So, for the last several months my DH and I have been throwing around the idea of getting a puppy. We have two wonderful, well-socialized, well-trained dogs (11 yr. old Lab. Ret. and 8 yr. old Aust. Shep.). Okay, so there's your background information.
I came across an ad on CL for Great Pyr./Newfoundland cross puppies. They are only 5 weeks old. I spoke with the woman, and my first question was about if she was going to keep the puppies with their mama for the next 3 weeks or so. She said that they were eating food on their own, and gave me the impression that she was looking for homes for them right now with no intention of allowing them to stay with their mama. She has two puppies (one male and one female). She also mentioned that a lot of people are interested, but she wanted to give me the opportunity first since I have experience with these breeds and have plenty of room for big dogs. She asked me if I was interested in both puppies.
My concern is this...
I would LOVE one of these puppies. However, I'm concerned about socialization issues arising from raising a pup taken from it's mother at such a young age. I'm under the impression that the whole 8 weeks thing is because that gives the pups adequate time to socialize with their mother and littermates. Also, that pups taken from their mother at ages younger than 8 weeks tend to have biting problems later in life.
So, that being said. Should I not take a puppy, and try not to think about the bad situation they will likely end up in? Or, should I just take one (like the plan was all along) and work my tail off socializing the puppy with other dogs and people? Or should I take both of them so that I don't worry, and so that they at least have each other to socialize with?
Please give me your advice. I don't know what to do.
Edited to add: She sent me pictures. OMGosh I am going to die from the cuteness.
I came across an ad on CL for Great Pyr./Newfoundland cross puppies. They are only 5 weeks old. I spoke with the woman, and my first question was about if she was going to keep the puppies with their mama for the next 3 weeks or so. She said that they were eating food on their own, and gave me the impression that she was looking for homes for them right now with no intention of allowing them to stay with their mama. She has two puppies (one male and one female). She also mentioned that a lot of people are interested, but she wanted to give me the opportunity first since I have experience with these breeds and have plenty of room for big dogs. She asked me if I was interested in both puppies.
My concern is this...
I would LOVE one of these puppies. However, I'm concerned about socialization issues arising from raising a pup taken from it's mother at such a young age. I'm under the impression that the whole 8 weeks thing is because that gives the pups adequate time to socialize with their mother and littermates. Also, that pups taken from their mother at ages younger than 8 weeks tend to have biting problems later in life.
So, that being said. Should I not take a puppy, and try not to think about the bad situation they will likely end up in? Or, should I just take one (like the plan was all along) and work my tail off socializing the puppy with other dogs and people? Or should I take both of them so that I don't worry, and so that they at least have each other to socialize with?
Please give me your advice. I don't know what to do.
Edited to add: She sent me pictures. OMGosh I am going to die from the cuteness.
Last edited:
Once people make up their mind like that, there is no changing it and bite inhibition is very important which is what the mama dog would have had time to teach her babes if given the chance to nurish them emotionally and otherwise for the entire 8 weeks.
