hi

I wonder if anyone has any views on this subject...we are getting a puppy soon but because of holiday commitments we cant have the puppy until its 9 weeks old - the rest of the pups will be rehomed at 7 weeks.  Will this cause us problems as it will be with its mum for that little bit longer?

Any advice will be appreciated.

It shouldn't be a problem at all. I bought a pup at 9½ weeks and we had a very close bond. Your pup's mum will teach it doggy-stuff that would be impossible for you.

I got my puppy at 12 weeks after him coming back from a week with a family who found out they couldn't cope and being back with his breeder for a further couple of weeks. He's is and always has been very loving and normal in every way I'd expect a puppy to be.

thats really good news - i was a bit worried we would be making things harder for her (choc lab).  thanks so much for your advice

Ahhhh good luck, my chocllate lab is 11 weeks now

Hi good luck with your lab, a month ago i got my chocolate lab, abbie! She is right handful! I made some mistakes though, when she came home i didnt leave her on her own for half an hour like you are supposed to, she got really attached to being with people constantly because it was in the holidays and she found it really hard when there was no one int eh house for 2 hours on the weekdays and at night.

- just to tell you.

Anyway they are so great and i would love to see some pictures of your pup when you get her if you can post some.

hi sophie

we went to choose our puppy yesterday - we had 3 bitches to choose from and it was sooo difficult because they all were so alike (4 weeks old). We have 3 kids and between me the hubby and the kids it took about 20 minutes to all agree.  I think they chose all three pups but didnt know it.  Only 5 weeks to wait....:-)

is 7 weeks not to early to leave there mum

they say between 6 - 8 weeks in the books

we got millie our choc lab at 6 weeks she is 10 weeks old now and shes happy as larry
sandy

thanks again for your advice - i dont think picking her up 2 weeks after all the other pups will cause her great distress, hopefully her mum will teach her a few more manners:-)  Decided to call her Libby - after 2 other name changes.  Getting collar and name tag soon so they wont be allowed to change her name:-)......cant wait.......

...not that you asked, but ....   I'd suggest pick a few names before you bring your new puppy home.  Don't make up your mind on a name until she's been with you for two or three days.  That will give you a chance to get to know her personality a bit and make the choice of names much easier.  Plus, you might find that her antics inspire a name that you hadn't even thought of before your brought her home.  If she runs around the house like a little hurricane, perhaps you'd want to call her Katrina :-)

BTW, in my breed it's common for puppies not to be released until they are 12 weeks old.   I've never nor known anyone who has had a problem with bonding.  In general, keeping them with their mum a bit longer will help them get along better with other dogs, which is important.

Stacey

thanks for that stacey, i really thought id have a mixed opinion on this but it seems that leaving her that little bit longer will benefit her...cheers