Puppy Viewing

[Haziii]

Hello again,

I just wondered if anyone could offer me a bit of advice please. I went to visit a breeder over the weekend  who had a 4 month old puppy left which had been 'run-on' along with her sister and she decided to let one of them go to new home.  I just wondered what would be the usual behaviour of a puppy at this age as she kept mouthing and seemed a bit 'hyper' but I know that's how puppies should be, I would rather a confident than a shy puppy but I'm not sure if there is another reason.
I had seen a 14 week old blue roan bitch puppy previously (fallen into the unregistered trap  ) which was 14 weeks and it were quite calm but still wanted to play when I first entered the breeders house but then after a few minutes it took itself off to it's bed to lie down. However it only had the mother for company and another old Cocker but they hadn't been let in until I had viewed the puppy.

Sorry this is a long post and a bit confusing, I just wondered if the second puppy is getting her energy from her sister who is playing with her compared with the first puppy I saw.

I just want to make the right decision,
Thank You. 

[LynneB]

I would say perfectly normal behaviour for a puppy to mouth at that age. Just make sure that the health tests have been done and you see the certificates. Some breeders who show do keep a couple of puppies to see which one turns out the best as it is very difficult to tell at 8 weeks if they will make the grade or not.

[abkb]

I have a mouthy and hyper (who zonks out after about an hour) 6 month old pup, who has been that way since we got her at 9 weeks.  She is definitely ballsy, and full of beans.

[Neon]

Being hyper is perfectly normal for a cocker puppy and as the 4 month old puppy is still with her sister, they are probably winding each other up into a frenzy.    As for the other puppy, she only has the company of her mother and an older dog, which will have more of a calming effect on her.  Puppies learn their manners from polite, adult dogs, so that could account for why she is more placid.  As previously said though, make sure you check whether the appropriate health tests have been done and good luck.

[Robbie34]

I would say that is absolutely normal behaviour for a puppy.

Henry is now sixteen months old, and was eight weeks when I collected him from his breeder, who told me that he was "wild."  I never saw him before I got him - it's a long story - but I had seen his father and half brother.  Henry was certainly very boisterous when I brought him home - wild was a bit of an exaggeration - and he mouthed unmercifully.  He still mouths a bit, but gently, and remains very boisterous. However, he has turned out to be a superb dog with a beautiful temperament.  He has never growled or snarled, and I can do anything to him without any problem.  He is also very affectionate. I'm sure that given the right upbringing your puppy will turn out as nice as Henry.

[Patp]

In my opinion also, your choice should depend on your own energy levels!

As Neon said the roan will have learned some manners from adult dogs, including some bite inhibition.  Were they both show cockers or was the second one a working cocker?

Pat

[sophiew]

How exciting!

One thing I would say is that a lot of really important things are learnt in the pup's first 16 weeks, it's such a crucial time, so I'd be checking that the breeder has had the pup out and about, socialised with different ages of people, etc etc. otherwise they might be more fearful of new things later on. I don't want to worry you, and I'm sure you know that already - but just in case ;-)

Good luck whatever you decide

Sophie
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