Ear cropping is generally done beginning at around 10 weeks and I beleive no later than 14-16. It us usually done by the new owner as most pups are placed at 8 weeks. They should NOT leave their mother and litter before 8 weeks. They do not need to nurse but they do need the interaction of the mother and the other pups. This really is important. Ear copping is generally only done by the breeder if it's a show pup prospect and they are keeping it longer than the 8 weeks or co owning it with someone and it stays with them. The tail cropping really is more of an amputatoin at this point, as is the dew claw. It is done at 3 days because the bones have not yet hardened and all nervous system is not fully developed. By 8 days both are considered aputations at this point I beleive. YOu will have to discuss this with your vet and if you go ahead with it they DO need local anesthetic, insist upon it. Other than that I wish you good luck. Never had a dog with puppies so I can't offer advice there. Hope everything turns out okay