So are you trying to tell the OP it is ok to bring one home at such a young age?

I don't think she should charge you extra, but if there's anyway you can afford it it really is the best thing for the puppy.

I'd also like to welcome you to YT! This is a great place to learn and find all kinds of information. It's nice to see new members come and show such concern for their new babies. :)

I'm glad she's doing well, but there are some problems that may show up later, especially biting. Mothers teach inhibition of the biting reflex, and this is an important lesson. Puppies teeth are like little needles, and if they bite hard, they can do real damage. Be prepared, do a search on biting, and how to teach your dog not to bite. Here's a great article on why it's important that a small breed dog be kept with the mother longer. Why do Maltese puppies need to be 12 weeks old before going to a new home??

Glad you posted that link, Nancy! Very important information as to why being with momma is so vital!

Ladymom first posted that link, and I didn't understand why it was different for smaller breeds, this link explains it so well. That's one of the reasons why Yorkietalk is so valuable, it give breed specific information. Smaller breeds mature much slower than large breeds, yet they reach close to their full grown size much sooner.

Please don't get mad at me fellow YT'ers. I talked to my breeder and she explained to me why she told me to pick up the puppy at the 7th week. I overlooked something she wrote in the puppy contract that says the first date I could possibly pick up the puppy was at 7 weeks. She explained to me there was no problem and no extra charge for keeping the puppy longer even including the second vaccination. Well anyways the reason why she suggested for me to take him at 7 weeks was because "a puppies' bonding period is at 7 weeks old". I talked to my vet while I got my Sheltie a booster and he agrees with her. Doing some more research on my own online, she is correct. However, I understand everyone's concern (I was starting to doubt her myself) but I can see why she would suggest 7 weeks as a behaviorist/trainer. She only has one or two litters a year so I can see her answer being one of a trainer and not a breeder. Well anywho, I decided to keep him there for another three weeks so I can entertain you fine folk (jk ^.^), get him his second set of shots at week 10, and not offend my breeder.

Oh BTW sorry I know I asked if it was okay for the breeder to charge $50-$100 more was just my question to see if I should pay her more if she asked for it but she doesn't. I felt kind of bad for asking as I doubted the breeder.

Oh talked to the breeder for about half an hour and she updated me on the puppy. He's 14oz at 4weeks. His mother already growls at him so the breeder has to do most of the puppy caring besides feeding of course. Got the list of supplies I need including what food she's feeding him now. Oh I was also thinking about buying a playpen from amazon ( Amazon.com: Precision Pet Soft Side Play Yard,... ) because I do work and go to school but my mom works days and dad works nights so someone will be home at all times to feed and let him out but still want a place to let him play while my Sheltie stares him down. Well anyways thanks for all your advice.

I'm not telling the OP anything. I'm simply relating my experience. Is that OK with you????

Is that your baby in the picture? He looks like a cutie! I had been reading your thread but not chiming in since a lot of the responses come from very knowledgeable yorkie owners and breeders that are well respected on this site, like Nancy and Mardelin to name a couple. I know you're joking when you say that your asking your breeder to keep the pup longer just to please us YTers, but really, the people here are giving you advice based on experience.
When I came to this site I had no idea about anything that has to do with dogs. I thought all dogs were the same, both the big and small. I never realized how wrong I was until I found this site.
When I finally got my boy (not a baby by the way) and I started to have a few issues with him, Nancy was one of the few there to have my back and offer advice. Talk to them and ask them questions. No question is to small or big for them to answer, and if they aren't well versed in that subject, they will find someone that is. Just please, read and take in what they're saying. Don't pick and choose the advice you want to hear, like some of the other newbies that don't want to listen to reason.

Sorry if this post is way to long. I'm just so frustrated to see all the good advice that's being ignored. Not by you, you seem to be listening. If you search around you'll know what I mean.

I never answered your question, I use a baby playpen. They seem to be much cheaper than one made just for dogs and serve the exact same purpose.

No one is going to get upset. However, what your breeder is telling you is maybe very correct on the bonding with you. However, if one is considering the health and welfare and socialization of the pup it is incorrect. I will add that I have a very dear friend who is a Liscensed Animal Behaviorist, that also breeds & exhibits yorkies. And the below is what she strongly recommends. And no disrespect to your vet; but I'm assuming that he is a general practitioner and not a Toy Specialist. I would guess that he has not even considered that innoculations haven't been given.

This is provided is in the Yorkshire Terrier Code of Ethics and Conduct.

Breeders will provide puppy buyers with written details of feeding, general care, date and types of a minimum of two (2) inoculations, as well as dates of wormings, grooming instructions, etc. and be available to offer future advice as needed. (with a minimum of 2 innoculations, that would be at week 12. The first innoculation given between the 8th and 9th week. The second innoculation at 12 weeks). Let me add he's still under a pound.....no puppy should leave a breeders home until 2 pounds or over.

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.

Here's some additional information

For the first twenty days: (and your pup is older than this)

The puppy needs Warmth, Food, Sleep, and Mother with as little handling by humans as possible. Just weigh them and make sure they are diapered.

Fourth week (21-28 days)

The puppy needs little else but Warmth, Food, Sleep, and Mother. All senses are functioning and the pup is aware of littermates (and yes they begin to growl at this time) It is extremely critical that puppy has contact with littermates and that introduction to human society is instituted slowly, and with control

Fifth through seventh weeks (29-49 days)

Now is a good time to socialize within the litter and with humans in their own territory. Puppy begins to respond to voices and is able to recognize people as different from canines. About this time the Mother has had enough of them and weaning can be done.

Eighth through through twelfth weeks (50-84 days)

The most impressionistic time for the pup. This is when Mother does the majority of training. Teaching them how what is acceptable, how to play and yes does potty training.

Thirteenth through sixteenth weeks (85-112 days)

The puppy needs Love, Attention, Discipline, Socialization, and Security. Puppy's mind is being influenced, and he can establish himself as a dominant being. Bad experiences with leash training can leave long lasting impressions. Leash train with great care. Praise for correct behavior is a valuable tool and shapes positive attitudes.

I have a 3 pound male, he is 16 months old and very healthy. I have never had any problems with him. I keep him on a premium dog food (blue buffalo), no table scraps, and just make sure he stays out of things he shouldn't get into. He is happy and healthy. I watch him carefully about jumping off of high places, but other than that, no problems,


Christy
Mommy of Harley:aimeeyork

Wanted to let you know though I did not get Harley until he was almost 14 weeks old. You need to be sure your baby stays with its mother and litter mates to aquire proper puppy behavior, and goes not leave so early that it is detremental to his health. Most smaller babies need to stay with mama longer for these reasons and it is worth waiting a while longer to be sure that your baby is happy and healthy and has a good start on proper puppy behavior.

Christy- Mommy of Harley:aimeeyork

Great info! :thumbup:

I'm also curious about the credentials this breeder has to call herself an animal behaviorist/trainer.
To the OP did you verify her training, registrations, accreditations, etc..?
I could see where someone would think this gives a breeder merit, but I wonder what the details are.
I say that because it still seems bothersome to me this breeder is willing to turn these puppies over at 7 weeks which is before it's even recommended they have their first shots and that's before it's even legal in some states.

Absolutely NOT. I'd look for another breeder. this one is unethical and irresponsible. that puppy needs to be with it's mother and sibling to at least 10 weeks for proper socialzation.

shots should not start til 9 weeks

Your needs? What about the puppy's needs. it needs to be properly socialized.