Afraid to post but need to...

[together4ever]

My Molly was just 8 weeks old when I brought her home.

She is now 1 year old and weighs 9 pounds.

[Taryn0405]

Originally Posted by EsmeeKimme

Hi I have been lurking and making an occasional post on the board for about a week now and just need to get my situation off my chest. I have been afraid to post because I don't want to be one of those people to all of you and I do want so much to fit in with this community and forum. Out of concern for Riley and myself though I have to post.

I want you to know I did research the breed itself but I seriously did not know about the 12 wks until home thing until I came to this site. I found this site after I had already met him, fallen in love with him and put down my deposit.

In my welcome thread I was told he will be to young to home because he will be about 8 wks so I did contact the breeder and voiced the information and concerns I heard here. She didn't understand my issue because she has been breeding for quite a few years and she says she always makes sure they have the vets ok to come home before she releases them. That is why she gave me an estimate of the 25th not a firm date.

I have looked further and I do not think she is invovled in the show world or whatever either though she tells me she is, I did meet both the parents and they seemed very sociable, happy and healthy. She does not keep them outside in cages but in her home. I did know enough from having dogs before to look at the conditions they were in.

I know from enhaling this forum for days now she is probably not what you would consider a top notch breeder because she isn't doing the titles stuff and because of the letting him go before 12 wks.

I can't walk away from him now though and I just don't know what to do. I fell for him and feel like I have already promised him he is going to be with us. I am not a wealthy woman but it isn't even the non-refundable deposit that has got me all messed up inside, I honestly want him and feel like I love him at this point.

Hubby can't understand my issue, he thought she seemed nice and the parents are great so why am I having problems even though I have shown him where you guys say 12 wks and the person should be "improving the breed".

I am so torn and it hurts to think that if I do what I know I probably will, then I will have to find another forum for us to go to where they won't know I got him to young. That seems deciteful though, and feels wrong to me. Not to mention the fact that I like you people already. I have read so many posts and threads that I feel I have a sense of who some of you are already.

So there it is. I am not a breeder by the way nor would I ever consider it even if I wanted to with him just because of the uncertainly I feel now about the whole thing but I can't promise you I won't pick him up at 8 wks. if I can't resolve that with her, all she says is how well he is eating puppy food now and how they need to go home when the vet says they are safe to do so.

Don't ever be afraid to post anything. I have discovered with this website, that people, well most of us, are here to help with our current experiences whatever they may be. Regardless of where we got our puppy, how old our pups are, or what are preconceived notions are. We're here to help!

However, it's not common for 8 week old puppies to go to a new home, but not unheard of. They just require alot more attention then a 12 week old dog. My Cairn's were about 8 weeks and I know for a fact, especially with them being terriers, that we had to buckle down more so then that for a dog that's a little older.

For your piece of mind, if you plan on getting the puppy at 8 weeks, I would definitely get him checked out with the vet, and not expose him to the elements, i.e. use potty pads until about 10 weeks or until the vet feels he has had enough vaccines to be able to potty outside.

Good luck to you and please keep us posted!

[Roccosmommy]

I brought Rocco home at 8 weeks without knowing better, but he was 2.7lbs at that age. I think the weight, not just weeks, is a huge factor. You will just need to be prepared to be a firm mom and teach him his manners and socialization that his furmom won't be able to do. Happy to say I now have a very well behaved, happy 7.8 lb little man... Good luck to you!

[TexasKat08]

Originally Posted by dawn27

You should never be afraid to post here on TY no madder how hard you think people might be on you. (and beleive me / they will) Hope for the best response and just look past the negativity and those who insite drama. Because if you don't "ask" you may just miss out on some really good and informative input from those of us on here who really do care and want to help.

It sounds to me that she may be misleading is some aspects but as far as keeping a puppy for 8 instead of recommended 12 weeks she is actually keeping the pup one week more than the law says that she has to. VA law states that a puppy can be released at only 7 week of age. (which I think is too young) every state is different, as well is every breeder practice of how long they choose to keep the puppies before turning them over the their forever homes. Even here in Ohio the law states that we must keep our puppy together with its mother for at least 8 week of age. I keep my pups longer if needed depending on their individual progress and of course size is a big factor as well.

I say go for it...... Follow your heart ! But be prepared for anything.

Overview of Puppy Age Sale Laws


Virginia mandates that a puppy be at least seven weeks old. Other states focus on the separation of the puppy or kitten from its mother in addition to specifying a minimum age.

Here is a link for more on the laws in VA on the requirement of the breeder before releasing a puppy.

Virginia Consolidated Dog Laws



Wow, as a breeder if your main concern is what you can do legally, I would have to question your ethics. I hardly think the law should be the guide here. Most larger breeds have no problem leaving the litter and mom at 8 weeks, but that is not the case with Yorkies. Any breeder allowing their Yorkies to go earlier than 12 weeks should be questioned about their commitment and concern to the health and welfare of the breed as a whole and specifically their own puppies. Clearly, the YTCA agrees.

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by EsmeeKimme

Thank you all so much for the love and advice here. So many of you posted and took the time to read and try to help me through your extensive experience and knowledge.

I know I will be a better fur momma because of knowing all of you and just thank you from the bottom of my heart for your reactions.

I am currently putting together the emergency pack that a few of you suggested along with planning to give the Nutrical everyday.

.

Please do not give Nutrical everyday as a matter of routine. It is for when the pup needs it. You can actually contribute to blood sugar management problems -- even diabetes, when you give too much. You can give it if you know the puppy has not eaten, when you know the puppy is undergoing excess physical exertion, or stressful situations (like riding in car or going to the vet) but mainly just when you see symptoms that he needs it. One good way to check is looking at the gums -- if they are pale & cold (not pink and flush) then rub a little Nutrical on them 3 times a day.

[EsmeeKimme]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

Please do not give Nutrical everyday as a matter of routine. It is for when the pup needs it. You can actually contribute to blood sugar management problems -- even diabetes, when you give too much. You can give it if you know the puppy has not eaten, when you know the puppy is undergoing excess physical exertion, or stressful situations (like riding in car or going to the vet) but mainly just when you see symptoms that he needs it. One good way to check is looking at the gums -- if they are pale & cold (not pink and flush) then rub a little Nutrical on them 3 times a day.

Oh ok thanks for telling me, I would have read the instructions on it anyway beforehand but I was under the impression it was an everyday thing because of their size and blood sugar. I never even heard of the product until I started reading on the forum so it is new to me. I surely don't want to cause him problems.

[JMuedog]

Welcome to YT! I hope you'll not hesitate to post in the future, as you can see everyone is more than willing to help

You're already way ahead of where I was when I got Finnigan. You've already found YT and have the wealth of knowledge in these threads at your fingertips and plenty of supportive members to answer any other questions you may have.

I don't know if you've answered this question already or not, but is the breeder willing to keep the pup a couple extra weeks for you?

[EsmeeKimme]

Originally Posted by JMuedog

Welcome to YT! I hope you'll not hesitate to post in the future, as you can see everyone is more than willing to help

You're already way ahead of where I was when I got Finnigan. You've already found YT and have the wealth of knowledge in these threads at your fingertips and plenty of supportive members to answer any other questions you may have.

I don't know if you've answered this question already or not, but is the breeder willing to keep the pup a couple extra weeks for you?

I haven't spoken with her since someone suggested I say I have a vacation I need to take on impulse so I am gonna call her tommorrow and see how that works out.

[EsmeeKimme]

Originally Posted by yorkie_mama22

If the puppy is too tiny at 8 weeks I don't think I would take the puppy, I'd at least ask if the pup could stay til 10 weeks if its very small. Thats just my personal opinion though. It may be worth it in the long run to loose the deposit then have to spend hundreds or thousands just to save 200 bucks or whatever you paid. Sometimes being selfish backfires.
.

I wouldn't take him home unless I see that vet release she says she gets when they are ready because I wouldn't want to risk his life and it was something I simply didn't know about before I had made my arrangements with her. Like I said earlier its not about the deposit. I am not that kind of person.

I do appreciate all the support, advice and wisdom here so thank you. In case you don't see it though I have very paper thin skin, always have lol.

Thank you.

[zowiandnikasmom]

welcome to yorkie talk! we are happy to have you here and this site will be a staple for bringing up a new pup! i think you have already found that... sounds like you're trying to do the best thing possible and that is wonderful! wish you & the family the best, please keep us updated!

[tammy8833]

aw dont feel bad many many yorkies, and other pups go to new homes at 8 weeks every day and do perfectly well...

i got 1 at 6 weeks my first one..i think thats too young she has some issues but i was 19 i think when i got her..so i let her have her little fits..separation anxiety which i whole heartily think is from leaving her mommy to soon

then my second one i got her at 8 weeks perfectly happy normal dog..my perfect dog i love her to bits never had a moments trouble from her

my parents always got their shelties at 8 weeks and they are always perfect, mom just got a sheltie in feb actually already doing well..crate trained with in a day, potting outside, playing fetch, sitting and laying down...

i got my male at 12-13 weeks and hes been an angel, training was so easy he is the most loving cuddly little boy

so i was hooked the older the better...

THEN came my last female she was 11 weeks and as much as i love her she is crazy but in a good way..lol hyper..when she sees you her whole body wiggles and her whittle ears lay back and she does these little guggle growls..cute as a button BUT she cant go outside unless leashed because she runs away and will NOT listen..but the older she gets the better..she just turned a year and i have seen big improvements with that year mark. and she is perfectly trained on potty pads

i think the most of what happens is in their personality not age..ive had experiences will all of the ages =) but thats just my opinion

as long as you are constant and diligent in corrective training your puppy will be a okay

[horsnaround]

Don't be worried on taking the pup home at eight weeks if he is eating and been to the vet for first shots and worming And has a health check. I have seen several pups go home that early and be just fine and adjust well. Of coure these pups may be more the teapot size dogs. I got my Lexi at seven weeks which was way to young I know now but she potty trained easy and I have never had any problems with her. Just my experience with my dogs and puppies. Good luck

[rentfrog]

While I do feel that leaving the pup with their mother and siblings longer is the optimal thing.................I got my Paisley at 10 weeks. She is now a happy healthy 6 lb 2 year old with all the energy in the world. We do have three other dogs, so she learned manners from them and that helped.
With that being said, we also have a 13 year old min pin/italian greyhound mix that we brought home when he was 3 weeks old. His mother had a c-section and rejected the litter, so he had already had to be bottle fed his whole 3 weeks of existence, which we had to continue for 4 more weeks after we brought him home. While he is a VERY healthy dog (still going strong at 13), very well behaved, was easy to potty train and quite the cuddler, he is also "different". Maybe from being babied too much, maybe from the bottle feeding, maybe from no exposure to his littermates at such a young age..........not sure the exact reason, but he has never learned to play, even though we tried, he just doesn't "get it", is SUPER attached to my one daughter and VERY over-protective of her. Does not like strangers AT ALL.
Had I known more at the time we took him in, I may have not coddled him so much, treated him a bit differently, done things different, tried harder to find ways to TEACH him to play..........I love him unconditionally though and he is a wonderful loving boy. It can be ok if they come home too young, they CAN learn to be just like every other dog, they can lead healthy happy long lives. Just make sure to educate yourself, which you appear to be doing!

[jojomima]

Originally Posted by BonBon

I am so sorry you were afraid to post this. You sound like the type of caring, thoughtful person YT needs more of. If you ever decide on another puppy hopefully you'll use all you've learned here to make a more informed decision.

Many, many members have been in your situation. We always advise them against bringing home puppies so young because that's what's best for the puppies. Once the puppy is in their new home however, we still want what's best for them - and that means being here to support you, to share experiences and offer advice.

I am not advocating that you bring this puppy home so young, but if you choose to do so then I will be happy offer all the help I can.

Bonny

The way most of us feel. YT welcomes you.

[Connie]

You already love that baby and I say go for it. I got Maddie when she was 7 1/2 weeks and she has had no issues, except that she likes to bark, which is true for many yorkies. She may have not come from the best breeder, but when getting a second yorkie, if one had been available from her, I would have gotten one in a heartbeat. Best wishes to you and your new baby!