CockersOnline Forum

Cocker Specific Discussion => Puppies => Topic started by: Taffy Girl on April 25, 2007, 07:31:19 PM

Title: 14 weeks - too old?
Post by: Taffy Girl on April 25, 2007, 07:31:19 PM
Not sure if I'm posting this in the right section.....

We have been offered a 14-week old puppy from a reputable breeder whose waiting list we have been on for a little while (I'm fussy about colour!!). She would be about 16 weeks by the time we could realistically take her. The breeder was going to keep her to show but she is too small. We would not want to show or breed her so this not an issue for us - if there are no health issues for the pup.

I just wonder whether there any pros and cons with taking on a slightly older pup that we should consider and whether there are any specific questions I should be asking?
 
Thanks
Title: Re: 14 weeks - too old?
Post by: silkstocking on April 25, 2007, 07:39:04 PM
I don't think it's too old no.

I got Milo at 8 weeks, but Nancy didn't come home until she was 5 months, I was happy either way :blink: The good thing with having an older pup was they have had their injections and you can take them out straight away :shades: and show them off :shades: :005: The other thing was okay there were a few little accidents, but the whole toilet training thing was sorted, which made life easier. Personally I wouldn't have a problem taking an older pup again, although equally having a pup from 8 weeks old is just :luv: :luv: :luv:
Title: Re: 14 weeks - too old?
Post by: *Jay* on April 25, 2007, 07:45:50 PM
I think it would depend on what socialisation she has had whilst at the breeders. Is she home reared or kenneled? I bought a 5 month old pup last year who had never had a collar or lead on, no toilet training whatsoever and it took a longer to teach him these things than it would a very young pup.
Title: Re: 14 weeks - too old?
Post by: Cazzie on April 25, 2007, 07:46:14 PM
I would say none at all  :blink:
Title: Re: 14 weeks - too old?
Post by: happydog on April 25, 2007, 07:47:17 PM
Agree with Lisa. As long as pup has been kept in the house and not outside kennels/unsocialised then I foresee no problems, only advantages.

Sorry Gill missed your post  :005:
Title: Re: 14 weeks - too old?
Post by: silkstocking on April 25, 2007, 07:48:33 PM
I think it would depend on what socialisation she has had whilst at the breeders. Is she home reared or kenneled? I bought a 5 month old pup last year who had never had a collar or lead on, no toilet training whatsoever and it took a longer to teach him these things than it would a very young pup.

 ph34r I didn't think of that!!

But agree :blink:

In my Nancy's case who came home at 5 months, she had lived in and was toilet trained and socialised with a lot of cockers!! :005:
Title: Re: 14 weeks - too old?
Post by: lyn on April 25, 2007, 07:49:17 PM
14 weeks isn't too old, i got my oes at 5 months. bestest dog i ever had :luv:
if the puppy is healthy and has been socialised then there should be no problems. best of luck :D
oh, and if you do get her, then post some photos. we all love puppies :luv:
Title: Re: 14 weeks - too old?
Post by: Pammy on April 25, 2007, 07:49:25 PM
agree with what Gill says - but if shes been socialised well then no prob's at all.
Title: Re: 14 weeks - too old?
Post by: sarah25 on April 25, 2007, 08:27:29 PM
Will this be your first Cocker?

Good luck in your search,look forward to hearing how it goes.
Title: Re: 14 weeks - too old?
Post by: Nicola on April 25, 2007, 09:09:49 PM
Definitely if the pup's had good socialisation, which I would imagine it has if the breeder was planning to keep it herself, then I would go for it... you still get a cute poopie but fewer sleepless nights and puddles on the floor!  :shades: :D
Title: Re: 14 weeks - too old?
Post by: AnnieM on April 26, 2007, 08:19:59 AM
We got the two girls at 8 weeks, but we got Archie at 13 weeks, he had been kept indoors and out, with lots of other cockers, so he was well prepared for life with the two girls.  He settled in really well, no problems at all.   :D
Title: Re: 14 weeks - too old?
Post by: benji on April 26, 2007, 12:16:45 PM
We got Benji at 12 weeks and he'd been living outside and have never had any prob's.

Okay, he hadn't been toilet trained so that may have taken us a little longer (about 3 months!) but he was very sociable and never frightened of any situations.

I would imagine a lot of it is down to each individual puppies, they have their own personalities just like us.
But I wouldn't hesitate!
Title: Re: 14 weeks - too old?
Post by: *Adele* on April 26, 2007, 12:29:49 PM
We got Chloe at 6 months and she was born in the house but then kennelled and hadn't had a collar or lead on before, no toilet training either! I haven't got the experience of a younger puppy to compare it to but I've been extremely happy with how she has picked everything up! I think it all depends on the individual puppy and also how much effort and time you are willing to put in. I would certainly consider an older puppy again without a question! Plus 16 weeks is still very young!  :005:
Title: Re: 14 weeks - too old?
Post by: LurcherGirl on April 26, 2007, 01:52:32 PM
If the puppy has been socialised well with people, kids and other dogs as well as out of the house, then there is no problem. There would however be a big problem if the pup has never seen any people other than the breeders and if it had never been out of the house... So it really depends how she was brought up to now.

Vera
Title: Re: 14 weeks - too old?
Post by: Taffy Girl on April 26, 2007, 05:33:55 PM
Thank you for all your replies - as usual, you are all very helpful!
I have had a positive response from my questions to the breeder and have seen some photos. 
We have asked if we can have her and I am anxiously awaiting a response.....
Will keep you posted!
Title: Re: 14 weeks - too old?
Post by: loujo on April 26, 2007, 06:55:09 PM
We got Robbie at 14 1/2 weeks and it was fine.  He was nearly toilet trained and very well socialised with other dogs as he lived with 8 other dogs - and 3 cats!  There was only 2 puppies in his litter so he had had a lot of attention and he had been trained to fetch toys which was sooooooooo cute when he dragged a huge soft toy duck back to you.  :lol:

Hope you get the puppy.  Let us know. :blink: