Originally Posted by Reese1 (Post 3037589)

Personally, NO I don't think it's fair. I hate to say it but this person doesn't sound like a reputable or responsible breeder or they would be keeping the puppy and providing the shots already!
I'm guessing that's why breeders who aren't very reputable want to turn them loose at 6-8 weeks to avoid any or at least the 2nd set of shots cost.
Does this breeder have any kind of contract, health guarantee?
I'm not sure if you did any research on them to see if there are complaints, problems with sick puppies, etc...
Those are things to think about, especially with getting a puppy that young.

Originally Posted by MissEllieMae (Post 3037704)

OMG. I brought Miss Ellie home at 6 weeks. On her first trip to the vet, she weighed 1.02 lbs. she hasn't had any problems and at about 10 weeks, she's at least doubled her weight. She eats like a horse and poops like one too.

Originally Posted by jsum0528 (Post 3038150)

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, Navy/Tan, Large: Home & Garden) 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.

Originally Posted by Reese1 (Post 3038698)

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.

Originally Posted by Mardelin (Post 3038745)

Valid points. Animal Behaviorists are certified but, are trained as a General Practitioner....one size fits all. For the most part they are trained in rehabiliting unwanted behavior. Usually not specializing in Toy Breeds.

Originally Posted by JeanieK (Post 3038719)

I do not know of one instance where a puppy, that was taken home at 12 weeks or later, that had trouble bonding. Mine all learned instantly that they wanted to be on my lap.

I think if the puppy is played with and held by the breeder that it will love humans. However a puppy that is left in a crate and has very little human contact will take much longer to bond, simply becuse they were not bonded to HUMANS in general.

Originally Posted by kelsie123186 (Post 3039111)

Agreed, We didnt take Bailey until around 14 weeks because she was so tiny and I have NEVER in my life owned a dog that I have a closer and stronger bond with.

Originally Posted by Reese1 (Post 3038761)

I guess that is what concerns me.
Someone looking for a puppy would find a breeder advertising herself as an animal behaviorist/trainer as appealing, but it doesn't necessarily mean anything!
I don't know if the OP is buying from her local area, but I did a search in IL and I found a site of a breeder with Yorkies that advertises as a trainer/behaviorist, though not much info is given.
Then when you google, I'm only finding that info listed in the puppy for sale ads. I don't see any ads for her training services.

Originally Posted by JeanieK (Post 3039175)

I think she said Local.

Originally Posted by Nancy1999 (Post 3039379)

Sometimes I think we need a sticky on "Dog Trainers". This is taken from one site:



Many breeders are calling themselves "dog trainers" in order to sound like they know what they are doing. Actions speak louder than words.

Originally Posted by Reese1 (Post 3039342)

I hope it's not the site I found, though I have a feeling it is!

Originally Posted by JeanieK (Post 3039405)

Would you PM me with the site that you found?