Right I've put a deposit down on a black lab puppy and the owner has said we can come and collect him next week. He is only 6 weeks but is the biggest of the litter ,has already been weened and the mother has apparently lost interest. We've been to see him regularly and he appears to be developing fine isn't biting much and is interacting well (the breeder has 2 children and another dog) and I've read lots of conflicting articles about whether it's ok to take him home now or not and was just after some advice

Cheers

Just my opinion but its too soon. More likely the breeder has lost interest and wants her reddies. Mum may have lost some interest but the litter will still be learning social skills within group. I would be looking elsewhere I'm affraid. I appreciate you have chosen now and it can be hard to walk away. Cutting corners when they go home makes me wonder what other corners may have been cut.

Welcome to PF by the way.

I would say it is fine.

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Dan and Pippa!

I would not take the pup home until 8 weeks. He might not be with his/her mother, but will be learning from his brothers and sisters.

Its most common to take a pup home between 8 and 12 weeks old. My preference is to leave the pup with the mother and litter rather than take them away too early. Even at 12 weeks the pup will be eager to learn, but will have had chance to mature a little and interact with the other dogs.

I think you should try to stall a couple of weeks to be honest. Definitely wouldn't take a pup under 8 weeks.

Keep in mind the owner might be trying to get out of paying for vaccinations etc due at 8 weeks - extra expense out of their profit! But doing whats right for the pup should be the forefront of everything.

I get the feeling this is a litter at someones household - if I'm right then make sure you have an agreement (preferably in writing) that the pup can be returned if any health issues are found in their first vet check-up (that should be done asap after the pup is yours).

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It is to early to take the puppy home, I would not take him before 8 weeks.

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I've taken pups home at six weeks, but I've always had an older dog for it to interact with, so that's helped with it's socialization. Having said that.I dont think that it should be a problem. Is this your first pup.??
Good luck and enjoy your youngster. pete.

Again contrasting responses and this is my first pup but me and partner always had dogs growing up and if the owner is trying to cut corners wouldn't it be better to get him home and do things properly Myself

GDBA put their puppies with their puppy walkers at 6 weeks as do many assistance dog charities.

I, like many others, prefer to have a pup at 7 weeks.

Others at 8 weeks and many toy dogs do not go their new homes until they are 10 weeks.

(You will not really get any breeders of large dogs holding on to their pups later than 8 weeks at the latest)

So the answer is, it depends.

As for vaccinations, most reputable breeders I know will not vaccinate a puppy before it leaves the nest as it is a total waste of time.

A) because the pup will still have immunity from its mum and
B) because their vet will often use a totally different manufacturer, vaccine and protocol from that of the new owner so the pup ends up with THREE jabs.

I would be more concerned that the breeder has carried out the correct health checks on the breeding stock which for Labradors are:

Hip scoring
Elbow scoring
Eye Testing

Not sure if that helps any, I would not be overly concerned at pups leaving at 6 weeks, I would prior to that age.

A fair number of reputable breeders don't get the pups' first vaccinations done.

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