When can I visit the litter
There is no excuse for allowing people to visit a litter of puppies prior to them being 5 weeks of age. The risk of transmitting infection is incredibly high and no knowledgeable breeder would ever take those kinds of risks with their dogs. Really wonderful breeders can experience horrific diseases (and it isn’t a reason to disqualify a breeder in your search). All breeders should protect their babies as much as reasonably possible.
Many breeders do not allow visits to the litter unless a family has placed a deposit. I completely understand this practice and for the most part that is how I run my program as well. Mostly, however, I rely on interviewing people and getting to know and trust the people that come to my home. That way I can feel more confident that my rules and requirements are being met prior to their arrival.
Many breeders do not allow visits to the litter unless a family has placed a deposit. I completely understand this practice and for the most part that is how I run my program as well. Mostly, however, I rely on interviewing people and getting to know and trust the people that come to my home. That way I can feel more confident that my rules and requirements are being met prior to their arrival.
At what age do the puppies go to new homes?
A breeder should not let their puppies go home before 6.5 weeks of age as the absolute minimum, and that is really pushing the limits of acceptable. The very best time to take a puppy home is at 7 weeks of age (49 days of age). This is unless the dog is a toy sized dog. A toy breed shouldn’t ever go home until it is large enough and old enough to regulate its own blood sugar. Refer to trustworthy sources to determine what age is appropriate for your selected breed.
A puppy should never ever ever (ever) go to his/her new home prior to 6.5 weeks of age. I do not care what the reasons are, they are not acceptable. There is absolutely not one single exception here. Not one. I cannot stress this enough. If you separate a litter too early you can have very significant temperament and training problems with your dog that will require the hiring of a certified behaviorist and a whole lot of training. And that likely will only help and not actually “fix” the problem. You cannot recreate the environment of a litter of puppies for your new puppy at home. Period.
8 weeks isn't really the magic number. Puppies go through a "fear imprint period" in the 8-12 week time frame. 49 days old is the best age to bond with a new puppy. I can only speculate why the 8 week "rule" is pushed so often, but I know it isn't really in the best interest of the puppy (except in the case of a toy sized dog)
Some states require a puppy to be 8 weeks old prior to sale (stupid, I know) so please be aware of your state's laws. There is no excuse for a breeder to be breaking laws. A good breeder will follow all rules and regulations required by the government (or will move to a state with more freedom).
A puppy should never ever ever (ever) go to his/her new home prior to 6.5 weeks of age. I do not care what the reasons are, they are not acceptable. There is absolutely not one single exception here. Not one. I cannot stress this enough. If you separate a litter too early you can have very significant temperament and training problems with your dog that will require the hiring of a certified behaviorist and a whole lot of training. And that likely will only help and not actually “fix” the problem. You cannot recreate the environment of a litter of puppies for your new puppy at home. Period.
8 weeks isn't really the magic number. Puppies go through a "fear imprint period" in the 8-12 week time frame. 49 days old is the best age to bond with a new puppy. I can only speculate why the 8 week "rule" is pushed so often, but I know it isn't really in the best interest of the puppy (except in the case of a toy sized dog)
Some states require a puppy to be 8 weeks old prior to sale (stupid, I know) so please be aware of your state's laws. There is no excuse for a breeder to be breaking laws. A good breeder will follow all rules and regulations required by the government (or will move to a state with more freedom).
