What is the Best Age to Buy a Pup???

What (in an ideal world) would you say the best age is to bring a puppy home. I know the common age is 8 weeks old. What are your thoughts

8 weeks. I don't see any reason to buy a pup earlier then that to be honest.

What about later though? I have heard people say a little older is good too.......................

Really depends I think. I know that some breeders of toy dogs keep the pups until they are a bit older as they really are so tiny at 8 weeks. We got our Yorkie at 8 weeks and she could fit in the palm of my hand almost.

I think at the age of 8 weeks pups are very adaptable and accepting of their new environment. I suppose if the breeder keeps them in a home environment, it isn't to big a deal if they choose to let the pups go later than 8 weeks if preffered. On the other hand, taking my Slovak and Labrador as examples (both from working kennels and raised outdoors as pups), I would NOT wanted them to stay any later than 8 weeks. From 8-12 weeks is a such key window of socialization that had I took them home later than 8 weeks, I think the transition would have be harder for them as they aged.

Awww bless your Yorkie , so tiny as a baby xxxxxxxxxxxx

I don't think either before 6 weeks nor after 12 weeks can be defended. Before 6 weeks, the puppies pay little attention to anything but mother and each other. Very important socialization vital at that time. Past 12 weeks, they become much less accepting of new things.

I am quite convinced many of the problems I have never seen with my 7 week old puppies, but read about, are caused by a lack of early socialization. Separation anxiety, fears, fouling crates, etc. all could come from poor early care and a lack of socialization due to being held too long or overly protective owners.

Have you seen http://www.dogsey.com/showthread.php...23#post1751723

Keeping you puppy alive while getting it the socialization a well balanced dog must have is walking a tight wire.

I have seen 7 weeks work well for both me and many, many others.

I would be inclined to agree with the 8 weeks, we got Amy at 8 weeks BUT we got Diesel at 7 weeks, he was just "ready" at 7 weeks, the breeder didnt think it a problem to let him go at that age and he was quite happy so, I think it also depends on the dog.

Diesel has always been a very laid back boy, never had a problem being left when we went out and he's still the same now, Amy on the other hand needed that extra week and is totally different to Diesel.

Same breed, same breeder, same lines.

Our last pup we got at 7 weeks. I can't help thinking that had he stayed with his mum and other siblings and the other household dogs a bit longer it might have benefited him more and may have helped with some of the issues we encountered later.

Of course, I suspect I'm just grasping at straws there.

I would prefer a pup to be too old than too young (as long as they get some socialisation with the breeder)....but i know a lot of others who think the opposite!

It's a difficult one really. I definitely think no younger than eight weeks but I would say now that 9 weeks is a good age for them to accept new things, so long as the Breeder makes sure that the pups get socialisation and experience noises, etc.