Age to buy puppy at. Is 11 weeks okay?

[Evan Freymiller]

Hello all, my first post on Doodle Kisses!  I am a student at Florida State University and recently found a breeder who I plan to buy my Goldendoodle from in August.  My Doodle was born on May 21st.  Normally they are allowed to go home at 8 weeks which I wish I could go get her at 8 weeks, but I am interning at Aflac for the summer and will not be able to get her till she is 11 weeks old.  I was wondering if anyone knows, is 11 weeks okay to get her at?  

Will it help or harm her?  I was reading that the 9-12 week is the most impressional time, is this true?  

Is there any advantages/disadvantages to getting at 8 weeks vs 11 weeks?

Thanks for the information!  

[Adina P]

And that vs. puppy just alone all day or with littermates and not much interaction with the rest of the world/people/kids

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

The longer the puppy stays with its Mom and litter mates the better, they learn their manners and socialization skills from them.  Good luck with your new puppy :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Regarding the puppy staying with its mom, if the mom lives in a guardian home, the mom usually goes back to her own home after the pups are weaned, and always by the time they are 8 weeks, if not before. So puppies are not necessarily with their moms past the age of 6 weeks if the mom does not live with the breeder full-time.

[Sally]

I got Duncan at exactly 11 weeks! It wasn't a problem at all for me or for him. I just feel like i don't have as many "baby pictures" of him. My sister in law got her doodle at 8 weeks and they do grow and change visually A LOT! in those 3 weeks. But that's really got nothing to do with the dog itself. Just my photo obsession regrets which i've TOTALLY compensated for. HAH!

[Ron Carnes]

Zack was 14 weeks. In my oponion, the most important thing is if the breeder breeds for temperment. Even older rescue doodles can be fine.

[Evan Freymiller]

Not to worry everyone, I am fully aware of the responsibilities that will be on me once I have this dog!  lol

I have done a lot of research over the past few years into getting a dog of my own.  When I moved into my current house in Tallahassee, my main requirement was that they allowed animals, specifically dogs, and I even specifically asked if Goldendoodles were acceptable before signing the lease (they are).  My aunt has a Goldendoodle and she has told me all about all of the hurdles that come with owning a puppy.  

And my schedule is very open.  I only have class for about 2 hours a day Monday through Thursday, so I should have ample time to spend with the puppy.  I live less than a mile from campus, and ride my bike so I plan to go home directly after class.  She should be in her kenel for less than 3 hours per day.  Once she's older also, I plan to take her onto campus regularly, so she will be interacting with many many people. 

As for being able to cope with the financial burden, I have already calculated how much I will make at my internship and should have more than enough to have the dog and pay for any vet bills as I have already gone to a vet to double check prices.  This also includes food, toys, and anything the dog will need.  

And will I take her with me once I get a job?  YES!  She'll be my best friend, how could I leave my best friend behind! :)

Thank you everyone for the responses, I feel much better about the 11 week age.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

It is great to hear the thought you have put into getting a dog, I wish everyone was as thoughtful as you

[F, Calla & Luca]

You sound very wise : ) But pet insurance might make things a bit more secure. Knowing my fellow DK members they probably already suggested this . Good luck with the pup.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree. Insurance is a must. When a puppy eats a toy or other nonfood item, you can be looking at a four-figure surgery.

 

[Evan Freymiller]

What does the insurance cover?  Is it only emergency situations, or does it cover regular visits also?

[F, Calla & Luca]

You get what you pay for : ) There are different options with more or less coverage and deductibles. Pet Plan is good but I don't know if they cover regular care at all. But they have differing levels of coverage. I have been happy so far although I only used them once, for two related hings, lately. Many of us have them and you can see lots of discussions on this.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

My investments in pet insurance have paid off. I think it is well worth it. Think of it as an investment in your peace of mind.