sarah515]

Thanks for answering. That was my first instinct, but I didn't know if I was being paranoid or what. I was hoping to find a female puppy for $500-800, since school has drained my bank account. I also want to be able to take the puppy home with me on November 18, or early December because I will be having my big ole winter break and that will give me lots of time to help the puppy get used to her new surroundings. Can anyone recommend a good breeder that will be having puppies ready in that time period??? This search is getting really stressful.
Thanks!
Sarah

[vainchick5]

By the way, I forgot to say WELCOME TO YT! hehe...sorry we get carried away in our chats and we forget to welcome sometimes...I think you should go to the website below, and click on the link that takes you to some reputable breeders in your state. That's how I found my Coco. The YTCA has reputable breeders that care about the breed and it's standards. Try it!
www.ytca.org
There are also breeders here on YT however I do not know their prices or whether they currently have any puppies.

[sylvan]

A breeder that would release pups at 6 weeks is not concerned about the cost of the shots or wormings. Those are minimal expenses that could easily be added to the price of the pup. He simply can not be bothered caring for them after they are weaned and therefore wants 'em out The momma's do all the hard work up to that point and then the breeder has to deal with feedng and poop. Huge red flag! Pups should stay with the litter until 12 weeks/10 minimum to learn socialization skills from each other. This is a crucial imprint stage of development and you should steer clear of breeders who release earlier. The site www.buyingapuppy.com has a good list of questions to ask a breeder when choosing a pup. Nobella already clued you in to ytca. You can also check with local kennel clubs and rescue sites, there are many listed on here if you use the search...and the prices are much easier to take.
oh and Welcome to YT!

[feminvstr]

This explains the growth stages very well!

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, especially for dogs. The fact is, well-socialized dogs are more likely to have well-socialized puppies. Pups often mirror their mothers' calm or fearful attitude toward people; this is a normal part of their socialization. But you can play a vital role, too, by petting, talking, and playing with puppy to help him develop good "people skills."

Puppies are usually weaned at six to seven weeks, but are still learning important skills as their mother gradually leaves them for longer periods of time. Ideally, puppies should stay with their littermates (or other "role-model" dogs) for at least 12 weeks.

Puppies separated from their littermates too early often fail to develop appropriate "social skills," such as learning how to send and receive signals, what an "inhibited bite" (acceptable mouthing pressure) means, how far to go in play-wrestling, and so forth. Play is important for puppies because it increases their physical coordination, social skills, and learning limits. By interacting with their mother and littermates, puppies explore the ranking process ("who's in charge") and also learn "how to be a dog."

Skills not acquired during the first eight weeks may be lost forever. While these stages are important and fairly consistent, a dog's mind remains receptive to new experiences and lessons well beyond puppyhood. Most dogs are still puppies, in mind and body, through the first two years of life.

Here are general guidelines for puppies' stages of development

Birth to Two Weeks: Neonatal Period
Puppy is most influenced by his mother.
Senses of touch and taste are present at birth.

Two to Four Weeks: Transitional Period

Puppy is most influenced by his mother and littermates.
Eyes open, teeth begin to come in, and senses of hearing and smell develop.
Puppy begins to stand, walk a little, wag tail, and bark.
By the fourth or fifth week, eyesight is well-developed.

Three to Twelve Weeks: Socialization Period

During this period, puppy needs opportunities to meet other dogs and people.

By 3 to 5 weeks, puppy becomes aware of his surroundings, companions (both canine and human), and relationships, including play.

By 4 to 6 weeks, puppy is most influenced by littermates and is learning about being a dog.

From 4 to 12 weeks, puppy remains influenced by littermates and is also influenced by people. Puppy learns to play, develops social skills, learns the inhibited bite, explores social structure/ranking, and improves physical coordination.

By 5 to 7 weeks, puppy develops curiosity and explores new experiences. Puppy needs positive "people" experiences during this time.

By 7 to 9 weeks, puppy is refining his physical skills and coordination, and can begin to be housetrained. Puppy has full use of senses.

By 8 to 10 weeks, puppy experiences real fear involving normal objects and experiences; puppy needs positive training during this time.

By 9 to 12 weeks, puppy is refining reactions, developing social skills with littermates (appropriate interactions), and exploring the environment and objects. Puppy begins to focus on people; this is a good time to begin training.

Three to Six Months: Ranking Period
Puppy is most influenced by "playmates," which may now include those of other species.

Puppy begins to see and use ranking (dominance and submission) within the household (the puppy's "pack"), including humans.

Puppy begins teething (and associated chewing).

At 4 months of age, puppy experiences another fear stage.

Six to Eighteen Months: Adolescence
Puppy is most influenced by human and dog "pack" members.

At seven to nine months, puppy goes through a second chewing phase, part of exploring territory.

Puppy increases exploration of dominance, including challenging humans.

If not spayed or neutered, puppy experiences beginnings of sexual behavior.

Copyright © 2004 The Humane Society of the United States.

[vainchick5]

Very nice Kim! Great info

[Sarah515]

Thank you all for replying. I tried emailing a few of the breeders from ytca a couple weeks ago and haven't recieved a reply yet. My mom has a friend that knows someone who breeds yorkies so I am praying that she has some available. Wish me luck!

Thanks again,
Sarah

[txshopper73]

Originally Posted by vainchick5

I personally would try to stay away from nextdaypets.com. There have been a lot of bad breeders on there. There are good ones too but sometimes it's hard to weed out. He doesn't sound good at all to me. To not only sell them for $500 but to let them go at 6 weeks is a disaster waiting to happen. A reputable breeder would never sell them that low, and I know some do so the price isn't that big of an issue. But letting them go at 6 weeks is wayyy to early. The earliest they say is 8 weeks but 10 weeks is the average. If he doesn't care enough about his pups to take on the costs of shots and worming, he's probably not a good choice.

VERY WELL SAID!

[scrappymomma]

Kim on your post it said at 4 months your pup goes through another fear stage, what exactly does that mean? And how long does that last?

[scrappymomma]

By the way how are your new babies doing? I guess I should say all of them.

[feminvstr]

Originally Posted by scrappymomma

Kim on your post it said at 4 months your pup goes through another fear stage, what exactly does that mean? And how long does that last?

This defines the second fear stage but it states its between 6-14months

Second Fear Imprint Period (6 - 14 Months) The Second Fear Imprint Period is similar to the one that occurred during the socialization period, but, it is much less defined. It occurs as dogs enter adolescence and seems more common in males. It is often referred to as adolescent shyness. Your dog may suddenly become reluctant to approach something new or suddenly become afraid of something familiar. This behavior can be very frustrating to the owner and difficult to understand because its onset is so sudden and, seemingly, unprovoked. If you notice this behavior, it is important to avoid the two extremes in response: Don't force him to do or approach something frightening to him and don't coddle or baby him. To get through situations that make your dog fearful, be patient, kind, and understanding. Desensitize him to the object or situation by gradually introducing him to it and using food rewards and praise to entice him to confront the fearful object or situation. Do not coddle or reassure him in any way that will encourage his fearful behavior. Do not correct him either. Simply make light of it and encourage him give him food rewards as he begins to deal with his fear better. Make sure you lavishly praise his attempts! This phase will pass.

this is also an excellent article where the above came from http://doberman.org/articles/puppy.htm

[feminvstr]

here is another good site
http://www.diamondsintheruff.com/Dev...talStages.html

[StewiesMom]

I found this about Malachi Kennels on bad business bureau.com
Submitted: 5/18/2004 6:58:58 AM
Modified: 5/18/2004 6:59:00 AM

Malachi Kennel ripoff Chadwick Missouri

Company
Malachi Kennel
Address:
3833 Chadwick Rd.
Chadwick Missouri 65629
U.S.A.
Phone Number:
417-634-2692
Fax:


I put a deposit of $225.00 on a puppy from this kennel. The puppy was a small black puppy, with white on her chest. About 1 week before I was going to get the puppy, I asked for an updated photo. The man sent me a photo of a total different puppy. I called him, and he said, " I dont have that puppy anymore" I said I put a deposit on that puppy though. He said, " The puppy I sent you a picture of is a totally good Puppy" I said I think it's best if you send my deposit back. He said he would within a week.

I called and emailed about 2 weeks later with no responce. About 2 1/2 weeks later I finally go thim on the phone and he said he sent it out 2 days prior. I waited anothe week, called, emailed and no responce, no deposit. He won't speak to me and refuses to give my deposit back.

Hollei
High Bridge, New Jersey
U.S.A.

[feminvstr]

Originally Posted by StewiesMom

I found this about Malachi Kennels on bad business bureau.com
Submitted: 5/18/2004 6:58:58 AM
Modified: 5/18/2004 6:59:00 AM

Malachi Kennel ripoff Chadwick Missouri

Company
Malachi Kennel
Address:
3833 Chadwick Rd.
Chadwick Missouri 65629
U.S.A.
Phone Number:
417-634-2692
Fax:


I put a deposit of $225.00 on a puppy from this kennel. The puppy was a small black puppy, with white on her chest. About 1 week before I was going to get the puppy, I asked for an updated photo. The man sent me a photo of a total different puppy. I called him, and he said, " I dont have that puppy anymore" I said I put a deposit on that puppy though. He said, " The puppy I sent you a picture of is a totally good Puppy" I said I think it's best if you send my deposit back. He said he would within a week.

I called and emailed about 2 weeks later with no responce. About 2 1/2 weeks later I finally go thim on the phone and he said he sent it out 2 days prior. I waited anothe week, called, emailed and no responce, no deposit. He won't speak to me and refuses to give my deposit back.

Hollei
High Bridge, New Jersey
U.S.A.

good job Kristy