new pet homecoming age
by Judy Soldinger
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
I've read the article in the MO directory which states that you shouldn't bring a new puppy home until it's 12 weeks old, but all of the breeders in our area seem to send their pups to new homes at 8 weeks of age. We would prefer to wait till the end of the summer to bring a pup home because our schedules are crazy during the summer, and we want to have the luxury of devoting lots of time and love and routine schedules to the new pup. There is one breeder that is willing to keep the pup for us til August, but she will be 16 weeks old by the time we get her. Do you think that we'll be missing out on wonderful "puppy stuff" if we wait that long? He said that we could "visit" her all summer, and even bring her back and forth, but I'm afraid that that would only frighten and confuse her. I'd really appreciate any feedback that you all could offer. Thanks!
DISCUSSION:
Hi Judy! I don't think 16 weeks would be waiting too long. It's much better than bringing the pup home at 8 weeks. I would go and visit her as well. I don't think it'll confuse her at all. You are doing the right thing by waiting until you have the time to devote to this new pup. You sound like you'll be a wonderful mom to her. Congrat's on your new baby and good luck!
Angel
Judy, an 8 week pup is just too young! I'm sorry. I got Buster at 14 weeks and believe me haven't missed out on any puppyhood at all. Most breeders will keep the pups until they are 12-16 weeks of age and have been given all of their puppy inoculations. So again I think 8 weeks is entirely too young. Just my opinon
Libby & Buster
Judy, Actually your puppy will get to know you and like you if you have the opportunity to visit her. So when she finally does come home, it won't be with a stanger. Why don't you bring her a treat or a toy or both every time you see her? She'll associate you with only good things -- and I'm sure when she sees you coming she'll meet you with tail in full wag!
Isabel
Judy, as long as the breeder is willing to do this and you know the puppy won't be sold to someone else, I say go for it. Sixteen weeks is certainly better than 8 weeks. You are very smart to do it this way if you feel your new pup wouldn't get the attention it needs at home until then. Good luck.
Marie
Judy, Lucy was 14 wk when I got her and trust me, we had no trouble bonding! You are far better off to wait until this little one is 16 wk than to deal with problems that could arise if you bring home an 8-week pup. One of these problems is that they need their moms and siblings to provide proper socialization, a very important issue for both you and the pup in the bonding process. So hang on, go visit, etc., but leave the little one with "mom" until the appropriate time.
cathy brown
I say - go for it! 8 weeks is entirely too young and 16 weeks will be great. Phoebe was 14 weeks when I got her and I think it was the perfect age - (of course I think she is perfect). If you can visit that's great because the pup can get to know you and you can get to know him/her - Far better to wait than rush! Better for the dog and for you.Congratulations and keep us posted on how things go.
Leslie R
Judy, it sounds to me like you will be a very good mom. You also seem to have a good breeder there. This is a good age as you do not want to take one too young. Believe me when I say you will miss nothing,she will still be in her baby stage. Yes, also do visit if you can as this will help with your bonding together. You will love her to no end as these Maltese are the greatest little dogs. Please let us know when you do get her home. We love hearing updates. Good Luck. From one Judy to another. Judy--Ju-dee MALTESE
Judy--Ju-dee MALTESE
8 Weeks is too young. We got Aly from a breeder at about 15 weeks. At that point he was 2 pounds, and fit into my winter coat pocket. This breed basically remains like a "puppy" for years. Aly didn't start to slow down for about 3 years and even now (he's 6 years old) everyone on the street thinks he is a puppy as his walk is so sprightly and he's so friendly. Go for when you have the time to devote to the new family member. Both you and the puppy will need it!
Kristine and Aloysius
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