new puppy love

[nezza]

How exciting! I think it's sweet and wonderful that the pups are beginning to know you already. That will make their transition far less traumatic.

We'll have to start a countdown clock to Double Puppy Eve!

Yeah, we have been going to see them and play with them every day. They see us and run so fast that they trip over their own little legs to get to us!!! it is too cute!!! We are aiming for the week of the 15th to bring them home!!! i just can't wait for that new puppy love!!!

[Phyrie]

Just a reminder: some of us (me and others!) think puppies do best if they are left with the bitch as long as 12 weeks. Since you know them, and are able to visit as you like, you might want to consider letting your pups stay that extra couple of weeks. Pups learn so much from their mother, not the least of which is house-training, and they make a great start on bite inhibition. The bitch will start weaning them at about 6 weeks, but she continues to teach them much longer than that. If the owner doesn't want the responsibility of feeding your pups past the expected delivery date, you could offer to supply and/or pay for the extra feed. That's also a great way to get your pups used to whatever brand of dog food you are going to use, if it's not the same as the owner! They can begin by mixing in your brand with their brand, little by little, and by the time the pups are ready to come home, they are completely on your (almost always) much better choice! *vbg*

[nezza]

Just a reminder: some of us (me and others!) think puppies do best if they are left with the bitch as long as 12 weeks. Since you know them, and are able to visit as you like, you might want to consider letting your pups stay that extra couple of weeks. Pups learn so much from their mother, not the least of which is house-training, and they make a great start on bite inhibition. The bitch will start weaning them at about 6 weeks, but she continues to teach them much longer than that. If the owner doesn't want the responsibility of feeding your pups past the expected delivery date, you could offer to supply and/or pay for the extra feed. That's also a great way to get your pups used to whatever brand of dog food you are going to use, if it's not the same as the owner! They can begin by mixing in your brand with their brand, little by little, and by the time the pups are ready to come home, they are completely on your (almost always) much better choice! *vbg*

I do appreciate the advice. And i do agree, pups should not be taken away from their mom too early....you have raised some very valid points.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Phyrie and I, as well as others, have discussed this many times. One thing on which we all agree is that 8 weeks is the absolute minimum age a pup should leave its Mum and siblings. However, we do differ slightly moving forward. Deerie Me (Tracy) feels 10 weeks is a good age, and after my last puppy coming home at 8 weeks, I have to concur with 10 weeks being the most desirable age.

Both Tracy and I feel that the pup is ready to start its new life by 10 weeks, and leaving it that extra two weeks, until 12 weeks old, can possibly set back some other developmental stages, such as bonding, inter alia of course.

Since you are seeing these pups all the time, I'm sure they are already bonding to you well. That was just one issue off of the top of my head.

Phyrie knows I mean absolutely no disrespect to her and her opinion of 12 weeks. I applaud that over people who take a pup at six weeks, unless that is an emergency situation. One of my favourite things about Phyrie is we are able to have discussions on topics in which we each have a slightly varied opinion, for our own reasons, and respect one another for what they bring to the discussion.

Henry really changed my mind about 8 weeks being a good age. However, you are in an unusual and most pleasant situation wherein you are already seeing the pups regularly. Most of us do not have that opportunity. In Henry's case, I think 10 weeks would have been better, probably. Who's to say?!

Let's start that countdown clock! You have to start it as we aren't entirely sure of your dates.

[nezza]

i do appreciate all the advice!! i have many years experience dealing with puppies and kitten, adult cats and dogs, too. i have been a veterinary technician for about 7 years now...so i have seen puppies coming in anywhere between 8 to 12 weeks of age. We give our first puppy boosters at 6 to 8 weeks old. and every three weeks until receiving their final rabies and distemper/parvo combo at 16 weeks. Rabies is ONLY given at the final round of boosters, whereas the distemper/parvo is given in rounds. (the final booster being at 16 weeks). I LOVE LOVE LOVE working with animals...it's the best, most rewarding job.

ok...so, having said that....we are shooting for the week of the 15th, hopefully that monday (15th). depending on where they are in their development. they seem to me to be moving along quite well.

So...let's start that count down!!!!

[RubyJeansMom]

Oh my! Triscuit and Waffles are absolutely precious!
And I love the names.

[Phyrie]

I think an experienced owner, such as you have described yourself, will do perfectly well with a pup as young as 10 weeks. Deb brings up a valid point, one shared by Dr. Ian Dunbar as well as others here, about early socialization. Dr. Dunbar goes so far as to claim that the socialization window CLOSES at 12 weeks, and your pup is irreparably harmed after that point. Of course, anyone in rescue knows this simply isn't true, or we would never be able to bring home an older puppy, or even an adult dog, and have it fit into our families and be a well-socialized citizen!

That said, I am willing to amend my original post to "between 10 and 12 weeks" with the later date appropriate for newer pet owners.

How's that for a compromise, Deb? ;-D

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

LOL Phyrie! Nevermind calling me "Diplo Deb" anymore, when you are being so "Diplo" yourself! This is why I loves ya! ♥

Vanessa, it is great to hear about your background. Clearly you know what you are doing, and you are so gracious about all of our comments.

Triscuit and Waffle Countdown On: 12 DAYS! Hopefully

[nezza]

I think an experienced owner, such as you have described yourself, will do perfectly well with a pup as young as 10 weeks. Deb brings up a valid point, one shared by Dr. Ian Dunbar as well as others here, about early socialization. Dr. Dunbar goes so far as to claim that the socialization window CLOSES at 12 weeks, and your pup is irreparably harmed after that point. Of course, anyone in rescue knows this simply isn't true, or we would never be able to bring home an older puppy, or even an adult dog, and have it fit into our families and be a well-socialized citizen!

That said, I am willing to amend my original post to "between 10 and 12 weeks" with the later date appropriate for newer pet owners.

How's that for a compromise, Deb? ;-D

it really IS all about our wonderful furry friends. we all just want them to be safe, to be happy, to be loved, to be healthy and to be well cared for. that's why we are all "Animal Lovers"!

One of the wonderful things about this forum is the wealth of information, pointers, advice, points of view...etc.

I can assure everyone that i would never compromise the health or well being of these pups

[nezza]

LOL Phyrie! Nevermind calling me "Diplo Deb" anymore, when you are being so "Diplo" yourself! This is why I loves ya! ♥

Vanessa, it is great to hear about your background. Clearly you know what you are doing, and you are so gracious about all of our comments.

Triscuit and Waffle Countdown On: 12 DAYS! Hopefully

Thank you. I'm very open minded and take in all the advice given. And i genuinely appreciate ALL of the advice i've been given. These little pups have so much love already...from all of you....my new forum friends, who are all looking out for their best interests.

So....i'm going to visit the little guys this afternoon! maybe get a few new pics and see how they are progressing...

Countdown begins....now 11 days....Hopefully

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

11 Days and counting!!!

[nezza]

went to see Triscuit and Waffles today!!! They are doing really well!!! They have so much energy and so playful!!! We meant to take pictures but weren't able to get any.



.......10 More Days!!!!.....

[Emma & Kay]

I'm so excited for you! I've never had to wait before getting a puppy, but I'm pretty sure I'd have died during the wait.

[nezza]

I'm so excited for you! I've never had to wait before getting a puppy, but I'm pretty sure I'd have died during the wait.

i have to admit...every time i see their cute little faces...it makes the waiting SOOOO HARD!!! lol. i just can't wait to bring them home and love them and play with them and love them some more and spoil them rotten!!!!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

10 MORE DAYS!!!!

That's how long I went from the time I met Henry, to bringing him home. It was agony.

I waited even longer for Oliver. ♥

I am truly SO excited for you! Two brand new puppies at once. It will be fun.