[sophieanne93]

I know the best age is between 8-12 weeks due to socialisation etc. but I have just noticed an advert put up in my local shop of pups for sale and ready to go at 5 weeks! Now I've heard people have dogs at 6 weeks and they turned out fine but is 5 weeks even safe for them to leave?

If these pups were rehomed to people with dogs would they be socialised through them? I'm no way condoning this buy just curious!

 

[theothersparticus]

Wow, that is some seriously irresponsible breeder . I know f-all about breeding dogs and even I know that's not good for a puppy. Would a puppy even be weaned by then?

I'd be tempted to 'accidentally' damage that advert or put another note under it saying dogs at that age aren't ready to leave their mother and will have socialisation issues.

 

[GingerRogers]

I know Ginge was bought for £40 at 5 weeks. When we thought to take her on that was one of the things I asked the vets before we agreed. Will the fact that she was weaned so early have any effect on her health/socially?

Their response was that although it is a little young there would be no repercussions, its the first few days that are important health wise and the socialisation is dependent on situation. We thought that she had been well socialised as she lived on the farm with two collies and a gun dog (amongst others) but are coming to realise that being brought up with boisterous adult dogs with no control over their interactions is not quite the same as socialisation :001_unsure:

Bottom line is I don't think she has been seriously harmed but a little more time with her mum and litter mates may have given her some more manners and confidence - but then it may not.

Doesn't stop me feeling seriously sorry for her sometimes - I actually sacrificed one of my favourite fluffy sheepskin cushions so she has something nice to snuggle up to in bed, with her lack of mothering and then going straight to a male household I feel I need to be more of a mum than I did with Rory