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01-04-2006, 02:25 PM | #1 |
YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: OK, but Texas soon!
Posts: 326
| Age to sell/purchase a puppy ?? I bought my first Yorkie at 6 1/2 weeks old, and my second at 13 weeks. The only difference I found (they are both close to a year old now) was that the first was much easier to potty train. I never had problems with low blood sugar or any other physical problems. They were both well socialized and adapted very quickly to our family. They don't have an aggressive bone in their body, and they are both as healthy as can be. I'm just curious as to why it is advisable to wait until they are 12-16 weeks old before selling/purchasing. Thank you for helping me to understand. Since I will be breeding them this year, I want to do what is BEST for the puppies and for the mamas. |
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01-04-2006, 02:36 PM | #2 |
Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Portland Oregon
Posts: 4,405
| I have this posted on my site and I think it explains the stages and the reasoning very well. Understanding vital growth stages of a puppy 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 2 weeks: Neonatal Period Puppy is most influenced by his mother. Senses of touch and taste are present at birth. 2 to 4 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. 3 to 12 weeks: Socialization Period During this period, puppy needs opportunities to meet other dogs and people. 3 to 5 weeks: puppy becomes aware of his surroundings, companions (both canine and human), and relationships, including play. 4 to 6 weeks: puppy is most influenced by littermates and is learning about being a dog. 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. 5 to 7 weeks: puppy develops curiosity and explores new experiences. Puppy needs positive "people" experiences during this time. 7 to 9 weeks: puppy is refining his physical skills and coordination, and can begin to be housetrained. Puppy has full use of senses. 8 to 10 weeks: puppy experiences real fear involving normal objects and experiences; puppy needs positive training during this time. 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. 3 to 6 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). 4 months: puppy experiences another fear stage. 6 to 18 Months: Adolescence Puppy is most influenced by human and dog "pack" members. 7 to 9 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 hope this helps Kimberly
__________________ Kimberly |
01-04-2006, 02:45 PM | #3 |
YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: OK, but Texas soon!
Posts: 326
| Wow, Kimberly! Thanks! I have printed this info off and added it to my file. I guess maybe I just got lucky with Gracie, since she was only 6 1/2 weeks. The breeder was religious about socializing those puppies, though. I do remember thinking, when I brought her home, how incredibly small and fragile she was. We just treated her like she was a little china doll and now, she's 7.3 pounds and very much a love-bug! |
01-09-2006, 06:30 AM | #4 |
YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Nebraska
Posts: 532
| Hey, we got Roxie @ 10 weeks, then Madie @ 8 and Petie @12. We did notice a big difference in our dogs. Although all of ours had been socialized, Madie just lacked something, she was healthly and everything,but I worried about her constantly, and after we had her about 3 weeks I felt she was at an age that she should have been when introduced to a new home. Now that we are getting started breeding we are planning to wait till our pups are 11 to 12 weeks to leave. and I will never take a pup under 10 weeks home again from another breeder. What does it hurt to keep them with their sibs 14 more days? We sure feel that Madie would have benifited.
__________________ Anna & Roxy |
01-09-2006, 06:32 AM | #5 |
Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member | Feminvstr - WHAT an interesting growth stage post - that was cool to read...Thanks ! |
01-09-2006, 06:51 AM | #6 |
Biewer Passionate Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Southern AL
Posts: 1,684
| I keep mine for 12 weeks... It is very important that puppies stay with their mothers and litter mates. This way to the pups are fully vaccinated and gives me peace of mind as a breeder. This also allows my puppies to be under the vets eye 4 times. Thank you feminvstr for posting this educational info on development of a pup. If a tiny is in the litter I will hold them as long as needed to make sure of health and development.
__________________ Dare to Dream Biewers Charter Member of BAPPC |
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