What are the negatives of bringing a puppy home at 8 weeks? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

BubblPopElectrc · 02-17-2008, 09:14 PM

I'm curious as to what the negatives are of bringing a puppy home at 8 weeks?

I brought both Britney and Brooklyn home at 8 weeks (Britney might have been 9 weeks) and they have always been both mentally and physically healthy.

ETA: I just wanted to mention that I know just because nothing negative happened with my two, that nothing negative comes out of taking puppies home at 8 weeks- hence the reason I am asking.

RebelBelle · 02-17-2008, 09:16 PM

I'm not sure but I think I read somewhere that between 8-12 weeks is when mom and littermates teach "bite inhibition". I'm not sure where I read it or if it was correct but I'm sure someone more qualified will come along shortly...

sarajane · 02-17-2008, 09:16 PM

I'm not an expert but I brought Milo home at seven weeks ( that's only two weeks ago pretty much lol). He definitley wasn't ready to leave his mom yet I realize this now. He's very attatched, which isn't bad but still, plus he didn't even have his teeth in yet so if he'd had an overbite or underbite we wouldn't have known yet. I am learning as I go. You just never know what they'll truly be like until they are a bit older. That's just what I myself have learned, but others will be able to give you a much better qualified response.

Proud Mommy · 02-17-2008, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RebelBelle

I'm not sure but I think I read somewhere that between 8-12 weeks is when mom and littermates teach "bite inhibition". I'm not sure where I read it or if it was correct but I'm sure someone more qualified will come along shortly...

You are right about this... They are taught by their moms how to be social toward their siblings. 8 weeks is just too soon

MyFairLacy · 02-17-2008, 09:24 PM

The YTCA mandates that reputable breeders keep puppies for a minimum of 12 weeks, saying "All puppies leaving the breeders possession will be a minimum of twelve (12) weeks of age to facilitate adequate socialization as well as appropriate emotional and temperament development through interaction with siblings, dam and other dogs"

Chances of hypoglycemia go down tremendously after 12 weeks of age. Puppies should also have been eating on their own well for 4-5 weeks by that time. A lot of important socialization takes place during 8-12 weeks - puppies learn appropriate behavior from their mother and siblings, including bite inhibition.

Also, at 8 weeks puppies will have only had one vaccination and not be protected from any diseases. First vaccines should be given at 8 or 9 weeks of age. When people bring home a new puppy, they want to show it off and take it places...diseases are easily transmitted. At 12 weeks, puppies should have had 2 rounds of vaccines and be better protected against diseases.

Also at 8 weeks, puppies are just beginning to show their personalities - it's really hard to tell how a puppy will end up looking and acting at 8 weeks of age.

Lastly, reputable breeders keep puppies until at least 12 weeks of age, so I would stay away from any breeder letting puppies go before that age. If they are violating that YTCA rule, they are most likely violating others as well.

sexiixtc · 02-17-2008, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Proud Mommy

You are right about this... They are taught by their moms how to be social toward their siblings. 8 weeks is just too soon

Kayah was about 8 1/2-9 weeks when we brought her home.. and she is completely unsocialized!!

We brought Evie home last week at a few days short 12 weeks.. and she's great!! she's soo playful!!

Like I said.. a week later.. and Kayah still wants nothing to do with Evie.. she'll sniff her butt and walk away... It actually made me a little sad today.. I was brushing my teeth and the girls were waiting for me.. Kayah sat down and Evie wanted to lay down next to her.. Kayah just walked away

So if you can, please do wait.. If I knew.. I would

MyFairLacy · 02-17-2008, 09:42 PM

My parents brought Rylie home at 7 weeks and luckily he never had any issues. But he hates all other dogs but Lacy...he won't play with any other dogs at all and usually growls and nips at them when they get too close. I think the only reason he likes Lacy is because they were introduced to each other when they were babies and spent 3 weeks together over Christmas break.

EmrldShdwQueen · 02-17-2008, 09:47 PM

Definitely true about the socialization...Chloe (my sister's dog) and Maddie were both brought home earlier and are always barking and growling at new people or new dogs.

PrestigeousYT · 02-17-2008, 10:19 PM

The advantages of having a pup stay with the breeder and his/her mom and littermates to 12 weeks:
They are better socialized.
Mom teaches them the ropes. Breeders start with puppy training and crate training.
Your breeder can better asess the puppies health and personality and be sure the puppy is ready to make his/her move to their new home.
And also with a toy breed the pups are just so small that if they should go down with hypoglycemia/low blood sugar you will start to see it between 8-10 weeks.
Also they will have vaccinations and have some time for the vaccinations to provide some immunity.
A lot of breeders like to let them go early, because the work becomes more the breeders work, clean up, feeding etc after the 7 week mark.
I love for a dog to stay with the breeder as long as possible. If a puppy goes to a new home and the puppies sugar level drops and the pup doesnt eat the pup can die before the new owners realize what is going on. The breeder knows what to look for. There is nothing more terrible than to find a pup that has crashed from low blood sugar when you don't have a clue what it really is like. I will never forget the first time I experienced it.

Deana
Prestigeous Yorkies

Suzy · 02-17-2008, 10:19 PM

We brought Emma home too early, and she had separation anxiety & socialization issues. We have worked on these things for a long time, with the help of training classes and our own animal behaviorist.

Also-when they're really small at 8 weeks, hypoglycemia can be an issue more often than when they're a little bigger and older.

LittleMansMomma · 02-17-2008, 11:18 PM

I got Little Man at 5 weeks old, he is now 8 weeks old. When I got him home, my cousin brought over his older brother (from an earlier litter) so they could meet. Pointer acted like he was protecting Little Man from us. Little Man loved the attention though. He would wag his tail and they would play, until my cousin or I would reach down to pick up Little Man then Pointer would kinda stand over Little Man and gave us a look as to say don't you hurt him. They get along like siblings do. We do have play dates. He also loves people. He likes other small dogs, but very skittish of big dogs. I've been very blessed with his socialization skills.

I knew once I got him home, he wasn't ready to leave his mom or his sisters. I've had to wean him which that has bonded us. He didn't have any teeth except his canine teeth. He's teething now. He's just about got all of his back teeth in, now his front teeth are coming through. Little Man came from a very bad situation. Not a puppymill but close to it. I've had a rough time and it may seem that I am complaining but I'm not. I don't want to see anyone go through what I have been through with my baby. He's just such a joy to have around. Altho, his stubborn streak does get to me at times but that just makes having him worth everything to me. I wish you good luck with your babies.

sweetr72 · 02-17-2008, 11:49 PM

I have always bought puppies at 8 weeks old without a problem..although I have read on here the downfalls..

Dawn

autumn star · 02-18-2008, 03:10 AM

I brought Blaze home at 9 weeks (not by choice.........breeder had an emergency) and he did FANTASTIC!!! So social and full of life. We were all so impressed w/how spunky he was. Not timid or shy.......just a ball of energy. He did have his teeth also.
When we got Autumn she was 5 months old and she was the one that was shy and timid and did not want to play. She still is stand offish of people - even the people she knows and has been in contact with. They can call her over to them and she usually wont come. But not Blaze......he would run over and lick you to death.
At 7 weeks, Blaze wanted nothing to do w/his mommy. His brother on the other hand was still very attached to her.
Hope this helps.
We had an excellent experience!

tammy8833 · 02-18-2008, 05:04 AM

i have never noticed a problem with getting puppies at 8 weeks

i noticed the mothers stop tending to them at certain points anyways.

Mos professional breeders of yorkies state that they keep them longer for the mother to socialize them, i think its a matter of opinion.

if they are very small then i do believe they should stay longer with the breeder

luv4yrks · 02-18-2008, 05:39 AM

I brought Jobey home at 6 weeks, which I know I shouldn't had, but the breeder I got him from said his mom had weaned all of her pups at 4 weeks. He was eating hard food and he seems great. Although we do have a slight problem with him not knowing how to play. He thinks playing is growling and biting me.

I personally don't see anything wrong with bringing them home early.

02-17-2008, 09:14 PM	#1
BubblPopElectrc Kyle Plus 3 Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 6,929	What are the negatives of bringing a puppy home at 8 weeks? I'm curious as to what the negatives are of bringing a puppy home at 8 weeks? I brought both Britney and Brooklyn home at 8 weeks (Britney might have been 9 weeks) and they have always been both mentally and physically healthy. ETA: I just wanted to mention that I know just because nothing negative happened with my two, that nothing negative comes out of taking puppies home at 8 weeks- hence the reason I am asking. __________________ Kyle (me), Britney, Brooklyn, and Coral Last edited by BubblPopElectrc; 02-17-2008 at 09:18 PM.

02-17-2008, 09:16 PM	#2
RebelBelle Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Madison, MS Posts: 2,597	I'm not sure but I think I read somewhere that between 8-12 weeks is when mom and littermates teach "bite inhibition". I'm not sure where I read it or if it was correct but I'm sure someone more qualified will come along shortly... __________________ Misty & Jamie

02-17-2008, 09:16 PM	#3
sarajane Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 96	I'm not an expert but I brought Milo home at seven weeks ( that's only two weeks ago pretty much lol). He definitley wasn't ready to leave his mom yet I realize this now. He's very attatched, which isn't bad but still, plus he didn't even have his teeth in yet so if he'd had an overbite or underbite we wouldn't have known yet. I am learning as I go. You just never know what they'll truly be like until they are a bit older. That's just what I myself have learned, but others will be able to give you a much better qualified response. __________________ Sara Mom 2 Heaven and Lacey & my fur babies Spring, Summer, Milo, Casper and Salem.Owner of Countless Memories Photography

02-17-2008, 09:24 PM	#5
MyFairLacy Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 11,003	The YTCA mandates that reputable breeders keep puppies for a minimum of 12 weeks, saying "All puppies leaving the breeders possession will be a minimum of twelve (12) weeks of age to facilitate adequate socialization as well as appropriate emotional and temperament development through interaction with siblings, dam and other dogs" Chances of hypoglycemia go down tremendously after 12 weeks of age. Puppies should also have been eating on their own well for 4-5 weeks by that time. A lot of important socialization takes place during 8-12 weeks - puppies learn appropriate behavior from their mother and siblings, including bite inhibition. Also, at 8 weeks puppies will have only had one vaccination and not be protected from any diseases. First vaccines should be given at 8 or 9 weeks of age. When people bring home a new puppy, they want to show it off and take it places...diseases are easily transmitted. At 12 weeks, puppies should have had 2 rounds of vaccines and be better protected against diseases. Also at 8 weeks, puppies are just beginning to show their personalities - it's really hard to tell how a puppy will end up looking and acting at 8 weeks of age. Lastly, reputable breeders keep puppies until at least 12 weeks of age, so I would stay away from any breeder letting puppies go before that age. If they are violating that YTCA rule, they are most likely violating others as well. __________________ ~Magnifique Yorkies~ Purchasing from backyard breeders, pet shops, and puppymills perpetuates the suffering of other dogs. Educate yourself and buy from reputable breeders or rescue.

02-17-2008, 09:42 PM	#7
MyFairLacy Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 11,003	My parents brought Rylie home at 7 weeks and luckily he never had any issues. But he hates all other dogs but Lacy...he won't play with any other dogs at all and usually growls and nips at them when they get too close. I think the only reason he likes Lacy is because they were introduced to each other when they were babies and spent 3 weeks together over Christmas break. __________________ ~Magnifique Yorkies~ Purchasing from backyard breeders, pet shops, and puppymills perpetuates the suffering of other dogs. Educate yourself and buy from reputable breeders or rescue.

02-17-2008, 09:47 PM	#8
EmrldShdwQueen No Longer a Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,987	Definitely true about the socialization...Chloe (my sister's dog) and Maddie were both brought home earlier and are always barking and growling at new people or new dogs.

02-17-2008, 10:19 PM	#9
PrestigeousYT YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Somewhere Out there............ Posts: 1,742	The advantages of having a pup stay with the breeder and his/her mom and littermates to 12 weeks: They are better socialized. Mom teaches them the ropes. Breeders start with puppy training and crate training. Your breeder can better asess the puppies health and personality and be sure the puppy is ready to make his/her move to their new home. And also with a toy breed the pups are just so small that if they should go down with hypoglycemia/low blood sugar you will start to see it between 8-10 weeks. Also they will have vaccinations and have some time for the vaccinations to provide some immunity. A lot of breeders like to let them go early, because the work becomes more the breeders work, clean up, feeding etc after the 7 week mark. I love for a dog to stay with the breeder as long as possible. If a puppy goes to a new home and the puppies sugar level drops and the pup doesnt eat the pup can die before the new owners realize what is going on. The breeder knows what to look for. There is nothing more terrible than to find a pup that has crashed from low blood sugar when you don't have a clue what it really is like. I will never forget the first time I experienced it. Deana Prestigeous Yorkies

02-17-2008, 10:19 PM	#10
Suzy 2 Pups=Double Trouble! Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 6,581	We brought Emma home too early, and she had separation anxiety & socialization issues. We have worked on these things for a long time, with the help of training classes and our own animal behaviorist. Also-when they're really small at 8 weeks, hypoglycemia can be an issue more often than when they're a little bigger and older. __________________ Suzy Emma & Milli What's better than loving a yorkie? Loving two yorkies! Milli 's Remi!

02-17-2008, 11:18 PM	#11
LittleMansMomma Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Greenfield, TN Posts: 743	I got Little Man at 5 weeks old, he is now 8 weeks old. When I got him home, my cousin brought over his older brother (from an earlier litter) so they could meet. Pointer acted like he was protecting Little Man from us. Little Man loved the attention though. He would wag his tail and they would play, until my cousin or I would reach down to pick up Little Man then Pointer would kinda stand over Little Man and gave us a look as to say don't you hurt him. They get along like siblings do. We do have play dates. He also loves people. He likes other small dogs, but very skittish of big dogs. I've been very blessed with his socialization skills. I knew once I got him home, he wasn't ready to leave his mom or his sisters. I've had to wean him which that has bonded us. He didn't have any teeth except his canine teeth. He's teething now. He's just about got all of his back teeth in, now his front teeth are coming through. Little Man came from a very bad situation. Not a puppymill but close to it. I've had a rough time and it may seem that I am complaining but I'm not. I don't want to see anyone go through what I have been through with my baby. He's just such a joy to have around. Altho, his stubborn streak does get to me at times but that just makes having him worth everything to me. I wish you good luck with your babies. __________________ Larissa mommy to Little Man Tawny Odie Proud Member of: SRC LGC

02-17-2008, 11:49 PM	#12
sweetr72 No Longer a Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 6,111	I have always bought puppies at 8 weeks old without a problem..although I have read on here the downfalls.. Dawn

02-18-2008, 03:10 AM	#13
autumn star Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Long Island Posts: 6,095	I brought Blaze home at 9 weeks (not by choice.........breeder had an emergency) and he did FANTASTIC!!! So social and full of life. We were all so impressed w/how spunky he was. Not timid or shy.......just a ball of energy. He did have his teeth also. When we got Autumn she was 5 months old and she was the one that was shy and timid and did not want to play. She still is stand offish of people - even the people she knows and has been in contact with. They can call her over to them and she usually wont come. But not Blaze......he would run over and lick you to death. At 7 weeks, Blaze wanted nothing to do w/his mommy. His brother on the other hand was still very attached to her. Hope this helps. We had an excellent experience! __________________ *PROUD MOM OF (SKIN KIDS) LEXI & HUNTER AND (FUR KIDS) AUTUMN, BLAZE & CHANCE (OUR RESCUE)*

02-18-2008, 05:04 AM	#14
tammy8833 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: VA Posts: 2,775	i have never noticed a problem with getting puppies at 8 weeks i noticed the mothers stop tending to them at certain points anyways. Mos professional breeders of yorkies state that they keep them longer for the mother to socialize them, i think its a matter of opinion. if they are very small then i do believe they should stay longer with the breeder __________________ Tammy YT Gallery Lil Girl Princess & Theodore *Gidget R.I.P**

02-18-2008, 05:39 AM	#15
luv4yrks Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 37	I brought Jobey home at 6 weeks, which I know I shouldn't had, but the breeder I got him from said his mom had weaned all of her pups at 4 weeks. He was eating hard food and he seems great. Although we do have a slight problem with him not knowing how to play. He thinks playing is growling and biting me. I personally don't see anything wrong with bringing them home early.