How old

[dianej]

How old do the puppies have to be before you can bring them home?

I thought it was 6 weeks, is that right?

Diane   :roll:                    

[Cob-Web]

Hi Diane

It is unusual to find a responsible breeder who will allow puppies to leave their dame before they are at least 8 weeks old  - or at least that is what we found when we were looking for our pup.

Some puppy books recommend taking them from their litter mates and mother earlier than this, at about 6 weeks, as it is thought that the first 4 months are the most important time to socialise them with people and situations.

I think, although I am not sure, that our puppy, Molo, who we are picking up on Friday, was still drinking his dames milk at 6 weeks old, although he was also having four meals a day. He was also really tiny, and I'm not sure I would have been happy with such a fragile, tiny puppy at home without a lot more experience first :shock:

Some of the COL members are breeders; maybe they could advise you?                    

[Kim]

It's 8 weeks Diane, I think it is actually in the Cocker Clubs code of ethics that a puppy should not leave the breeder until it is 8 weeks old.                    

[Jane S]

Its definitely 8 weeks for responsible breeders & as Kim says, its in the Cocker Club Code of Ethics that puppies are not sold before this time. Also if you are a licenced breeder (producing more than 4 litters a year), then it is illegal to sell a puppy under 8 weeks old. I have found personally that our pups are in no way ready to leave home at 6 weeks. During that 2 week period between 6 & 8 weeks, puppies can learn so much from playing with their Mum & siblings - valuable experience which will hold them in good stead in the future.

Jane                    

[dianej]

Hi

Thank you for your replies.  very much appreciated.  I have now found out that it is 8 weeks before I can pick up my new pup.  Absolutely so looking forward to it.  I have named her Jodie, and apparently she is a little pudding and very adorable.  Shall let you all know when I have brought her home.

Thanks again

Diane