... I do start crate and leash training and marker training at around 7 weeks, even when they are still with the litter.
And this.... this would probably make a longer time with the litter different, right? Because it's not really being with the litter full-time any more?
In all seriousness, though, is this very early serious fighting done mostly by working dog litters?
Is this because working dogs are bred to be rank concious, and tough, or is that even a true statement?
Are the pups trying to sort out the "who's the boss" question early on?
I don't think it's exclusive to working dogs, I think it depends on the particular litter and things like their food drive, toy and object "drive" and level of possessiveness in the individuals and the dynamics between them.
if you haven't watched the streaming video (on this page http://leerburg.com/308.htm ) of my last 7 week old litter, then you should. I had separated them because they were seriously putting the hurt on each other and Ed put them together for the sake of the video. Resource guarding little monsters (with each other, not with humans)
Just watched that video for the first time. Don't want to hyjack this thread but man what good info for free from experts that know alot about dogs. Have more but get back to original post
Mike J Schoonbrood Webboard User Reg: 04-30-2005
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what is your thoughts on the "fear period" that takes place between 8 and 10/11 weeks?
I have yet to see evidence of its existance. Maybe its less common in a confident puppy??
As far as I'm concerned, puppies will sometimes spook over different things and it's a socialization issue. I don't believe there is a specific timeframe that the puppies go through a "fear period." I've read theories that puppies have multiple fear periods through one year old... again, yet to see this happen with any of the young dogs I've been around or own. Perhaps this is more common with weaker nerved dogs?
I'd rather have the pup sooner than later. I would be unhappy if the breeder kept my pup till 12 weeks. Alot can be done with bonding between 8-12 weeks.
what is your thoughts on the "fear period" that takes place between 8 and 10/11 weeks?
I have yet to see evidence of its existance. Maybe its less common in a confident puppy??
I also have not experienced it, but there is so much written about it in puppy development books/articles that it is something I have considered and kept in the back of my head when raising pups.
Quote:
Perhaps this is more common with weaker nerved dogs?
Reg: 04-08-2008
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Loc: NE corner of Europe
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I have heard people recommend to take the pup at 6 weeks if it is supposed to be a working dog and at 8-12 weeks for a pet. It has sort of made sense for me as it adds two weeks of early bonding to the pup and owner but is there really a difference? I see that Leerburgs pups go to their new homes at 8 weeks as it is told they need the time with their littermates. What are the two extra weeks there for? What are the pups learning during this time? What harm can be done with separating them at 6 weeks?
It is just that I whould like to get my future pup as soon as possible but not too early either. The breeder I have in mind has alot of dogs and even though she is very dedicated and experienced, I think I can give more personal attention to the pup (makes sense- 2 dogs vs. many times more to train and care for) but whould getting the puppy at 6 weeks be a good idea?
Reg: 08-05-2007
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Loc: Lake City, Coeur d' Alene, ID
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Experts and books I've read differ on the ideal time. I've read books that recommend as young as 6 weeks.
You can't fly a pup on U.S. airlines younger than 8 weeks. Because of the difference in opinions I personally try to bring a pup home during week 7. I try to get the breeder to "fudge" a little on the 8 weeks airline requirement.
I have heard people recommend to take the pup at 6 weeks if it is supposed to be a working dog and at 8-12 weeks for a pet. It has sort of made sense for me as it adds two weeks of early bonding to the pup and owner but is there really a difference? I see that Leerburgs pups go to their new homes at 8 weeks as it is told they need the time with their littermates. What are the two extra weeks there for? What are the pups learning during this time? What harm can be done with separating them at 6 weeks?
From my experience the smaller the dog the slower the development. A pup who will mature at 15 lb or less is still very much a baby at 6 and 8 weeks, a pup who will mature at 100 lb is at about the same place at 4 weeks. By 8 weeks they can be holy terrors. I think keeping the litter together at the young age gives them the chance to learn pack etiquette (assuming they aren't trying to kill each other).
There is a very real risk of a small breed pup dying if it is sent out too soon, that risk is much less with bigger pups.
Mike J Schoonbrood Webboard User Reg: 04-30-2005
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Loc: Toronto, ON
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What is the importance people put on pack etiquette? I am assuming that this is something that isn't particularly neccesary with working dogs right? I have read a ton about pups learning to inhibit their bite when left with littermates too long, I always felt that I would rather have a pup that doesn't realize that teeth hurt than a pup that's been with his littermates too long and was bullied into not biting as hard or intensely. For the same reason that I dont believe working males should be left to romp around together, I dont want my puppy being dominated by other dogs, I want him to be a leader not a follower.
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Re: What is the optimum age to bring a puppy home?
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