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what age????

2K views 18 replies 11 participants last post by  DB1 
#1 ·
Hi,

Can I ask at what age people first viewed their puppy and at what age they were asked by the breeder to actually choose the puppy they wanted?

Woo
 
#2 ·
Well I think you know the answer from me - we viewed at 3 weeks and I felt the decision had to be made then and there from our breeder as there were only 3 left out of 7. I got the impression that she was keen to sell them all quickly and seemed annoyed that someone had turned up before us and decided that one of them wasn't right for them. I said 'is that not better than selling to the wrong buyer?' and she agreed - but I wasn't so sure! I wouldn't let that happen again though. It has to be at least 5 weeks next time, unless I know for sure what I am looking for.
 
#3 ·
I feel abit under pressure now Jane, I am due to go for my first visit next weekend when the pups will be 3 weeks old. I never imagined that I would be choosing on that day just going for a visit. But it has now been said that as I am 1st on the list I would be expected to choose that day as the people behind me want to choose and can't until I have, I feel like I don't even want to go and look now!
 
#4 ·
Why don't you go and look with an open mind as you may get there and see the perfect pup for you but on the other hand may find that none are right for you. When viewing the pups if you find that you are not sure about any of them then walk away and find another breeder. I know it would be hard to do as all pups are gorgeous but it has to be your choice and the right choice as he/she will be living with you for years. Good luck with the viewing and don't put so much pressure on yourself :)
 
#5 ·
I also agree with Awena as 3 weeks is far too young but if this is what breeder is insisting on then you can either do what I advised earlier or find another breeder :) We didn't choose Beau until 7 weeks as that was the age our breeder decided to advertise her pups :) Good luck x
 
#6 ·
I agree with you Awena

I have to say I did feel pressure the first time - especially from the children! It's very difficult as it was the first litter of pups I had ever seen! Like you Woo, it was a local breeder and that made it too easy to only look at that factor as a big plus - especially as she offered dog-sitting services as well, which we felt would have been handy for trips, etc. However, I had little niggles at times about the whole process but felt pressure from the family that all would be ok. Not that we are not happy with our choice but there was just little doubts in my mind at times as to info I was given, which next time I will not ignore!

I think you should still have a look Woo, as as Ali said, you might just see the pup you are looking for and all will be ok but if you have any doubts at all then I'd definitely walk away - especially if you are not given a reasonable amount of time to make up your mind.
 
#9 ·
We viewed ours at 6 and a half weeks and there were only two pups left,a boy and a girl. We picked the boy :)
Good luck with your search for a pup,don't feel pressured to get one from this litter,if you feel they aren't right for you. There will be other litters from other breeders x
 
#11 ·
Thanks for the replies.

I have decided that 3 weeks is too young to comit to a puppy, it just dosen't feel right and I don't want to go at 3 weeks and feel pressured to pick and pay a deposit (which is what I would have to do if I go with this breeder) I wish I had asked this question at the start as I have been in contact with this breeder about the pups since before the mum was even pregnant. I never thought to ask and she never said that choosing and paying a deposit was at 3 weeks old, live and learn.

So my search starts all over again!!!
 
#12 ·
I'd personally suggest around the 6 weeks of age is ideal for selection. The puppy is going to be with You and your family for the next 12-15 years so selecting a puppy (or having it selected for you !) prior to 6 weeks old can be a bit hit-or-miss.
At 6 weeks old you are likely to meet a well socialised puppy (if the breeder is good and reputable) - you should also be able to have a good idea of coat-type (wavy, shaggy or straighter) and you should be able to see some of the pup's temperament showing itself (pups can vary greatly in any litter - from a more thoughtful, reserved demeanour to a full-on in your face loveable rouge with a glint in the eye ! - it helps to understand what would suit you best.

Stephen X
 
#13 ·
I'd personally suggest around the 6 weeks of age is ideal for selection. The puppy is going to be with You and your family for the next 12-15 years so selecting a puppy (or having it selected for you !) prior to 6 weeks old can be a bit hit-or-miss.
At 6 weeks old you are likely to meet a well socialised puppy (if the breeder is good and reputable) - you should also be able to have a good idea of coat-type (wavy, shaggy or straighter) and you should be able to see some of the pup's temperament showing itself (pups can vary greatly in any litter - from a more thoughtful, reserved demeanour to a full-on in your face loveable rouge with a glint in the eye ! - it helps to understand what would suit you best.

Stephen X
 
#14 ·
I think you've made the right decision Woo. It's definitely worth waiting for the right breeder. We are looking to get a second cockapoo and I am being so careful this time and would want to see evidence of pedigree and health testing before choosing a pup and will not accept having to take anyone's word about anything, although thankfully we knew his mum had come from a good breeder. Biscuit has been a very easy and loving puppy and that makes it even more important that we endeavour to choose the right sibling.
 
#15 ·
Basically it varies between breeders and new owners ..

I think the important thing to remember here is to build a relationship with your breeder and view your puppy when it suits you both .. you do have to think about the safety of the mother and litter etc ... lets face it a good breeder will work with you and will want you to be very much part of the whole experience and will allow you to visit when it is safe and a good time for you to see the overall look and character of the pups ..they will want you to be happy with your puppy and view at the right time, as they will be thrilled to have raised such a great litter and will be proud to show their pups to you .. :)

oh aren't cockapoo puppies just the best thing ever .. well only one thing better and that's an adult cockapoo :) :)
 
#16 ·
I know if I bred a litter of cockapoos I would want definitely want prospective owners to see them at their best and most importantly I would be worried about the health issues as early as 3 weeks. There is a much better chance of matching the right pup to the right owner, especially if there are allergies to consider and I would want to achieve a high satisfaction rate after all the work that had gone into the litter. I would feel concerned about people viewing pups too young and then feeling that they might have chosen a different one later on.

Hang in there Woo - you will be so glad you did in the end!
 
#18 ·
I feel happy with my decision not to go with her, 3 weeks is just too young they change so much between then and 8 weeks. I may not have my pup now but I will eventually, i'm happy to wait and find the right one. Think I will take a short break from looking (very short!) it can actually be quite stressful searching for a breeder and finding one you feel happy with but I won't give up :)
 
#19 ·
If you feel happy now then it was obviously the right thing for you, our breeder wouldn't let us visit before the pups were 6 weeks old, though I know some good breeders will as long as you wash hands etc. having said that I did pay deposit earlier but I was confident I had picked a good breeder. By 6 weeks the breeder has a good idea of the pups personality, so can help you choose the right pup for you. Good luck with your search. I'm sure you will know when its right for you.
 
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