Feel a bit daft asking this because I've had labradors for the last 25 years! However we lost our dear Minstrel, the leader of our labrador pack, at the beginning of January,. Her doggie brothers coped very well with her loss, better than me! We as a family have decided to get another puppy to introduce to our pack. My question is, one of the breeders I have been speaking to the litter has just been born today. He is saying wait a few days, then you can come for a viewing, Surely it is too early for a viewing? You can't make a decision about a pups character until they are 5-6 weeks old and even then it is a stab in the dark but it it is a darned sight more insightful than at a few days old. Or do you think I should visit at 3 days oldz? Lisa
I would jump at the chance of multiple visits, with one early on. Gives you an opportunity to check out the breeder and what that person has in mind for early socialisation, and the temperament of the mother (dam) [and father (sire) if he is around]. Way too early to make a decision about a pup but the more information you have the better you will feel about making a decision. You might decide to go to another breeder based on what you see and hear on that early visit.
I would worry about this offer. I am not a breeder but it is very early days for those pups to be attaching to their Mum, and to have developed any sort of immunity to infections. If you are viewing through a window maybe, but any closer seems risky to me. Most breeders request a few weeks before letting viewings take place. A lots of breeders now share videos etc...of the pups early days, so you don't have to disturb them. Hopefully someone more experienced than me will reply. Best wishes.
Hi Lisa. I think Michael and EDP have summarised all the pros and cons of this offer pretty well - there are definitely advantages to meeting Mum and the breeder early, but some possible concerns to be raised regarding the offer to meet the pups so soon. What did you decide to do in the end?
I decided not to go. It all felt a bit to pressured and rushed. I am however expectantly awaiting the arrival of a litter next week. I have been in contact with the breeder for the last 6 weeks. She has 5 labradors. There are 3 generations of the same line in the pack. So i have seen video of the dam her mum and also her daughter. I have also seen pictures of the Sire and video of him as well. The owner send regular pictures of the dam and her pack I will be visiting on several occasions but not with the same sort of pressure as I've already made up my mind that I want a boy if there is one to be had that is healthy and hearty. PROBLEM The one problem is the puppies are going to be weaned onto raw food and I haven't got a clue about raw food feeding regimes let alone puppy ones Any ideas folks The breeder says she uses Stobart mince which comes in multiple varieties. Please help!!!
