Quote:
Originally Posted by dogpositivetraining
Hi Sue,
I do appreciate what you're saying. It has been the norm for a puppy to leave the litter at 7/8 weeks. However I now only work with Breeders who keep the puppy with the litter until at least 10/12 weeks.
A good breeder should have a structured socialization program, (which actually starts gradually at 3 weeks and builds up), so a puppy going to a new home at 10/12 weeks will already have had plenty of socialization and exposure to different stimuli.
Far from being sold cheaply I actually pay more to have the breeder start the socialization program, and also do some basic training. When Harley arrived in his new home he already new his name, and the requests 'sit', 'stay', 'come', and his heel work was just beginning.
Of course when I say he already new these requests I don't mean he did as I asked every time  this is something I have worked on and now he does listen, and does as asked first time.
There is now a new school of breeders realising that it is often in the best interest of the puppy to stay within the familiarity and stable environment of the litter during the 'Sensitive Phase' of development, which can be at any time from 7 to 9 weeks.
At this time, the most ordinary events may frighten the puppy and have a profound and possibly lasting effect on its personality. Breeders can minimize stress to the pups by keeping the litter together for another week or two and maintaining the familiar, stable environment.
The breeder must sensitively and systematically introduce different objects, people and situations. The pups will be less threatened and have a greater chance of coping with the new stimuli if their surroundings are familiar and comfortable during the critical fear period.
In addition at around 8 weeks interactions between litter-mates becomes more intense and serious in forming the hierarchy. What used to appear as playfulness over a toy now literally becomes tug-of-war and a serious challenge for social position. These interactions involve complex body language and vocalizations, and prepare the animal for future canine relationships.
Also a good breeder will request that a professional canine behaviourist perform an aptitude test around this time. This is not stressful for the pups, and it is the best way of trying to ensure that the right puppy goes to the right owner. i.e. It would not be good to give a very dominant dog to a first time dog owner.
Of course it is also desirable (distance permitting), that the new owner should visit the breeder during this time and spend one-on-one time with their intended puppy.
Today, through the work, writings and observations of a great many people interested in the welfare of canine companions, we know that the socialization period does not end at sixteen weeks. Socialization is an ongoing process that must continue throughout the dog's life to maintain a stable and suitable temperament.
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Whilst I kind of agree with you, I do not think it is practical or sensible for breeders to keep pups until 12 weeks (unless toy breeds that need to for physical reasons). I kind of agree because the one pup I kept until 12 weeks (until her new owners got back from holiday) is the easiest of all her litter. However, I am not sure whether this is down to our experience compared to many first time owners, as opposed to the time spent with us, especially as she was on her own with us from 9 weeks. The pup that left us first, at 7 1/2 weeks, has 'caused' a few problems with over-exhuberant and innapropriate play biting, but again, I feel this is more down to the owners than anything else, despite the fact they have attended weekly or bi weekly training and socialisation classes with a good trainer since puppy was able.
I have a pup here I bought, collected at 10 weeks. (moving house, so couldn't collect at 8 weeks) She is now 5 months old and everyone comments on her excellent behaviour.
In large litters, there is no practical way a breeder can socialise a pup as well as it's new owners who can give the one pup their undivided attention. I always make sure that prior to pups leaving me at around 8 weeks, they are well used to their new owners (most visit 2-4 times a week) and that they have had plenty of time, in shortish periods, away from Mum and siblings. I also make sure they have been stood outside my children's school in my arms, been in the car several times, been to the vets, seen cats, horses cows and sheep, heard all the normal household sounds, heard fireworks, etc etc. They are also partially toilet trained whent hey leave. I do nto teach them commands (aside from the 12 week pup) as having discussed it with new owners, they prefer to do this themselves, which I accept. The pups do know their names though. I think considering the work rearing a large litter involves, if a breeder is expected to do any more than this, then the day to day care of the litter will suffer, especially as the pups get older and need more one to one care. I spend 24/7 with my litters and I found it hard to fit it all in.
i think the best thing is for new owners to be fully 'briefed' on how to best socialise their new puppy and how important it is.