ten weeks

[princess]

just been speaking to a breeder and she doesnt let her pups go until 10 weeks old just wondered if there was a reason for this as i thought it was 8 weeks unless some breeders say 10 ?

[spanielcrazy]

It's not uncommon for some breeders to keep puppies till 10 weeks. Puppies supposedly go through a "fear period" between 8 and 10 weeks (but many, many pups show no sign of this) so the breeder may be keeping them for that reason.

Or if it is a show breeder, they may keep them till then to decide on show quality.

[Anita breathes Cockers]

The critical sensitivity period is between 8-12 weeks.  Its called 'fear phase' but don't take that literally! Its a time of development of the brain where adverse situations (e.g. bad meeting with unfriendly dog, being smacked etc) can 'imprint' on the puppy and be carried as fear through life.  All experiences during this time should be positive ones.
Gwen Bailey explains this beautifully in 'The Perfect Puppy'
Some breeders do not let their pups go earlier (especially older breeders) as they felt mum should play a role for all this time (not true, but more in depth than I can explain here), some because of vaccinations etc
The BEST time of socialisation comes to an end at about 12 weeks, so you need to ask your breeder how they socialise the puppies.  If they have them used to a car, bikes, joggers, older people, people with glasses, children etc
Your job will be easier if its done (and it should be done) otherwise you are best waiting to introduce these things AFTER 12 weeks when your baby is confident in his new mummy, YOU.
This is a huge subject, one I feel very passionate about and I am happy to explain some more if you want to pm. 
PS the other sensitive period is between 16-21 weeks.  A pup doesn't have to display anything. Its just an awareness of the stages of their brain developing

[Mollie.Ladie]

I agree with the others. Also though, the breeder may do this because the mother can teach the pups things that we can't do as easily.  She can teach them to not nip which will be MUCH better for you.  She teaches them how to play properly without being too rough. Probably by the time the pup comes to you it will be very behaved It will probably will be house trained too as the breeder will probably do that.  This makes things very easy for you & I would have LOVED to have that luxury..but of course its a hard wait for you.  Can't wait 'til ya get a pup (even if its not from that specific breeder )

[LesleyW]

well, apart from my interest here, I also breed and show siamese cats - I do not let the kittens go until they are 13 weeks old (recommendation of the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy - KC equivalent). 
Whilst I used to think this was rather extreme, after all, most moggie kits can be picked up at 6 or 8 weeks, sometimes even younger - I've come to understand that at 13 weeks the kittens are much better equipped mentally and physically to withstand the trauma of litter seperation and rehoming.    

[Jane S]

There was a recent discussion on socialisation and getting a puppy later than the "normal" 8 weeks. You can find it HERE. There should be no problem at all in getting a 10 week old puppy from a good breeder who socialises the pups well - we have let quite a few pups go at this age and all adapt happily to their new homes, plus they've had the advantage of learning some doggy manners from their Mum & litter mates.

[supaspaniel]

I brought Aidee home at 10 weeks...although that was my choice and the breeder was happy to keep him the extra 2 weeks. They socialized him with lots of children and I think he received a lot of good positive attention from humans as he is a real sweetie. He barks quite a lot especially at other dogs (not aggressively, more excitement), but we've started training classes and after 5 mins he was fine with the other pups in the class . He now responds to being told "quiet" so its all good here!!!! And I cant really say that its having him at 10 weeks thats caused the barking...I think its just him having too much to say !!!