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Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks?

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jooann
Enthusiast

Dec 1, 2003, 6:00 PM

Post #1 of 23 (1910 views)
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Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks?	Can't Post

Hi all.. need some advice here..

I have booked my shih tzu puppy from a friend. The pup was born on 1st Nov '03 and my friend says i can collect the pup at 6 weeks (mid Dec). However i've read that its better at 8 weeks so that the puppy gets to socialise more with its littermates and adult dogs before separation. Is this true? Won't she miss them more since she is more attached to them oredi?

The reason I would also prefer to collect her at 8 weeks (right after christmas) is coz i'll be going outstations for christmas for 5 days... And i think if i bring her home mid Dec for ONE WEEK, then either take her with me in the car or leave her with a puppy-sitter friend during Christmas - that'll will be disorientating for my poor baby right? Only one week in a new home and then a total change of 'home scenery' again... So thats why i think i should only bring her home after Christmas. What do you guys think??

RealityDreamer
Doggyman

Dec 1, 2003, 8:16 PM

Post #2 of 23 (1908 views)
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Re: [jooann] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'd say go with your instincts- which are right. It would be disorienting the poor pup. Furthermore,under normal circumstances,it's two weeks too early. 8 weeks is just fine. 8 to 12 weeks is fine. 10 weeks is ideal. What you read is true. The pup needs to learn some "dog language" from its littermates and mother. Yes, she will miss them for the first few days,but she'll hv you to keep her busy and take her mind off it as much as possible. And she'll bond to you. Smile

,-._,-.
\/)"(\/
(_o_)

JolinG
Doggyman

Dec 2, 2003, 12:40 AM

Post #3 of 23 (1902 views)
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Re: [jooann] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

hie...i say 8 weeks is better...after she gets all her shots n deworming!...her immune system would be stronger then when she is 6 weeks old......... Smile

the pup wont be more attach to his/her littermates so dont worry...

puppies adjust easier then big dogs to new environment....they will learn Wink

...im sure ur not going to leave her all alone rite ...give her toys n stuff to entertain the pups loh..

so it wont be a problem....

jooann
Enthusiast

Dec 2, 2003, 1:00 AM

Post #4 of 23 (1900 views)
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Re: [RealityDreamer] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi RealityDreamer...

Thanks for your advice... at least now i'm sure 8 weeks is ok... altho i really wish i could have her right now!! Wink

I'm really so excited and nervous... like a new mummy eh... hehe! Been reading about all your doggies and feeling envious all this while, but not anymore! Cool

Now hafta go buy all her stuff... cage, toys, bowl, food, shampoo, collar, leash etc... goodness i see $$$ flying away hehe. Can you guys advise me abt puppy vacinations? When and roughly how much does it cost so I don't get con? Any recommended vets near me? I'm in Kota Kemuning. Shah Alam ke, Sunway ke, Subang ke.... Thanks.

jooann
Enthusiast

Dec 2, 2003, 1:09 AM

Post #5 of 23 (1899 views)
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Re: [JolinG] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi JolinG...

Oh my gosh... your CKCS are so very loooovely!!! I love this breed, so beautiful! I saw a couple in midvalley... 3k my gosh! Maybe next time when i can afford one... hehe.

Thanks for the confirming the 8 weeks thingy... :) I am so excited... Laugh

can hardly wait!

If you could give me a rough idea about vacinations costs... much appreciated. Hey I'm in Kota Kemuning too! Is there a good vet you could recommend to me?

Aiyo... sad to say, i live alone and will have to leave my baby alone when i go to work... will leave her toys and stuff but still feel sad lah. Hope she won't cry too much... Frown

JolinG
Doggyman

Dec 2, 2003, 1:19 AM

Post #6 of 23 (1898 views)
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Re: [jooann] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

oh in kk too?..cool!...

well poppy pet house does have vet survive..but have to call him wan lar..something like visiting vet..send my doggies there for microchipping and also shots....cost for vaccinations depends..can range from rm 25 to rm45.....have to ask the vet first...see wat shots he provide...6 in 1 ...or more......

in subang theres healing rooms..next to petswonderland in subang parade....they are good too...but a lil bit more pricey.....i took my pup there 6 in 1 was 45 bucks..but service is good Wink

..u got 1 doggie only..go there lar......worth it....

RealityDreamer
Doggyman

Dec 2, 2003, 4:25 AM

Post #7 of 23 (1897 views)
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Re: [jooann] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hv u decided on the new girl or boy's name ? Smile

I'm not exactly sure abt the vaccinations but I know that the first shot should be taken during the pup is 6-8 wks old. Then you can follow up with the vet.

As for the vaccinations, they roughly cost RM 20-50, depending on which vaccine, could be just 1, could be 6 in 1 or more.

The vet I'm going at the moment are pretty good. Service is the best one so far. It's called Subang Animal Clinic in SS18. The clicic is actually the branch of the Animal Medical Hospital in Jln Tun Razak. Smile

,-._,-.
\/)"(\/
(_o_)

surchinmy
Ultra ALPHA

Dec 2, 2003, 9:06 AM

Post #8 of 23 (1892 views)
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Re: [jooann] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi ...

Assuming that you are getting your pup from a breeder who appreciates and understands dog development and will be looking after the pup properly ...

I will definitely say 8 weeks ... And it's more than just because of "disorientation".

The extra 2 weeks a pup spends with it's siblings & mother is very imporatant (I would say critical) to the pup's development ... Between 6 to 8 weeks, pups start to really interract and (if given a chance) learn an awful lot during this period from their siblings & mother - including learning the finer points of 'dog' communication & language ... and the concept of discipline.

A pup that has full benefit of 8 weeks with its family generally develops into a steadier dog.

Cheers ... Smile

jooann
Enthusiast

Dec 4, 2003, 12:09 AM

Post #9 of 23 (1874 views)
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Re: [JolinG] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

bkt rimau townhse actually. i normally just say kk coz most ppl dun seem to know bkt rimau!

i read the thread abt vets, seems like Healing Room and Subang Animal Clinic is much recommended! If i bring doggy to Healing Room, can park inside Sbg Parade ah? Will check them out... thanks. Oh vaccinations are not that expensive lah then.... coz i thot it'll be like RM100 or so each time! Blush

hehe now can spend more on accessories...

can u tell me more abt microchipping and the cost? it can be done for any dog as a form of identification izzit? coz my puppy no cert wan, can ah?

jooann
Enthusiast

Dec 4, 2003, 12:20 AM

Post #10 of 23 (1872 views)
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Re: [RealityDreamer] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

hmm... was thinking of naming her SUSHI.... Sly

what do u think... weird eh, but uniquer lah... Try saying SUSHI, THE SHIH TZU quickly 10 times... i can hardly manage 3 times! hehe... So if i get another male later, can name him Donut! hahaha... hungry d me...

Another choice would be Pixie (had one named Pixie last time).... then if she gets a boy fren he would be Dixie... kinda 'obscene' tho... Tongue

hehe notti me.

Subang Animal Clinic highly recommended by u eh... :) ok i will check it out, thanx. Is it cheaper than Healing Room? Whats the vet's name in case its a different vet when i go?

Aiyo my frens laughing at my excitedness, and when she saw my new doggy book in my hse, she laughed harder, saying its like a pregnant mother preparing by buying books on delivery and babies.... Wink

jooann
Enthusiast

Dec 4, 2003, 12:33 AM

Post #11 of 23 (1870 views)
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Re: [surchinmy] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanx surchinmy... 8 weeks it is then.

Now i'm only worried abt the day i should bring her home... if i go and bring her back after work on monday (29/12/03) evening, spend the nite with her then off to work on tuesday and she'll be alone at home till i return... is it ok?? That means she'll be alone from abt 8.20am-5.20pm. Seems like i shouldnt leave her all alone in her new environment so soon huh? Crazy

then how... i work saturdays half days too, but my hse and office quite near, bout 15-20mins apart. Should i collect her on Saturday 3/1/04 after work then, and have whole sunday with her (except church time)? alamak... even MORE waiting!! But then good for her as she gets almost 9 weeks with her family - 3 adult females & 1 adult male. What do u think? I so tak sabar but i want the best introduction for her to minimise any 'scars' or whatever later on in her life...

JolinG
Doggyman

Dec 4, 2003, 12:48 AM

Post #12 of 23 (1867 views)
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Re: [jooann] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

oh bkt rimau..i see.....

yea those 2 place are good....vaccination not till rm100 bucks wan lar ...

microchipping u can do some search on this forum bout it.......a lot has been mentioned bout the microchipping thing Smile

surchinmy
Ultra ALPHA

Dec 4, 2003, 2:19 AM

Post #13 of 23 (1862 views)
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Re: [jooann] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hello ...

If your pup is going to spend 9hours alone every work day ... and you wish to ensure that the pup does not suffer undue anxiety and aquire unecessary fears ... then I will definitely say & suggest the following:

(a) You are taking the "difficult" road and you need to prepare yourself adequately. Do not approach the situation with rose tinted glasses ... The pup may be cute but your responsibilities are heavy ... and the commitment, effort and patience required from a single working person, to bring up a pup is onerous.

(b) I will suggest that you start reading up and researching the following:

*** PUPPY BEHAVIOUR ... You need to understand the basic temperament of your breed. You also need to understand and appreciate the special needs of a pup (from the pup's perspective) and realise what is needed to help your pup grow into a healthy & stable adult.

You need to learn about & understand a dog's basic need for companionship and socialisation.

*** ANXIETY IN DOGS ... Give your circumstances, I expect this issue may arise early ... and you need to understand anxiety in dogs, including separation anxiety. You need to learn how to handle and minimise the effects of separation and lonliness - especially in young dogs.

Failing to deal with anxiety, can make for a nervous adult dog.

*** FEAR PERIODS IN PUPS ... There are several recognised "fear" periods a pup will go through ... the first of which starts at about 8 weeks.

You need to appreciate what may frighten a pup ... the consequences of such fears ... and how to handle & manage these situations effectively, with patience & love.

*** HOUSE TRAINING & CRATING ... This is yet another issue that will arise almost immediately ... and you need to be ready ... You will require reasonable understanding of methods for house training and crating ... And you need to know enough to make an educated guess as to which and what methods are suitable for you and your environment ... you willl need to train as soon as your pup arrives ...

It is difficult but not impossible for a working person to raise a pup ... but effort is great ... be ready. And I cannot emphasis - you need to start learning NOW ... The fastest way is to go to MPH or Times and grab a couple of good dog books and training manuals ... and then supplement with research on the internet ... And if you know someone who knows & understands dogs ... sit, ask and listen ...

(c) Finally, I will strongly suggest that you take a few days off from work (a couple of days plus a weekend, would be good, more would be better) to settle the pup in.

Please realise that you are taking a pup accustomed to having people & its siblings around ... To suddenly leave the pup alone in a house for long hours ... is going to be stressful and anxious ... for you and the pup.

The first few days are going to be critical ... and a proper and gradual introduction to its new routine may very well help avoid the creation of more difficulties than the pup or you can handle.

It will also be a good idea if you make the effort to return to your pup during lunch ... at least until it is older ...

But believe me ... it will be worth all your effort ...

All the best ... Smile

P.S. you might like to check out these threads:

www.puppy.com.my/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=61670;#61670

www.puppy.com.my/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=58781;#58781

(This post was edited by surchinmy on Dec 4, 2003, 8:32 AM)

jooann
Enthusiast

Dec 4, 2003, 9:55 PM

Post #14 of 23 (1844 views)
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Re: [surchinmy] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

wow... thanx for all the good advice... really appreciate it. i actually plan to return to her during lunchtime, and spend every spare non-officehours minute with her and love her, take her out to the park, take her with me to dinner or friend's etc.... to compensate for me leaving her alone in the day.

The pup is accustomed to siblings and other dogs around all the time, but the breeder also works days and crates them:-
1. when no one is home and
2. at night.
He lets them roam freely whenever he is at home. Therefore this would make my crate-training easier to start with as she is at least accustomed to crating. Will still introduce it to her gently tho, new environ and all.

When i am out, I plan to confine her to a certain area with the open crate at one place with bedding inside, and then newspapers somewhere a little further. i have two choices of areas in my hse:
1. the 'balcony' area which is tiled, and bordered by a waist-high wall on the outer side and glass sliding door on the inner side. the area is at least 4'x8'. its shady but i think it may be a bit too warm for her comfort in the mornings.
2. the kitchen which is also tiled. i will have to create a border or 'gate' to cordon it off as there's no door separating kitchen from living hall. its a big area, 4 times the balcony size. i'll have to really puppy-proof the kitchen tho. once puppy-proofed, with a fan and radio on, i think its better n more comfy than the balcony area.

When i am at home, i think its best i follow ur advice of letting her roam freely all the time ie "happy-time" when i'm home. Newspaper training will be the hardest as i can't observe her all the time... :( will try my bestest tho. And lots of patience and love.... will keep reminding myself that!

Can u recommend a good training manual pls. I have the dog breed directory at home which mentions just a few things abt training etc, not meant for proper training. So i've been doing online research only so far. Thanx for all your help and advice! Will revert to u again for help! Feel free to offer anymore advice for me ok... :)

ps: i will be away, can only reply to u guys on the 8th. thanx alot to you nice ppl who took the time to help me out!

surchinmy
Ultra ALPHA

Dec 5, 2003, 12:30 AM

Post #15 of 23 (1839 views)
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Re: [jooann] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

You might like to try these books ...

By Gwen Bailey ... This is a basic book on how to raise puppies. Should tell you all you need to know.

www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0600585816/qid=1070525915/sr=1-10/ref=sr_1_10/002-8978532-5736065?v=glance&s=books

By W. Cambell ... This one is more detailed ... but very good guide into dog behaviour & psychology.

www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1577790189/cm_aya_asin.title/002-8978532-5736065?v=glance&s=books

By Jean Donaldson ... This book is provides a slightly different understanding of dogs.

www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1888047054/ref=pd_sim_books_1/002-8978532-5736065?v=glance&s=books

Cheers ...

RealityDreamer
Doggyman

Dec 8, 2003, 6:00 AM

Post #16 of 23 (1830 views)
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Re: [jooann] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I think it's a cute name Wink

Know a couple of shih tzu's named Sushi actually.

well, not *highly* recommended..but just recommended. They're alot better than quite a number of vets around but definitely not the best. I haven't tried out healing rooms..so I'm not exactly sure abt the price. Maybe SAC is cheaper.

There are 2 vets on duty in that branch. Mon-Thursday's is Dr. James and the rest is Dr. Nathan.

lol...agree with you...my friends said the same thing too. Laugh

,-._,-.
\/)"(\/
(_o_)

jooann
Enthusiast

Dec 8, 2003, 7:55 PM

Post #17 of 23 (1824 views)
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Re: [surchinmy] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

thanks! will check them out!

a_evie
Doggyman

Dec 16, 2003, 10:43 PM

Post #18 of 23 (1800 views)
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Re: [jooann] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Am also getting a shih tzu in tomorrow...named her shalom (peace).

Borned on 22 Oct (I think). and that should make her almost 7 weeks. Her mummy's mummy thinks that Shalom is beginning to recognise people so suggest that I takee her home soon (not too ready as I just shifted home and I have things all over the place now).

Anyhow, hubby and I would havee to work real hard tonight to clear the apartment for Shalom. She is like a princess coming into the house.

Yes, I am getting anxiety attacks even when I sleep...like what will happen to her when we are away for the day, trying to get her bowl and plate ready, her sleeping basket, thinking whether she will chew on the furniturre etc. Maaflah, my previous dogs were all adults when I adopted them from people who did not have time for them (but must uland to them when they have a changed of business plans...sob sob) so its a puppy for the very first time.

Luckily, hubby has agreed that Shalom can follow us to work some days....but again she has to be toilet trained firstlah. (Coincidentally there is also another Shih Tzu that sometimes follow their owners to work - florist - and teh dog is VERY WELL BEHAVED).

jaytan
Canine Addict

Dec 16, 2003, 11:17 PM

Post #19 of 23 (1797 views)
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Re: [jooann] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Joo Ann, I can feel your excitement for the new puppy. I took mine at 10 weeks a few months ago. It is hard work to care for and train young puppies. But it is all worth it when they grow up well. My 2 puppies are toilet trained now and respond to COME, SIT, OFF and WALK. Well, most of the time lah but they are still puppies at 5 months old and I am only an amateur, hahaha. Good luck. Best regards,J

jooann
Enthusiast

Dec 16, 2003, 11:32 PM

Post #20 of 23 (1795 views)
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Re: [a_evie] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Evie!

Shalom is a sweet name! Looks like we are in the same boat... what colour is your princess? Put up her pic as soon as possible lah!

You get to take her to work? That's wonderful! How i wish i could! What do you do anyway? I work in an office environment so i don't think my boss will allow that! Luckily I stay only 15-20mins away and will be able to go home to her for awhile during lunch break.

Yeah i really worry too about what will happen to her when i am away etc... main concern is that she will cry and cry when i leave the house :( Nowadays busy looking for and buying her accessories etc! Just can't wait lah... all my frens are now calling me an expectant mother!

I do hope Sushi will grow up to be a well-behaved girl too!

Good luck to us! :)

Joo Ann N Sushi

jooann
Enthusiast

Dec 16, 2003, 11:37 PM

Post #21 of 23 (1794 views)
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Re: [jaytan] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Jay! Your beagles are cute! Nice big floppy ears! There is a beagle opposite my hse and i will 'admire' her everyday hehe. 2 doggies... double happines!! (and headache too right!). 5 mths eh... did u or are u planning to send them to training classes? I will have to explore that sometime later too...

Thanks!

Joo Ann N Sushi

jaytan
Canine Addict

Dec 16, 2003, 11:57 PM

Post #22 of 23 (1793 views)
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Re: [jooann] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Joo Ann, Yeah I love their floppy ears. They will flap around when they run, you know. So if you call them to COME from about 10 meters away, they will start flaping towards you. It is a sight.

Dunno whether I will send them for classes. I am just learning from books and surviving. I have to say tho, that the dogs are more fun when they know how to relate to humans. Best regards,J

a_evie
Doggyman

Dec 17, 2003, 10:52 PM

Post #23 of 23 (1783 views)
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Re: [jooann] Collect my new pup at 6 or 8 weeks? [In reply to]	Can't Post

hi jooann,

my hubby is on his own...so i reckon he can tolerate my insistance of bringing our little frens to work...

shalom is coming home in a couple of hours time and i am turning berserk worrying that i would care for her insufficiently or wrongly. the term "expectant mother" is so very right.

am worried that she does not like her basket for sleeping since she is sleeping on a rug at her mummy's mum's house.

anyway, ypu'll be updated on shalom's first night with me very soon. and pics to follow very soon as well. am thinking of bringing her up to frasers next week for a day trip (but am worried that she may get motion sickness) and also to penang (hoping to find a doggie friendly hotel too).

then there is also her first christmas countdown with my extended family...and other furry frens of hers to be....

I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!