Did we get Huff too early?

[Taylor & Huff]

With all the new puppies here on dk i was just thinking about when we got Huff (8 weeks old) many people here got their doodle(s) at 9 weeks - 11 weeks.

We called his breeder and they said we could pick him up the next week when the pups turned 8 weeks.

We actually picked him up the day after he turned 8 weeks. I relize that some peoples doodles are fixed before they get them (Huff wasn't).

 

I could barely wait a week to get him I was so exited. I have no idea how any of you could wait up to 11 months to get a puppy that wasn't even born when you put down the deposite.

[Lindsey]

Who knows...it's all preference, I think.
I personally got Molly when she was 13 weeks and I think that helped with her not having a nipping problem...
but then again, I missed out on bonding time...so I think you'll have pros and cons with both.

Don't worry now though, you've already got him and love him and he's the perfect doggy for you- regardless of when you got him :-)

Oh and Molly wasn't spayed when we got her either...I think that just depends on the breeder.

PS. Huff is really cute!! I don't think I've had the chance to comment on his appearance yet, lol.

[Taylor & Huff]

Thanks :) We do love him very much I just wanted to know if we should have waited longer.

Molly is really cute too.

[Adina P]

8 weeks is fine.  That's the recommended youngest age to get a pup.  8-12 weeks is their fear imprint period and the time safe socialization is super important so a very good time to come home.  Getting them later has their advantages too, but ONLY if the breeder is able to spend time socializing them to the world and lots of people, other healthy dogs, cats, kids, etc.  The PROBLEM is when breeders sell pups at 6 weeks or so...then there is a higher chance of issues for the dog in terms of bite inhibition and being able to get along with other dogs, etc.

[Taylor & Huff]

Huff was socialized from the start. His breeders were taking care of their grandaughter at the time we picked him up. There were also 2-4 cats on the property. I am not sure if he socalize with the cats but he still likes to chase and bark t them if they are not in a carrier. 

[Alex Gregory]

To be honest, I got mine when she was 7 weeks. She was already weaned and she's doing great! No issues but it varies dog to dog

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

in most states it is against the law to release a puppy prior to 8 weeks

 

[Camilla and Darwin]

We picked up Darwin when he was 12 weeks old. There were three puppies left when we chose him, and I think that him being around his littermates was part of the reason that we had no mouthing issues with him. Also, his breeder had them sleeping 8 hours a night in crates by the time we picked him up, which vastly helped with potty and crate training. We never had to take him out in the middle of the night, he would sleep straight through.

 

That being said, I think that picking up Huff at 8 weeks is just fine. That is when most puppies are brought home I would say...

[Taylor & Huff]

When we picked him up he had already been introduced to  a crate.

[Anne and Scarlett]

I am wondering the same thing. We brought Scarlett home last week and she was 7 weeks old. We are having a major problem with nipping. She is a little piranta! Otherwise, she is very affectionate and so far is doing wonderful with crate and potty training.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

We were told this is because they need to be around littermates and mom  to learn bite inhibition??? Don't know how true it is.

[Pam & Trixie]

I read somewhere a while back.  That the best age to get a Puppy was between 8-12 weeks.  For the larger breeds more towards the 8 week mark & smaller breeds towards the 12 week mark.

 

I also read years ago that 9 Weeks of age was the best age to get a puppy

[Taylor & Huff]

Ok thats good.