I know you were all v.helpful last week when i asked the question on the swimmer pup and having been back again to view the pups the breeders are now happy for us to choose him if we want. the swimmer has really improved,now walking, running ext..He is very loving and quite dosile (doesnt nip as much as the others when you try to stroke him.)Is this a normal puppy behavior? am really confused as to whever we should go for him ...heart says yes head says no.We are first time dog owners and so dont have any experience..he is v lovely though o.k they all are but they did seem( the others a bit more nippy which i thought was normal...see im trying to talk my self out of this) Help we need to make our choice some time this week....An out going, robust healthy pup or should we go for the (not shy) soft little ex swimmer
P.s his chest did feel a tiny bit flatter than the others would this cause unseen problems inside? Who would have thought buying a dog would be sooo hard!:) thanks again for any words of wisdom..all the books have gone out the window on this one!:)

I'm sure you will get the same replies as you did last time - some will say leave well alone as they did before. Only you can make this decision but the fact that this pup is now walking/running about suggests he will end up a normal, healthy puppy in due course. He may seem more docile than the others as he will have received more individual attention & handling than the others which in my book, would be a good thing :-) Why don't you suggest to the breeder that you will have this pup as long as your vet passes him fit?

Jane

PS I'm sure you are going to get told off for posting in the Visitor's section again without registering :-) Why not register to use this site - it's really easy & you'll be able to reply to posts.

Hi Guest, Think only you can make this decision but if you do go for the swimmer check the insurance it may be you will not be covered for anything that could be connected with the problem. When you buy any puppy there is always a chance it may develope a problem no matter how carefully bred but you are considering chosing to take a risk above normal. However you will have to go with your gut feelings no one can tell you how to feel or know if deep down you are able to deal with any problems you may bring on yourself if you chose this pup. We can only offer you the best of good wishes and look forward to hearing how your new pup comes along whatever your decision. Jackie H

He may be softer due to extra handling to sort the swimming problem. I have read about swimmer pups that have been aided into getting mobile, coming on later perfectly normally. I have no persoanl experience of this condition though!

I had a couple of pom's a long time ago who were swimmers and they never had any health problems at all. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Hi again, I cant help you to make up your mind Im afraid, but hopefully can offer some advice. My swimmer ( which was a giant breed) was a bad case, however, after hours of rubbing and massaging he did grow to be a normal healthy and active dog, who sounds as if he was a lot worse that your boy at the same age. If you do decide to have him, follow the following instructions every day for as long as he will let you do them.
Place the pup between your knees and thighs and let his four legs dangle down between your two. Gentle push your legs together so that pup is held in place. Gentle hold both his front legs together and extend them forward as far as they will go, without actually pulling them.This helps to squeeze his ribs into more of the correct shape and will encourage his breast bone to confirm to a more normal shape over a period of time and it will become less "flat". This is the least technical way I could think of to explain it to you. Do this for about 10 mins twice a day.
Then turn the pup on its back, laying on your lap, and gently extend the front legs over his head and backwards without pulling them. You may need a second person to help with this move as not all pups like being held on their back for any period of time. If you would like a comparison at 4 weeks old my pup was still as flat as a pancake and could not stand at all let alone run round. Another exercise we did with him was to make a sling with four holes in and pop a leg through each hole. We then lifted the sling so that his feet just touched the floor and "walked " him across the carpet. As your little chap is obviously up and running he obviously dosnt need this exercise. Hope this helps a bit, and best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

Hi just a suggestion but maybe if you feel you really want the pup could you perhaps make some arrangement with breeder regarding any vet treatment he may potentially need, directly relating to his problem. Heart v head is a tricky one, good luck with your choice

Lorraine

All I can say is go with your gut feeling, as in the end it
will be right. Anyone can fall in love with a puppy. I
think you know the answer in your heart.
Nutkin