Afraid to post but need to...

[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.

[stanziog]

Go with your heart. I got Rocco at 8 weeks from a neighbor down the road from me. She was not a breeder just someone who's female go pregnant with her male dog. I took him not knowing about the 8 week thing. but i feel i was better off taking him because the girl I don't think was not doing the right thing with the pups.
It may take a little more patience and training but I am sure the pup will be fine. Just make sure you ask alot of questions here on YT. This is where I learned so much about taking care of my special little guy.Rocco is now 8 1/2 months old and he is a really good boy. Healthy, Potty trained, well behaved and oh sooo lovable.

[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

[Dzbabykel]

Awww don't feel like you have to go to another forum, you're welcome here with open arms!! I got my Oliver before I found this site and had NO experience with yorkies and he was my first dog. With that said, I got him at around 9 weeks and didn't realize that he should have stayed with his mom and litter mates until 12 weeks. Oliver is a happy, healthy pup and, although my breeder gave him to me earlier and isn't involved in showing her dogs, I still stand by her as she is an exceptional breeder and really cares for her dogs. She's been breeding for over 20 years and all her yorkies are very healthy and well taken care of. Thank you for sharing your story and I can't wait to see pictures of your little one! Welcome to YT!!!

[loveyorks]

Don't feel bad, I got my pup at 8 weeks too for lack of better knowledge. Today, that pup is a healthy 6 years old happy dog.

[gemy]

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.

Well first please don't be afaird to post. I was one of the posters that mentioned to you about the eight weeks old versus 12 weeks old.
Other larger breeds do go home at eight weeks, but for the Yorkies, the Yorkshire Terrier club of America does recommend 12wks old; further it is best if the pup is 3lbs or more.

One approach you can try with your breeder is to explain that the National Club for Yorkshire terriers does recommend the 12 wk minimum for Yorkies, and simply ask her why she is releasing her pups a lot earlier than that?

Also before I got my Yorkie I was and am a large breed owner, and I can tell you, when I got my Razz at 12 wks and just 3lbs, I was in a state of panic that he would get hurt. To my eyes he was just so little! I can't imagine what I would have felt if he was a whole month earlier and only about 2lbs or so. If my concern mirrors yours, simply share that with your breeder.

There are articles on here about how to select a reputable breeder, and mayhap if you have not read them, please do so, and see how this breeder measures up.

If you can share this breeders name and kennel name, we have excellent researchers here, that can confirm if she actually does show, etc.

It concerns me that "she says she is involved in the show world" and yet you can't seem to find evidence of that. If she has lied about this, I guess I would ask myself what else is untrue?

Each of us will weigh all the criteria that makes up a good breeder, as individuals we might consider one aspect more important to us than another.

For me, one very important criteria, is how commited is this breeder to the health of our breed? What pre-breeding tests does she do?

Did you know for example, many breeders are deciding to keep the pups until 16wks old when the first BAT test is done to test for Liver Shunt?

What is her health guarantee like? Is it meaningful? Does it cover genetic conditions? Will she be there for you over the life of this puppy?

Other posters here will respond to this important question, and you should get various opinions, that you can weigh when making your decision.

Truly when purchasing a dog, it is buyer beware, just make yourself aware of what you need to be concerned about. Go into this with your eyes wide open.

If you need some help in locating threads let me know, and I can post some links for you.

[jltwigg10]

Please do not feel bad and think you have to go to another forum. The people on here are supportive and kind. We all have our pet peeves but that is part of being human. We truely want what is best for the dogs.

In my research I have found that there is a great deal of debate of the best age for a puppy to go home. As a breeder you have more work to do, so to speak, once they wean from Mommy. However if you are breeding for the right reasons then you treasure that time as much as the beginning.

The litter mates and mommy teach each puppy a lot during those last 4 weeks. Now you will have to step up and do that teaching.
It really sounds like you are trying to be a great mom. Just relax, follow your heart and research on here. There are some suggestion threads from other members post on how to teach them what they would have learned those last 4 weeks. Dont forget to be patient with him too.

Best wishes and remember we LOVE pictures on here so please show off your little one when you get him.

[Beamers Mom]

Knowing the possibility of the problems, only you can make the decision on whether to get this puppy or not.
Whether you get this little one, or another one from a different breeder, you will always be welcome on this forum.

Go with your heart Are you getting a health guarantee??

[Lou]

Originally Posted by stanziog

Go with your heart. I got Rocco at 8 weeks from a neighbor down the road from me. She was not a breeder just someone who's female go pregnant with her male dog. I took him not knowing about the 8 week thing. but i feel i was better off taking him because the girl I don't think was not doing the right thing with the pups.
It may take a little more patience and training but I am sure the pup will be fine. Just make sure you ask alot of questions here on YT. This is where I learned so much about taking care of my special little guy.Rocco is now 8 1/2 months old and he is a really good boy. Healthy, Potty trained, well behaved and oh sooo lovable.

I agree but PLEASE be ready for emergencies. Know the symptoms of hypoglycemia and have an emergency vet's phone number next to your phone. It wouldn't hurt to have a couple thousand dollars available for emergencies.

I brought Adie home at 7 weeks (like you I didn't know about the 12 weeks thing) and she got sick the very next day. By the time it was over I had spent close to $3000.00 in vet bills. Would I do it again? Probably. Adie and I bonded tightly during that first week - I was her only comfort and she had turned out to be a remarkable pretty (Just check out her photo album) and bright dog but doesn't care for other dogs that much. She tolerates them but doesn't need anyone but me. Adie also started alerting me to low blood sugar all on her own and I am sure it is that bond that made that happen.

If you are shy to post questions, try sending PM's to Bonny or me or any other member you think would understand and help.
Hugs and good luck
L

[Furbaby Friend]

Awww don't feel like you have to leave. We try to ward buyers off of bringing pups home at 8 weeks because it is better for the pup to stay with the litter/mom until 12 weeks. However, that doesn't mean we are going to run you off with pitchforks and torches if you end up with a pup that is 8 weeks.

Another reason to ward off people from buying them so young is that, after some more digging, sending them home so young is often accompanied by other "red flags." They tend to indicate a "greeder" or in worse cases mills. Often, selling young is an early sign that it is not somewhere you should purchase from. Note: I said OFTEN not ALWAYS. However, it is extremely often.

Ideally, you want someone that adheres to all the reputable standards as a breeder and that includes someone who waits until at least 12 weeks to send them home for the well being of the pup.

I would encourage your breeder to keep him if you can, but if she refuses... If I'm being honest and I were personally in your situation, I would probably take the pup anyway and cut my losses. I would NEVER purchase from that breeder again, but I don't think I'd have the heart to leave the pup either.

You'll have to put in extra time and energy to make sure your pup grows up happy, healthy, and socialized. As long as you are up to the challenge though, it isn't insurmountable. You'll have to take extra care teaching your pup things like bite inhibition, and he'll be extra tiny and more susceptible to certain things. Just do your research and become aware of the problems you could run into and prep for them.

We'll be here to help the pup if we need to be. It isn't like we're going to shun you both.

[Mardelin]

Don't feel bad about posting.

Yes, the average age to transition a pup to it's new home is 12 weeks of age and at least 2 pounds of age. Although many are holding on till 16 weeks because of the bile acid protocol and to insure the pup has it's full complimet of innoculations.

There are several reasons for this:

1. The pup has a minimum of 2 innoculations prior to going home.

2. Pups are just being weaned at 8 weeks of age and have not had enough time to make the full transition to food.

3. A breeder should be the one to insure that this will be an easy transition for the new family.

4. Mother's do the biggest part of training with the new pups between the ages of 8 weeks and 12 weeks.

5. Fear factor time frames......never introduce a pup to a new situation at the ages of 8, 12, 16, 24 weeks...these are known as Fear Factor Time Frames

6. When transitioning a yorkie pup to a new home it is not uncommon for a pup to go off food for 24 hours. You want the pup to be large enough and eating well to be able to withstand this.

7. Hyperglycemia can be brought on by stress as well as over activity. Stress can be caused by taking the pup from it's mother and litter mates too soon.

I've only touched on a few reasons. Now this being said....speak to your breeder and inform her of these things. If she is not willing to listen and you take this pup ( I know this will happen because your heart is set on the pup).....we'll assit you in preparing to take over being mommie to this pup. Oh! if you work, you might want to take a couple of weeks off to be with this pup.

[cliffick]

I, like many of the others, got my Maggie at 8 weeks. It was waay before I knew about Yorkietalk. That being said, she has been healthy. She actually was a mother (at a later date). Because I researched here religously, her puppy was not sold until he was 12 weeks old. The major difference I have noted is that Maggie is VERY attached to me. Doesn't bother me a bit!
Go with your heart. Be very prepared for emergencies. Try to be home as much as possible.

[Wylie's Mom]

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

Well said.

To the OP - your heart sounds committed to this baby, and that is very special.

Like others have said - be prepared for puppy emergencies, have a kit ready for this, don't be afraid to ask questions, and ENJOY puppyhood .

As for whether this breeder is being dishonest about being a show breeder - if this is important to you, you could always PM a show breeder here at YT, and they may be able to help you.

CONGRATS on your new family member!!!

[Rachael x]

Welcome to YT please dont EVER be afriad to post! we are all here to help each other!
I know it is hard to let go once you are attached, I brought my Poppy home at 6 weeks old (thought she was 8 weeks) and at the time I didnt know it was too young. It is your decision to make and we will help you though it every step of the way whatever you decide!

[cliffick]

Oh and ANYTHING Mardelin says is GOLDEN! She helped me over the phone any time I called her during Maggie's birthing experience.