Originally posted by shais_mom:
<STRONG>She is 6 weeks,I thought they were going to wait until they were 8 weeks old, but I guess not
But I was sooooo excited I couldn't wait
I know Candy, you told me to wait until they were 8 weeks, but I couldn't was too happy and excited
</STRONG>
Staci, did the breeder mention why they let the pups go at 6 weeks? Most of the time it's because they are weaned and they don't want to incur the extra expense of vaccinations at 6 weeks and the extra time it takes to care for the now rambuncous little babies. It's not that the pup will have any medical problems that it is critical the pup stays with the litter, it is the socialization and learning that go on between week 6 and 8 that make it important. This is also a major cause of seperation anxiety in dogs as they get a little older.

As much as you love Keegan and will provide the best environment possible for her, you need to realize you are not canine. They learn many valuable things from their littermates such as how to play with other dogs, pack heirarchy, bite inhibition, basic potty skills and more. Leaving the nest early only makes your job that much more difficult.

What you need to do is get the pup around it's other littermates occassionally if you can. Get shots first though. Be very careful around weeks 10 - 13. This is a time when fear creaps in and things the pup was doing with no problems only weeks ago can cause alarm. During this time you want to introduce the pup to many different stimulus but make sure not to go too fast or forceful. Stay away from loud noises during these weeks 10 - 13 unless the noise was introduced earlier. I use to take a pan and spoon and beat them together all the way until the 8th week. I would knock on doors, stomp my feet, sing real loud, etc. You don't want the pup fearful of sounds. Making the noise now will help with noise phobias as the pup grows.

I don't want to alarm you or scare you. You did nothing wrong. If anyone did it was the breeder. It is just that you need to be aware of what goes on with puppy development in order to help Keegan have a sound, stable puppyhood. This can prevent the problems that normally creep up from taking baby away from mom too soon.

I am excited for you and the name Keegan is pretty neat too! If I didn't make this quite clear just let me know and I'll try to clear things up.

We all want pictures!!!!!!