[Poohbear]

Okay folks, It's an EMERGENCY! In my first post, I reported that I would soon become the new owner of a "Chorkie"(chihuahua/yorkie mix). Unfortunately at the time I didn't know how soon "soon" would come. The plan was for the puppy to stay with its mom & siblings until it reached at least 8 weeks old. Yesterday the mom of my almost 4 week-old puppy dashed out of the owner's house, ran into the street and was killed by a car. My little "baby" is an orphan now. I may have to pick up the puppy as soon as tomorrow and I'M NOT PREPARED!!!! Help me please! Someone sent me an awsome link for an online book, but I haven't even had time to finish it. I need a survival shopping list quick! Please, I'm begging... HELP!!

 

[peppy264]

I've no experience with this but wouldn't he be better of at least staying with his littermates until he is 8 wks old? At least that is part of the socialization being done. Are you sure the breeder is playing it straight ?

 

[rosemaryninja]

Even if he doesn't have a mom anymore, he needs to stay with the litter for another month, at least... I would recommend another month and a half. If the breeder will not let him stay for another 4 weeks, run away from this breeder immediately.

 

[Poohbear]

The person that I'm getting the puppy from is not a breeder. I used to teach her children and once her chihuahua had puppies she asked if I wanted one. She already owns 3 dogs and I think that the financial responsibility of caring for her dogs and now 5 new puppies w/out their mom may be financially overwhelming.

 

[peppy264]

Well puppies don't eat much but if it is really about money give her $20 and keep the pup there.....

 

[Suzi]

I'm a total newbie when it comes to dogs, and I have a large-breed puppy, AND everyone's advice about staying with the litter sounds like the best idea, but (maybe for later) I found this list helpful: http://www.goldendoodles.com/care/newpuppy.htm

Honestly we didn't need everything right away. We only had two toys for him at first, the cow hoof and a soft wool rope. And we used boiled cow liver as treats, which we found much cheaper and more natural than the pet store stuff which has 10 ingredients including food colouring etc. Our big mistake was not starting him with crate training from day one (grr).

And he had diarrea the first week due to the stress of moving in with us.

 

[Blizzard]

The person that I'm getting the puppy from is not a breeder. I used to teach her children and once her chihuahua had puppies she asked if I wanted one. She already owns 3 dogs and I think that the financial responsibility of caring for her dogs and now 5 new puppies w/out their mom may be financially overwhelming.

Why did she breed her dog in the first place if she couln't care for the pups?

 

[Independent George]

Have her take the entire litter to a shelter, and keep them together for another 4 weeks. Do not let her start adopting them out individually at this age.

 

[Poohbear]

Thank you guys for the suggestions. Hopefully she won't mind keeping the puppy a while longer since that would be best for it. Suzi thank you so much for the advice and link. Your help is greatly appreciated!!

Why did she breed her dog in the first place if she couln't care for the pups?

I honestly can't answer/defend her choice to breed. I can only explain my decision to accept one. She told me that her dog was having babies and that she was offering the puppies to people who she felt would take good care of them. After careful consideration and LOTS of internet research, I told her that I'd take one. I'm simply seeking help/advice for caring for the puppy.

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

Don't make the mistake of taking one of these puppies at 4 weeks. Think about how long you will have a puppy one you get it. At LEAST 10 years is likely, and probably much more with a toy breed.

This person is a breeder whether they think so or not. They bred their bitch and they have puppies. Add to that they are careless enough to let a nursing bitch out to be smashed by a car in the road.

It is extremely important for puppies to stay together for AT LEAST 7 weeks. Most breeders of toy breeds keep them until TWELVE weeks. If this person insists on dumping the puppies before 8 weeks minimum, don't get one. As hard as it is, don't do it.