I have reserved my second whippet :thumbsup: Its all been very exciting and I can't wait to get my new edition UNTIL today when things have gone a bit wrong. Puppy was reserved when she was just a few days old and I am pleased with her but, I had an email from the breeder today and she has asked for her to be collected next weekend. She will only be 6 weeks old next sunday and I am worried that this is much too early for her to be leaing her mum and siblings. What do you think ?? I have already left a 50% deposit on her and do obviously very much want her but I feel it is wrong of the breeder to want her gone so soon. Has anyone taken a puppy at 6 weeks and how did he/she cope ?? I have just sent a reply saying that it seems very young and I cannot even get insurance cover for her as she is too young, etc.
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Collecting Puppy At 6 Weeks Old
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it is too young, they need to play with their litter mates and be disciplined by their mother, its a vital socialising time for them, and this is all assuming they are fully weaned and eating well independently...
Well I think it sounds far to young for her, she has literally only just started even looking like a whippet and getting around properly !!! She is also having her food soaked with milk so it doesn't sound like she is totally weaned yet either the poor little lady.
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i had a puppy at six weeks old, it was a long time ago but I have to admit it was the most well behaved and devoted dog I ever had...I would say that it depends on the dog and although in an ideal world it would stay with mum until eight weeks, I had James my beagle boy at seven weeks old( he too was quite independent, albeit small) and he has also so far been a very very attentive and well mannered boy..the ones I've had at a younger age have definitely been totally fine and much more bonded from the word go and have learnt their manners and house training etc much quicker than the ones I've had a few weeks older.
also if the breeder wants the pup gone, who's to say it will be any better off with some one who wants rid of it and may not have its best interests at heart, or with someone who does.
also in terms of disciplining the pup, it doesn't matter who does the disciplining, human or dog, so long as the pup understands that it is being disciplined and why, it learns either way.
also if the breeder wants the pup gone, who's to say it will be any better off with some one who wants rid of it and may not have its best interests at heart, or with someone who does.
also in terms of disciplining the pup, it doesn't matter who does the disciplining, human or dog, so long as the pup understands that it is being disciplined and why, it learns either way.
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That is a point to consider...
but if not fully weaned its not ideal...I like a whippet to look like a whippet by the time it goes to its new home!
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ok sorry,i've not seen a picture of it so didn't know it wasn't fully formed so to speak..my dogs looked like mini adults at that age and were fully weaned without a doubt.
Years ago it was commonplace to rehome pups once weaned so 6 weeks was not unusual and 7 weeks was the norm. By 7 weeks most pups are spending relatively little time with Mum and have also reached a window of opportunity that will close a few weeks later ... they are not so fearful at this stage of development as they will be for a while later and so will adapt readily to a new environment. So yes 6 weeks is young but as long as the pup is weaned and you are able to provide an appropriately rich environment to aid your pups development then it shouldn't do any real harm. What you will lose is some of the value of interaction with litter mates from whom a lot is also learnt. But if the rest of the litter is to be homed at a similar age there would be no advantage to your pup to stay longer. Good luck whatever happens.
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Having just raised a litter for the last 10 weeks I feel that I can say that 6 weeks is way too young in my opinion.
The puppy will miss out on natural weaning, socialisation and education from it's mother.
I have watched nature taking it's course with our litter (from a rescued whippet who was only 5 days from whelping when she arrived here
) and, whilst the pups were eating solids at 6 weeks, they still needed their mum 2 or 3 times a day and it wasn't until they were 8 weeks that mum weaned them naturally by denying them suckling rights and regurgitating solid food for them instead. Fascinating to watch how nature progresses!
After that, mum played with the pups and taught them how to defend themselves and also, crucially, taught them respect for their elders which included the doggy form of recall (run away and I'll catch you and bowl you over :lol: )
They are now 10 weeks old and nearly ready to go to their new homes (just waiting for the 2nd vaccination next Friday). I am more than happy that my litter is going out into the world as well adjusted and brave pups
Has the breeder given you any reason for wanting you to take your pup so early? If it's a case of them not wanting to pay to feed the pup for another 2-3 weeks then they really shouldn't be breeding in the first place as I think it's very unfair on the puppies
The puppy will miss out on natural weaning, socialisation and education from it's mother.
I have watched nature taking it's course with our litter (from a rescued whippet who was only 5 days from whelping when she arrived here
) and, whilst the pups were eating solids at 6 weeks, they still needed their mum 2 or 3 times a day and it wasn't until they were 8 weeks that mum weaned them naturally by denying them suckling rights and regurgitating solid food for them instead. Fascinating to watch how nature progresses!After that, mum played with the pups and taught them how to defend themselves and also, crucially, taught them respect for their elders which included the doggy form of recall (run away and I'll catch you and bowl you over :lol: )
They are now 10 weeks old and nearly ready to go to their new homes (just waiting for the 2nd vaccination next Friday). I am more than happy that my litter is going out into the world as well adjusted and brave pups
Has the breeder given you any reason for wanting you to take your pup so early? If it's a case of them not wanting to pay to feed the pup for another 2-3 weeks then they really shouldn't be breeding in the first place as I think it's very unfair on the puppies
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Have to agree with Annie, although possibly not ideal, 6 weeks was once 'the norm'. Hopefully, if pup is fully weaned, eating well then he/she will thrive provided you are prepared for the extra care it will need. Good luck with your pup. :luck:
It's not to say I agree with it, if it was me then the pups would stay with their Mum, and 'naturally' Mum would wean them, but sadly we don't live in an ideal world.
It's not to say I agree with it, if it was me then the pups would stay with their Mum, and 'naturally' Mum would wean them, but sadly we don't live in an ideal world.
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Could you delay it by a week by saying you are not ready or make some excues? It would give the pup and extra week at least and 7 weeks is probably better than 6. Have to say, I would question why the breeder wants 'rid' so quickly. Most responsible breeders would not let a pup go before 7 or 8 weeks.
Por wee mite. probably better off with you ASAP.
Hope all goes well :luck:
Por wee mite. probably better off with you ASAP.
Hope all goes well :luck:
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If only every pup was given the wonderful start that you (and Molly) have provided then there would probably be a lot more happy, well adjusted dogs in this world :thumbsup:Having just raised a litter for the last 10 weeks I feel that I can say that 6 weeks is way too young in my opinion.
The puppy will miss out on natural weaning, socialisation and education from it's mother.
I have watched nature taking it's course with our litter (from a rescued whippet who was only 5 days from whelping when she arrived here
After that, mum played with the pups and taught them how to defend themselves and also, crucially, taught them respect for their elders which included the doggy form of recall (run away and I'll catch you and bowl you over :lol: )
They are now 10 weeks old and nearly ready to go to their new homes (just waiting for the 2nd vaccination next Friday). I am more than happy that my litter is going out into the world as well adjusted and brave pups
Has the breeder given you any reason for wanting you to take your pup so early? If it's a case of them not wanting to pay to feed the pup for another 2-3 weeks then they really shouldn't be breeding in the first place as I think it's very unfair on the puppies
Thankyou everyone for your replies :thumbsup:
I am just so amazed that she has asked for her to go so soon to be honest and don't really know what to think. I have just asked if she made a mistake and means the weekend after as she will only be 6 weeks old next sunday and am waiting for a reply. It is all a bit odd and although I did try to pick out a breeder that seemed to be doing everything the right way, it would seem that the story she gave about how the puppies would be reared and what is actually happening are VERY different things :angry:
They were supposed to be reared indoors with mum and be used to everyday household noises etc. They have actually been reared in a stable since a few weeks old and not been in the house. They were supposed to be vet checked before leaving but that isn't happening now and KC registered but I have had no reply when asking if the papers are ready to go with her. I cannot find any company that will insure her until she is at least 7 or 8 weeks old so she will now not have the puppy insurance cover she was supposed to be leaving with. The 'puppy pack' has now turned into a piece of blanket that they have been sleeping on and thats it !!
I was supposed to have pick of the bitches in the litter but even that went wrong as one was reserved by someone else, the breeder decided to keep one and the other changed colour so the pick is now one LOL !!! Do you sometimes just wonder if these things are just sent to try you :teehee: ??
I do really want her and don't want to upset the breeder and risk losing her but, I want what is best for her and if that means staying for an extra week so she has a bit more time with her mum and siblings then I will have to ask her. She hasn't sold a couple of the puppies I don't think anyway and as she is keeping one herself she will definately have others still there for that time.
If she is not prepared to keep her though I will be bringing her home and giving her the best start I can, I do have another whippet who Im sure will help teach her the rules of being a crazy whippet baby LOL. Im sure she will be fine and Im just worrying about nothing as usual !!!
I am just so amazed that she has asked for her to go so soon to be honest and don't really know what to think. I have just asked if she made a mistake and means the weekend after as she will only be 6 weeks old next sunday and am waiting for a reply. It is all a bit odd and although I did try to pick out a breeder that seemed to be doing everything the right way, it would seem that the story she gave about how the puppies would be reared and what is actually happening are VERY different things :angry:
They were supposed to be reared indoors with mum and be used to everyday household noises etc. They have actually been reared in a stable since a few weeks old and not been in the house. They were supposed to be vet checked before leaving but that isn't happening now and KC registered but I have had no reply when asking if the papers are ready to go with her. I cannot find any company that will insure her until she is at least 7 or 8 weeks old so she will now not have the puppy insurance cover she was supposed to be leaving with. The 'puppy pack' has now turned into a piece of blanket that they have been sleeping on and thats it !!
I was supposed to have pick of the bitches in the litter but even that went wrong as one was reserved by someone else, the breeder decided to keep one and the other changed colour so the pick is now one LOL !!! Do you sometimes just wonder if these things are just sent to try you :teehee: ??
I do really want her and don't want to upset the breeder and risk losing her but, I want what is best for her and if that means staying for an extra week so she has a bit more time with her mum and siblings then I will have to ask her. She hasn't sold a couple of the puppies I don't think anyway and as she is keeping one herself she will definately have others still there for that time.
If she is not prepared to keep her though I will be bringing her home and giving her the best start I can, I do have another whippet who Im sure will help teach her the rules of being a crazy whippet baby LOL. Im sure she will be fine and Im just worrying about nothing as usual !!!
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Jewel:
Hard as it would be to do, I'd be asking for my money back and trying elsewhere.
So very little socialisation, no vet check and a question mark on papers?
Hard as it would be to do, I'd be asking for my money back and trying elsewhere.
I know it sounds harsh, but I would walk away. The breeder sounds very 'iffy'
She has not reared the puppy as she said she would and I am very sure that you would be entitled to your deposit back 'Breach of contract'.
The puppies have not been reared in the family environment that you were promised, she is not covered with the insurance that you were promised. There may be something wrong with the pup, it should be vet checked, as promised. The puppy pack from the KC includes insurance (not worth the paper it is written on tho' !) You are also not getting the 'pick of the bitches' you are bring sold what is left another broken promise. This breeder sounds quite disrepuitable and you could be buying a bundle of trouble!
The socialisation with her peergroup, attention of her mother and proper weaning are all very importiant. I have a young dog that did not have proper early socialisation. He has been very hard work and is still a nervous dog. Your own dog cannot replace the early interaction between mother and siblings.
If you can bear to do it, walk away and put your name down for a puppy from a proper breeder. Quite a few k9 members who are repuitable breeders and have litters at present and others may know of a litter due soon.
Puppies should have a good start in life so that they are outgoing and confident.
She has not reared the puppy as she said she would and I am very sure that you would be entitled to your deposit back 'Breach of contract'.
The puppies have not been reared in the family environment that you were promised, she is not covered with the insurance that you were promised. There may be something wrong with the pup, it should be vet checked, as promised. The puppy pack from the KC includes insurance (not worth the paper it is written on tho' !) You are also not getting the 'pick of the bitches' you are bring sold what is left another broken promise. This breeder sounds quite disrepuitable and you could be buying a bundle of trouble!
The socialisation with her peergroup, attention of her mother and proper weaning are all very importiant. I have a young dog that did not have proper early socialisation. He has been very hard work and is still a nervous dog. Your own dog cannot replace the early interaction between mother and siblings.
If you can bear to do it, walk away and put your name down for a puppy from a proper breeder. Quite a few k9 members who are repuitable breeders and have litters at present and others may know of a litter due soon.
Puppies should have a good start in life so that they are outgoing and confident.
I'd be particularly worried about the fact the pup won't come with puppy insurance, it sounds like a situation where the pups won't have been vet checked, possibly not even wormed correctly, so you could end up with health problems and some big vet bills.
Objectively I would say you should ask for your deposit back (which you are entitled to as she has broken her contract with you in numerous ways) and go elsewhere. It sounds as though this woman is breeding for money with no regard for the bitch or pups. So long as she makes a profit she'll keep breeding.
I know that's really hard, though, I can well understand that in your head this pup is yours now and you don't want to leave her in a bad situation
Good luck with whatever you decide :luck:
Objectively I would say you should ask for your deposit back (which you are entitled to as she has broken her contract with you in numerous ways) and go elsewhere. It sounds as though this woman is breeding for money with no regard for the bitch or pups. So long as she makes a profit she'll keep breeding.
I know that's really hard, though, I can well understand that in your head this pup is yours now and you don't want to leave her in a bad situation
Good luck with whatever you decide :luck:
No you're not worrying about nothing ... I would have a number of concerns, and tbh the pups age would not be the greatest of them. One of my mini dachshunds came to us at 5 weeks as his mother had died and his breeder was struggling to cope and tbh he was easier to raise than any other pup I've had (he was so small he fitted in my coat pocket, and I used to take him everywhere with me). But I have a friend who took on a whippet pup at 7 weeks that had been in a stable from 3 weeks, much as you describe and against my advice, and who had no end of trouble with her.
Not that keeping pups in stables or kennels is a bad thing per se, a lot of breeders move pups out of the house when the tide of wee and poo becomes unstoppable ... when faced with as many as 10 little shit machines having their living quarters elsewhere as they get older can feel like a very good idea. What is important is that the pups spend some time in the house everyday, getting used to household sights, sounds, scents and routines, and interacting with people. Do you know if this has been the case with your pup?
I would also be concerned by the number of 'supposed to's' and wonder how much else you might have been told that isn't true. How much interest has this breeder shown in the kind of home you have to offer? A responsible breeder should have asked you a *lot* of questions and maybe even asked to see your house. Can I ask how much you are paying for your pup?
As others says ... little socialisation, no vet check and quite probably KC papers that will never turn up ... I'd get my deposit back and walk away ... they have after all broken promises made and in law the verbal agreement you had is a contract. The problem is that you will feel sorry for the pup and feel you need to 'rescue' her and everytime one of us does this (and I stand guilty of it too) we just encourage the less scrupulous breeder to carry on breeding.
Not that keeping pups in stables or kennels is a bad thing per se, a lot of breeders move pups out of the house when the tide of wee and poo becomes unstoppable ... when faced with as many as 10 little shit machines having their living quarters elsewhere as they get older can feel like a very good idea. What is important is that the pups spend some time in the house everyday, getting used to household sights, sounds, scents and routines, and interacting with people. Do you know if this has been the case with your pup?
I would also be concerned by the number of 'supposed to's' and wonder how much else you might have been told that isn't true. How much interest has this breeder shown in the kind of home you have to offer? A responsible breeder should have asked you a *lot* of questions and maybe even asked to see your house. Can I ask how much you are paying for your pup?
As others says ... little socialisation, no vet check and quite probably KC papers that will never turn up ... I'd get my deposit back and walk away ... they have after all broken promises made and in law the verbal agreement you had is a contract. The problem is that you will feel sorry for the pup and feel you need to 'rescue' her and everytime one of us does this (and I stand guilty of it too) we just encourage the less scrupulous breeder to carry on breeding.
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I have read carefully through this thread and am saddened by what you have said. You have received some good advice in the other posts. For me I would not take a pup, of any breed, before at least eight weeks of age. It is important that they remain at least that long with their mum and siblings so that they are properly weaned and socialised. If I did not get proper answers to the questions that you have asked I would walk away. You will be responsible for the dog for the rest of it's life. It is important it receives the good start it is supposed to have.
The exact same thing happened to me . I really wanted the pup and I was devastated but I cancelled the pup . For the sake of the pups Mum and the other pups as well as any future litters bred by the person . I could not take the pup and therefore encourage someone to keep doing this . I could have coped with the pup but maybe others would struggle and pups would suffer as a consequence .
I would also be concerned by the number of 'supposed to's' and wonder how much else you might have been told that isn't true. How much interest has this breeder shown in the kind of home you have to offer? A responsible breeder should have asked you a *lot* of questions and maybe even asked to see your house. Can I ask how much you are paying for your pup?
To be honest she did sound like the ideal breeder and she did ring me and ask a few questions about work hours, other pets, etc initially and she gave all the right answers to the questions I had for her but unfortunately little of what she said is actually happening. I am paying £400 for her and have given a £200 deposit already. Unfortunately she has got back to me today just saying that the DOB is right and that she will be 6 weeks old next sunday when I need to collect her. Her KC registration is ready to go with her but I have checked with their insurance and she can not be covered at that age which is a huge worry. As she wont even have been vet checked, surely if I get her home and then my vet finds something I wont be able to get cover for that problem for her at all ??
I just don't know what to do, I honestly can't see her giving the deposit back and I can't imagine finding another just like her that easy either, she is very adorable :'(
To be honest she did sound like the ideal breeder and she did ring me and ask a few questions about work hours, other pets, etc initially and she gave all the right answers to the questions I had for her but unfortunately little of what she said is actually happening. I am paying £400 for her and have given a £200 deposit already. Unfortunately she has got back to me today just saying that the DOB is right and that she will be 6 weeks old next sunday when I need to collect her. Her KC registration is ready to go with her but I have checked with their insurance and she can not be covered at that age which is a huge worry. As she wont even have been vet checked, surely if I get her home and then my vet finds something I wont be able to get cover for that problem for her at all ??
I just don't know what to do, I honestly can't see her giving the deposit back and I can't imagine finding another just like her that easy either, she is very adorable :'(
Her KC registration papers may be available but she cannot be transferred into your ownership until she is 8 weeks old. And you're right, any problem she has with her health will not be covered by the KC's insurance plan and will subsequently count as a pre existing condition. But healthy pet will insure her from 6 weeks http://www.healthy-pets.co.uk/puppy-insurance.htm as may other companys.
£400 is a fair price for a well bred whippet pup but there really are plenty of others out there if you can obtain a refund and choose to look elsewhere.
What reason is she giving for the pups leaving her at 6 weeks?
£400 is a fair price for a well bred whippet pup but there really are plenty of others out there if you can obtain a refund and choose to look elsewhere.
What reason is she giving for the pups leaving her at 6 weeks?
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