new puppy

[treeclimber233]

I am getting a new (really young) LGD. My friend called and said someone she knows is selling puppies. In a previous post I said the seller was advertising 2 week old puppies. After my friend put in a hold for me I learned the seller is getting rid of the puppies at 5 1/2 to 6 weeks old. Isn't this a bit young especially this time of year? While I have raised puppies from birth on a bottle and don't mind the extra care he will need I am concerned he will not have the socialization he needs from his mother and siblings. Will this affect his ability to guard? What am I getting myself into?

 

[Calliopia]

This might help. I don't know where you are located but in many areas it is ILLEGAL to get rid of pups before they are 8 weeks old.

http://www.animallaw.info/articles/ovuspuppysaletable.htm

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

we got a pup at 6 weeks... and the only reason it worked was b/c i'm home all day. it was a lot of work - mostly she just needed to be held, snuggled, fed, and taken out. she was with me most of the day.

most folks think, for lots of reason - including their social development - that pups should be with the litter until 8 weeks.

we have a mature "pack" and one of our most submissive dogs took her under his paw...er... wing... but it was still a lot of care giving by me. provided other circumstances we probably would have just waited.

sometimes you can just ask them hold the pup for another couple of weeks. if you can help it, you probably shouldnt rush.

good luck!

 

[crazyland]

It isn't just "socialization" that they should stay with their siblings till past 8 weeks. They are learning dog language and how to act like a dog with manners. Another is that they go through a fear period. And another is they are still learning bite inhibition from their siblings.
For health reasons too they should stay with their family. They may not be fully weaned. They sometimes feed off the mom for 12 weeks. Just because they can eat kibble doesn't mean they are fully weaned. You are putting undo stress on them which can lead to separation anxiety.
I would walk away from anyone selling a puppy under 8 weeks. They are not giving the best developmental environment for these pups.
I had a litter of German Shepherds this summer. By 8 weeks the pups had already started potty training, crate training and basic commands. They didn't jump all over people but sat politely to be petted.
The breeder sets the foundation for the rest of the life of the pup, you want the breeder to do their best and not just put out pups for money and dump them at the first available chance.