take home early???????

[Heidi and Fonzie]

 So We have been visiting the litter since they were 2 weeks they are now 7 weeks. We were planning on taking Fonzie home on Fri. or Sat.  Of course it is suppose to be snowing and VERY cold like 9 degrees... It is Beautiful now in the 60 for the next 2 days..( thats Colorado for ya). I was thinking it might be a good idea to take him home early so he could get used to our yard and be easier transition while the weather is not so nasty. Do you think a half of a week really makes a difference???????

[Jennett Pulley]

I totally understand that most are looking out for the best of the puppy.  I also understand why 8 weeks is the minimum age and 7 weeks is the law in most states for a very good reason. 

I am simply stating fact regarding MY experience.  I was unfortunate in my breeder selection, but completely blessed with the pup I got.  When I reached out for thoughts, some of the feedback I got was not kind and *was* personal.  I know this isn't the norm, and fortuntely I have a thick skin.  I simply want to assure the OP that one has to make the best decision for her situation.  Heed the well meaning advice, but go with your gut no matter the feedback!  :)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Many statements come out of passion from experiance. Take in a dog who has not been socialized correctly, foster a dog because it has lost home after home, and probably will never get a chance for a real home, hold the paws of a dog who is being euthanized because of pure human error and greed can never adapt and they bite, show fear, can not be trained....
It's passion. And educating the masses with hopefully an objective and courteous voice, albeit one that may sting just a little is the goal.
We have all made these mistakes and learned from the voices here. I have, you have, now hopefully Heidi has too.

[Jennett Pulley]

I, for one, will never have the goal of stinging someone.  :)  I do appreciate the passion, though.

[John and Finn]

There are exceptions.  It all comes down to how long the pup has been successfully weaned from its mother and time with litter mates.  In larger breeds (smaller breeds take longer), in large litters, it is possible they could be ready earlier but a minimum of 8 weeks is best recommendation for everyone involved.

BTW, in your situation I might have done the same thing if I had already grown attached and felt the puppy was in a bad situation.  

[Jennett Pulley]

Thank you.  I had no doubt that my puppy was getting zero socialization other than feedings and check ups.  The breeder told me she only had a few litters a year, yet she has SIX litters due in December alone.  (WHAT!?!?!)

I learned the signs of a not so great breeder here (THANK YOU!!), but it was either pick her up at seven weeks or pick her up at 10 due to her unavailability or ours.  I chose the former knowing that she would be better off being handled in those three weeks than not.  This isn't my first rodeo, OR my second, or third, just my first dog from a breeder.  We've always done rescue or SPCA.

Anywho, not my intent to bring up negativity or hijack the subject, just to point out a different POV.

[Heidi and Fonzie]

Thanks again for all the advise. I was only concerned with the weather being so bad ...windy rain/snow cold for him and it might be a more difficult transition to our home for him..(potty breaks etc.). The "breeder" is NOT my concern she is wonderful. We have decided to wait till Sat. and deal with the weather and hope for the best!  We also have an opp. to take him home on a "fieldtrip" for the afternoon and bring him back for nighttime with his littermates ( we only live 15 min. away) but I think that might just be confusing ..I know... I know.... Im kinda being ridiculous about this but I swear I feel like Ive been a nesting new mom to be and a little  (or alot)  over the top for the last month for the preparation of this new lil guy in our life!!!!  Deep breath Heidi...deep breath..everything will be great !! LOL............

[Jennett Pulley]

Everything will be WONDERFUL.  I have no doubt!  Stay safe.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

A positive spin on potty training in the winter. I've potty trained my share of dogs and pups. Winter, I found to be the easiest.
For tiny Spud, we shoveled a pen-like area in the yard. It was the coldest winter. Negative 5 most days. So, pup goes out, once go potty, right back in. So, I hope you the same good luck we had.
Really though, a week early? We are just beginning a long winter AND you are looking at about Four months to perfect potty training. The weather is here to stay this week, next week, next month. Leave him there, soon he will be with you forever. How exciting!
Love the name Fonzie