posted 03-10-2004 11:25 AM         

I know that the recommend age to pick up a puppy is at 8 weeks, because they learn important dog-traits during that time from their mom and littermates.

I have two small chihuahua-mixes at home (both fixed) who are really great with other dogs, and I know that there won't be any problem with them getting along with the puppy. This is because I know my dogs and their temperments (very docile with humans and other dogs).

My question is this, if I am forced to take the puppy at 6 or 7 weeks, will my two dogs be able to teach the puppy what it would've learned from its mama and littermates?

I have one other concern, my two dogs are 10lbs and 13lbs and the puppy is small, maybe about 2-3lbs. The puppy's mom is about 10-12 lbs. Can I socialize a puppy with dogs about 7-10 lbs heavier?

I really want the best for this puppy and I know if I tell the woman I don't want the puppy, she will find someone else who doesn't know better to take it. I am willing to do whatever I can to ensure this dog has a happy, well-adjusted life, but I need all the advice I can get.

posted 03-10-2004 03:03 PM         

I dont mean to sound rude about this woman but if this was an unplanned pregnancy and she does not want the liter in her home any longer think she should have had her female spayed before this could have happened.
Irresponsible owner she is leaving her poor female unattended while in heat as males will even mate through a fence if needs be.

The only main problem you will have with the weight difference from the adults and the pup is play time when they are jumping on each other and so on but providing you can keep and eye on them then there should be no problem.

I dont believe in letting my litters go to there new homes till atleast 8weeks old but if this woman is eager to get rid of them and will just give them to anyone then i think providing you are prepared for the sleepless nights for the first couple of days and have the time for a puppy then i think you should go for it if this is what you really want.

Please keep us posted of how you get on and what you decide.

posted 03-10-2004 03:12 PM         

Having not dealt with a whining puppy during the night, how many days/weeks does it generally last when a puppy is that young?

Also, my two chihuahuas are penned off in the kitchen when my roommate or me aren't home. I'm assuming I should not leave a small puppy alone with two larger size dogs due to the weight difference, but about how long do you expect they would they need to be separated? I'm not familiar with how fast puppies grow.

posted 03-11-2004 01:45 AM         

for the first couple of days after getting the new puppy keep a close eye on how they all play and if there is no signs of the bigger ones hurting the pup then i dont see why they all can not play together while you are not home this will help with bordem which results in chewing toys and things they should not chew.

posted 03-12-2004 04:41 PM         

Here's the kicker, I just talked to the woman and it turns out that she spayed her dog last weekend. So, per her vet's advice, she's been feeding the puppies regular milk. she says the mom no longer wants anything to do with her pups. the puppies are 6 weeks this weekend. im supposed to pick up next weekend, but do you think i should pick up sooner? she's already adopted out most of the puppies. and what do you think about this regular milk feeding? if i pick up next weekend, do you think it's OK for a puppy to go 2 weeks drinking regular milk?

posted 03-12-2004 05:26 PM         

Most puppies will feed of mum for aslong as she will allow them too even though they eating solids.

I cant understand how the woman can say that the mother wont have anything to do with her babies now as mine will still look after there litters until the last one is gone.

I think that the woman just wants the litter out of her house which really like jas says she was irresponsible enough to allow this mating to have taken place so she should also take care of the litter if mum wont.

Chances are there could be anything wrong with the puppies like heriditry illnesses and problems or genetic problems that may not show up until the puppies are older.

posted 03-12-2004 06:44 PM         

I got my Precious from her irresponsible parents owner. I was forced to take Precious at 4 weeks. ( I don't recommend that) It's a long story and one that I've told before so I will not go into it. If you care to read about it, you can find all that in my message history. (I'M NOT ADVOCATING TAKING PUPS FROM THEIR MOM BEFORE 8 WEEKS SO NO HATER REPLIES.) My neighbor also adopted a pup from the same litter and we decided to kept the pups together in my home until they were 8 weeks old.

Taking a pup from it's litter at 6 weeks is not unheard of. 6 to 8 week is really subject to personal opinion. From what I've read I personally would not voluntarily take a baby from it's environment until it was 8 weeks. BUT, now that other litter mates are leaving and these owners are giving the puppies "milk" (?). Are we really talking about giving puppies cows milk? If so, I would take the pup just for the pure health care of him/her. Human babies shouldn't even get cows milk until after the first year.

It sounds like these people don't give a rip about the health of these pups. You may have to pay the price for that in the future. My Precious had a few health issues. I had to have her treated for diarrhea, runny nose, and both pups were a bit small for breeds her age. There was even concern that she might have to have surgery to elongate her breathing passage. In my case there is no doubt that some of these health issues could have been avoided with proper health care. Thank God, Precious has a clean bill of health now and no need for surgery. But it was not without dedicated care, patients and commitment. I also have to keep in mind that her clean bill of health is only for now. Because of her history, I don't miss a vet appointment or pro-cautionary tests. Believe me, you don't do it this way to save money either. The money I would have spent getting a pup from a good/ reputable breeder has been spent in vet bills, puppy formula and countless other things. I don't regret my decision one bit. You'll get no complaints here, she's worth every bit of it. I just think you should be well informed. I knew just what I was signing up for when I signed up and I was ready to take full responsibility for whatever care she needed, be it financial or physical, and emotional.

I'm no dog expert but the Mother rejecting her pups (probably because she's now in pain and they want to nurse on her) and living in a home where they are not wanted, can't be to emotionally stable for a pups physiological development. I'd say that if you have the dedication, patients and commitment to take care of your puppy, you are more qualified then those morons your pup is with now.

I commend you for opening your heart and home to this puppy! God Bless you!

Keep us Posted!

Precious's Mommy,
Sunday

posted 03-13-2004 10:07 PM         

thank you thank you thank you to all of you who responded. i think i made the right choice to pick him up, because i'll do everything in my power to make sure he grows up healthy and happy.

posted 03-13-2004 10:32 PM         

Blessings!

posted 03-14-2004 03:23 PM         

I too love seeing everyone's babies! I'm such a picture person. (But I'd prefer behind it than in front of it)

posted 03-17-2004 02:42 PM         

i'm gonna post some pics. it's hard to really see his face since his face is black, but i think you can get a good idea of how cute he is.

posted 03-17-2004 05:38 PM         

Sounds like you did the right thing. I'm so happy to hear that he is fitting in nicely with his new family. Your post warms my heart! Thanks for sharing your pictures.

posted 03-19-2004 11:25 AM         

Last night he did not whine at all. WOO HOO! I actually had a full night's sleep. The trick, I've discovered, is to keep him penned in the kitchen with my other two dogs. Pete and Roxy (my chihuahuas) are crated at night, but I thought, what the heck, let them roam in the kitchen with Ozzy. It worked!