Help!! (very long)

[thecooks]

Hello I have a dilemma. I have always had dogs and told myself a long time ago that I would never support a back yard breeder in any way. But as I have been reading the posts. I realize that that is exactly what I am doing. The guy that I am getting my baby Honey-Dew from is a good friend of my husband who has two gorgeous "healthy" boxers, while he had no intention of breeding he made no real serious action to stop it when it happened. Dews parents are not related and (has in the past kept them separated while she was in heat) and now that they have had a litter he is getting her fixed. But it is too late for the puppies now. I absolutely love my baby Honey Dew and even though I am aware of the health issues that I might have to deal with, I would much rather she came home with me than with some random person that might not be willing to spend the money that maybe needed to keep her healthy and happy. My issue is this, when I agreed to get my puppy I told him that I would pick her up when she was 8 weeks old not prior (even offered to pay extra for the cost of keeping her) because even though I have never breed dogs before I did know that they needed to be at least that old to leave their mother. Since agreeing to buy her I have been researching a ton about boxers and what to expect. And I was already worried about the fact that he was not a "real" breeder and then this morning the called and said that we have to pick up Honey Dew this Friday (she will be 6 weeks old) or she will be going to the pet store (whole other issue- very upsetting I wish I could take them all) I really think that they ALL need to stay with their mom a little longer (till 8 weeks old) and while I refuse to let my puppy go to a PET STORE I really don’t want to bring her home that early. I have already paid for her (but the money is not the issue) and I have also shown him a lot of the info posted on this site as well as what I have gotten from MY vet (have a mini dachshund) and he will not sway. His reasons are that the mother will not stay with the puppies anymore any way and that his wife says that they have to go.

I guess what I am saying is what do I do?? I have no choice but to get the puppy so young but I need to know what special considerations I need to have (I have raised puppies before but NEVER this young) I have already talked to my vet and have an appointment to get her shots started as well as her microchip and already talked about when we are going to get her fixed. And have talked to the local Pet-Smart and she is scheduled to start her puppy class as soon as she turns 10 weeks. But what else should I know?? I am sorry this was so long but I am very upset. And want to be sure that she have everything she needs. She already knows my husband and I very well because we are there every couple of days so that the transition will not be so hard on her. Please any help or advice would be MUCH appreciated.

Also if I posted this incorrectly I am very sorry. I just need help. Thanks.

 

[punchinella]

While obviously it is preferable that they should stay with their birth mother until 8 weeks, in the case of getting them at 6 weeks, it's not the end of the world I know, because we got Punchinella at 6 weeks. And I didn't know half as much then as I know now, although, like you I tried to educate myself as much as possible. I read many books, bought DVDs, and joined Boxerworld :D

One thing to remember - it is during those last few weeks that they learn a great deal of their bite inhibition from mama. So, you will have more of a challenge in teaching her not to bite. But, we have not had any major problems with Punchinella (as of yet, anyway). She has learned very well not to bite and what is acceptable behavior, so that's one obstacle overcome

If you do decide to bring the pup home, there are some really good books, DVDs, etc out there and don't forget your friends here at BW...they've been so much help to me and there is a wealth of information on this site to help guide you.

Punchinella has been the best thing that has ever happened to me and I wouldn't trade her for the world. She is very well behaved, especially considering she's only 5 months old! And she is such a little lover lovicon

Good luck, whatever you decide.

 

[Xander's Mom]

Bailey came home @ 5 weeks (LONG story) and she is doing fine. I agree that pups should stay w/ their mom and litter mates until 8 weeks but in some cases it isn't an option. You just have to teach and show a little more attention to be sure she learns what is right and wrong. Good luck with the pup, and I know this site will help you make good decisions so that you raise a happy healthy puppy

 

[gmacleod]

Is it legal to buy/sell a 6 week old puppy in Virginia?

 

[SILLY6PAK]

We got Piper at 4 weeks and Zoe at 6.5 weeks. I think the major issue will be the bite inhibition. I think the ones that leave their littermates early tend to be more pushy.

 

[thecooks]

Thanks..

To all of you that have reassured me that my puppy will be ok and will just have to work a little harder... thanks soooo much... it makes me feel better to know that I am not the only one with a very young pup.. And with a lot of help from BW I think that Honey Dew will turn out ok

And about the VA law... that’s what I thought to and I looked it up and showed the law to him and he says that I only applies to "real breeders" I called different shelters and vets and couldn't get a strait answer either..

I have a couple of photos posted so all of you can see why I just cant give my baby up... she is just perfect and at least I know that I am willing to do whatever it takes to give her a good life..

Thanks again all of you... you all are such loving and generous people...

 

[Xander's Mom]

She IS cute!

 

[4everdogs]

And about the VA law... that’s what I thought to and I looked it up and showed the law to him and he says that I only applies to "real breeders" I called different shelters and vets and couldn't get a strait answer either..

How about calling animal control and asking them. I don't think it matters whether you are a real breeder or not. If it's against the law to sell a puppy younger then 7 or 8 weeks (whatever it is in your state) then it is illegal for EVERYONE.

 

[Louise501]

Although it is preferable that the pups should stay with mum until 8 weeks, 6 weeks isn't too bad, I am sure she will be fine. Do you have any other dogs? I wish you and Honey Dew all the best!

 

[JulieM]

The Virginia law clearly states (emphasis mine) that:

No person shall sell, raffle, or offer for sale . . . any dog under the age of seven weeks without its dam. . . .

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+3.1-796.70

It doesn't say "No real breeder shall sell....".

The definitions further state:

"Person" means any individual, partnership, firm, joint-stock company, corporation, association, trust, estate, or other legal entity.

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+3.1-796.66

Pretty much a no-brainer, there.