Unfortunately, I just found out that I will be going OCONUS for about five weeks. I say unfortunately because I will not be able to pick up my pup until at least nine weeks-old (if I get extended, the pup might even be ten weeks-old).

I remember reading in Susan Barwig's and Stewart Hilliard's Schutzhund book that an older pup will not bond with the new owner as well as an eight week-old pup would.

How much will this time difference affect my rapport with pup? Are there any other negative effects to this?

Thanks.

First off, I am not nearly as experienced as other members of the board, so take what I say with a grain of salt. It seems to me that two weeks will not make too terribly much of a difference. If that were so, a six week pup would bond better than an eight week, would it not? I also seem to remember Ed mentioning in his articles that he has had success with adult dogs through his groundwork. A trainer I have consulted about a prospective dog gave me an eight month cut off. *shrugs* It seems to me if you do the groundwork laid out by Ed, you will have a good bond even if your pup is a bit older. Good luck.

Ms. Christian,


If my memory serves me correctly, according to Dr. Barwig, a pup of less than eight weeks of age is too young and still needs to develop under his mother's tutelage.

I wouldn't think a week or two would make such a big difference, but that is apparently a very important stage of a pup's life. And since I'm a "cherry", I want to take advantage of everything.

I wouldn't worry at all about that, not at all. A pup at 10 weeks old is not considered an "older" pup, and I believe the bonding process can happen beautifully at any age, it depends on the owner and how he/she treats the dog. I once adopted a German Shepherd dog of 9 years old, all 9 years having been spent with one family only. With all the love and attention I gave her, calmness and quietness and fun and ball chasing, grooming and caring, taking her places, everywhere in the car, her bond with me was total and complete. It was as if she never had any other owner. And it didn't take but 1 month tops to achieve that. I sincerely loved her, and she knew it and responded in kind. If you can imagine a dog being given away after being with one family for 9 years, you can imagine her heart-break, sadness, and confusion when she came home with me. I won't even mention how I felt about the owners doing something like that. But she and I both overcame what was a horrible scenario for any dog. So if you get your pup at 10 weeks, that is just fine. A 10 wk old pup is so willing to bond with whomever loves it. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Whenever you get your new pup, if you concentrate on Ed's Groundwork protocol & follow one of Leerburg's puppy-raising videos, things will be fine -- My son adopted a 2 YEAR old rescue Doberman this summer & that dog bonded to him like Super Glue right from their very first meeting (Duke has ZERO interest in anyone else but Noah) !

Hi there,

My GSD puppy, now 6 months old, came home at 4.5 months old. It was hard in some ways, easy in others. Best thing is that she came crate trained, worst is that potty training was a nightmare, but that one is slowly overcome. She did have a hard time bonding with us, but now things are great. She actually gets happy when I come home or even if I leave the house for a minute...that means alot!

Good Luck with your pup!

I can understand your disapointment in not being able to get your pup right away, but I don't think this short delay will cause your pup not to bond quickly with you. If your dog is going to be a house dog, perhaps your breeder would be willing to start bringing the pup in the house & start crate training & housebreaking for you? I myself always get puppies just because for me part of the joy is going through dopey puppy stuff, but puppies are always a crap shoot. My point is I know many people who buy older puppies/young dogs (9 months on up to & including adults) & althouogh it takes a little more effort, they still create as strong a bond with their dogs as those of us who get the babies. I don't think the age is the issue so much as the training & interacting with the dog is.

My pup couldn't come home due to weather (flown) until he was 9 weeks, and he acts like he's autistic to everyone but me <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. Absolutely no bonding issues whatsoever. I just acquired a 1 1/2 yr old GSD for my cousin who had never really had a good bond w/anyone, (the dog-not my cousin <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />, and he is GLUED to her side after 3 days-GLUED. He watches her every move and behaves as if she's the only person he's ever known. My entire family is stunned at the level of devotion after less than a week.

I know you want your pup NOW!!! But be patient-the best things are worth waiting for!

9 weeks v. 8 weeks is really not at all significant. i got my pup at 12 weeks and he bonded with me practically instantly.

my personal preference is for 7 weeks, but most breeders won't let them go that young any more. probably wise as the percentage of new owners that would provide a good environment for a pup that young is probably small.

This is not an issue at all. I have three GSD's that I got at 6,5 and 1 year of age. Read Ed's information on ground work and do it. All ao my dogs are fiercely loyal to me. I have a closer bond with the two older dogs than I do the younger one but I still have a strong bond with him as well. My 5 year old female is the house dog and she is NEVER more than 10 feet from me at any time. The older male is a pretty dommanant dog and has bitten or gone after several of his previous owners will not only allow me to take a toy or a bone out of his mouth but willingly accepts obediance commands from my 6 year old daughtor, a person would litterally have to kill him to take her against her will or attempt to harm her in any way. My ex wife can't disipline her in his pressance or even speak to her in a stern tone without him getting in front of my daughtor and beginning to go into protection mode.