Great post. Thank you. There must be respect for the breeder and her policies. Family also keep in touch with all their new owners. The caring does not stop with the sale.

It is in the end about that respect. Thank you

The breeder of my youngster arranged for his litter to have their first jab and paid for the second, on the assumption that they would all be local enough to be taken to her vet. All part of her service and would have been gratefully accepted if I hadn't lived a two hour drive away! If I had another pup from her, I would ask her not to start the programme, simple.

The breeder of two of my other dogs (and from whom I am hoping to get another) is now a friend - in fact, she always has a waiting list for her puppies that is usually made up of friends who have had one and want another as she doesn't breed many litters. I guess if you know your buyers it makes life easier!

My pups go to their new homes between 7-8 weeks and I don't vaccinate because of this.
Pups often go through a fear period after 8 weeks which can make it harder for them to adjust to the upheaval of leaving ...this article explains the various stages of puppy development more clearly

I believe this is the ideal age also. The 'socialisation window' is short and I want to control of much of it as possible

Well I am glad at least a couple of people understand the point I was making. It was not about what AGE the breeder insists on before parting with the pups. It was about them telling OP she could have the pup at 8 weeks and then coming up with a reason why she could not.

If that breeder follows that regime (of making sure they've had both and no bad reaction or whatever) why on earth SAY they could take the pup at 8 weeks in the first place.

And I would ALWAYS rather have ALL the vaccs done myself by the vet of MY choice. I've travelled well over 100 miles to buy a dog in the past. Wouldn't have been too chuffed to be told I had to use their local vet for a 2nd vacc! Because none where I lived used the same brand.

Exactly - my post was because I didn't think that the breeder should have changed the age for collection. OK if this had all been agreed at first contact but totally wrong for a purchaser to have to wait longer than expected because the breeder has changed their mind!

this has been an interesting topic to read.

I think (personally) 8 weeks is the minimum, as many do, however with small breeds i'd see no issue with holding on to the puppy. We didn't pick sweep up until he was 11 weeks old and we never had any problems.

Well let me give you all an update.....
We spoke to the breeder again who said we could have Reuben IF we took him back with her to the vet for his 12 week injection. Which we agreed to.
He came home last night (10 weeks old) and he is SO good. He spent 5 hours in the car as the A34 was closed 200 metres from our exit ! He snoozed on my lap with no accidents, he walked into his crate and slept for a while and I kept taking him out every 3 hours for a wee. He slept til 3 am and I took him out again then he slept til 7! I have no newspapers on the floor - instead I keep taking him outside to the same spot and now he goes to the door ! Also been teaching him sit, stay and down today. WHAT A JOY HE IS. I can't believe it and the breeder has been great - The mother of my puppy came 3rd at Crufts 10 weeks after having her puppies. He was already being fed a human food diet, which I intend to keep up. Its early days, but he is delightful.....

Absolutely delighted for you that you finally have your pup home and that he's giving you so much pleasure

I'm a wee bit concerned though that you say he's on a human food diet

Congratulations
Welcome to Dogsey Reuben We'll give you time to settle in but then we'll want some pics!!