4 week old puppy----HELP

[amiradavis]

Hi:

I joined a few weeks ago because we were really excited about getting our puppy in a couple of weeks (born Dec 12). We were supposed to get her at the beginning of February. Now the owner says that the mother isn't feeding the pups (12 of them) anymore. She wants us to pick up our puppy which is fine with us. I'm just wondering if anyone has any advice as to what special things we should be doing with such a young puppy. Thanks a ton.

Amira

 

[courtney323]

I would strongly suggest waiting until the pup is at LEAST 8 weeks old. It's the socialization with the siblings that is just soooo important. Even if the mom won't feed the pup, any good breeder would supplement the pups herself and at least keep the litter together. Did she mention why this isn't an option for her?

Good luck

 

[amiradavis]

Hi

Hi Courtney:

She said that all of the puppies would be gone by Wednesday and that it doesn't really make a difference if Sheeba stays now or goes later because all of her littermates would be gone. I'm so confused. What do you think? I would have loved for her to stay until 8 weeks......that's what we initially thought was going to happen.

Since we're going to have her now though, I was just wondering if anyone had any advice. Thanks

 

[courtney323]

<<She said that all of the puppies would be gone by Wednesday and that it doesn't really make a difference if Sheeba stays now or goes later because all of her littermates would be gone. I'm so confused. What do you think?>>

I think that there are some red flags being raised here, with respect to this breeder. Do you know if the parents are health-tested and/or shown?

Others will have some better advice as to what to do with a 4 week old. But if you are unsure about this breeder at all, it's never too late to find another!!

Good luck!!

 

[cody&duke]

We got Duke when he was 4 weeks old. I didn't know any better but we haven't had any problems.

Here is a good thread about peoples experience and suggestions:

http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65119

PM me if you have any questions.

Good Luck!

 

[kassa]

For what it's worth, you're dealing with a grossly ignorant or unconscientious breeder, because as somebody else pointed out, lots of times the dam runs out of milk or gets an infection or is for some other reason unable to feed puppies. The ethical breeder is prepared and simply takes over feeding -- no WAY would they release puppies to owners at 4 weeks. The only situation in which I've ever seen that done ethically was when there was an orphan litter of one or two, and both pups were going to experienced pet owners with other dogs well known to the breeder who were willing to do the care.

Can it be done? Yes. But understand that you are taking on a puppy that has probably been shortchanged in a hundred other ways by this person who sees the dam as simply a money making opportunity. Measure carefully your desire to "save" this puppy against the possible heartache of health problems that are also a consequence of careless breeding.

 

[Jan]

Just because the mother is not feeding the puppies is no reason to release the puppies. The breeder is being very irresponsible and obviously doesn't really care about the puppies. She had probably put very little thought in the breeding and is just using the bitch as a breeding machine. I would walk away and get my puppy from a more responsible breeder.

 

[amiradavis]

Thanks a ton for advice

I just wanted to thank everyone for all of the advice. Your input is greatly appreciated.

A

 

[Zannie]

i realy don't have any advise about such a young pup but i'm sure thier are some threads if ya do a search you'll find them also good luck with your new pup do ya have a name yet......................

ann

 

[Ladybug7583]

young pup

Hey hon my lil Killer is only 4 wks old i got him a few days ago the mother passed away and the breeder was going insane trying to bottle feed all of them.. I talked to the vets and they said to de worm it and feed it Purina Puppy chow. Which is what i am doing and so far things are going smoothley. But like i said i have only had him for a couple of days... But I wish you the best of luck hon.....

Crystal