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Re: Help! Training Puppy around 3 dogs and another puppy?
Quote:
Originally Posted by jackson
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.
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Hi Jackson,
Thanks for your post.
My post was just a way of me sharing my experience on this particular issue.
In general I have found over the last few years puppies that have gone on to new owners at 10 to 12 weeks, develop in to confident, well-rounded adults, very sociable etc. The feedback I get from new owners who have previous experience with acquiring puppies at an earlier age, is that the puppies they pick up at 10/12 weeks seem to be more calm, adjust more readily to their new environment, more sociable with other dogs, very friendly with humans, and just seem better equipped to deal with the world 
Yes I agree wholeheartedly that this is a LOT of work for the breeder, but it is also a labour of love for many, as well as being what they actually do full-time for a living.
Puppies go through the socialization process you mention, each puppy has daily one-on-one time with humans, - including the new owner(s) - as well as all the other socializing; household appliances, other animals, trips in the car, trips to the vet, traffic, pedestrians, shops, joggers, postman, cyclist, cats, children, etc. IT IS FULL ON
Oh and just to clarify I'm talking about Breeders who keep all the litter until 10 to 12 weeks, so it's not like one puppy gets left behind. The Dam will be on holiday resting, but the other litter-mates will still be around.
And of course this is not cheap for the breeder, but they do pass the cost of these extra weeks and time on to the new owners, this doesn't seem to be an issue with the new owners.
And it goes without saying that socialization continues with the new owner and for the rest of the dogs life
Oh and this is not relating to just Weims, its all dogs. I just happen to love Weims
Angela |