Take home age ?

[mark206000]

Hi everyone,

My pup has just turned 6 weeks and the breeder says he's ready to go.  Is this still a bit too young for them to leave or is six weeks ok ?

Cheers  Mark 

[Pammy]

It's far too young. 8 weeks is the youngest they should go to their new homes in normal circumstances.

Letting them go earlier breeches the Cocker Spaniel code of breeding.

[Annette]

I think that in years gone by 6 weeks was the norm, but as far as I know most breeders would prefer to wait until 8 weeks.

For some breeds of dog which have special needs with regard to socialisation, they do tend to get them into their new homes at 6 weeks, but 8 seems to be the preferred age for cockers.

Any idea why she is in such a rush?

[Jane S]

6 weeks is too young for a Cocker to leave the breeder - unfortunately some breeders do decide to let their puppies go at this age because this is the time when litters get more demanding and are therefore harder work. Whilst 6 week old pups are probably fully weaned, they are best staying with Mum & their litter mates until 8 weeks old as this is the time when they can learn valuable social skills such as bite inhibition (from being "disciplined" by Mum and from playing with their litter mates). Puppies who leave the breeder too early can be "bitier" as they miss out on this valuable learning experience.

Jane