[poohbearsmom]

This is an EXCELLENT "BUYER BEWARE" post, Judi.

There are so many unsuspecting puppy seekers out there that don't know any better when they open up the Sunday Classifieds and see the words "Rottweiler puppies, AKC bloodlines" *reword that a thousand different ways it still reads: "Inexperienced (Lazy, unethical, uneducated...) breeder".

Not only do pups released too early suffer from inadequate developmental care, they are likely the product of unknown health in the lines, and this often times is a recipe for disaster all the way around.

Many people let their heartstrings play loud and nagging tunes when they hear a breeder say "the mother died", "she's done taking care of them", etc.... What Judi speaks of is the truth. The REAL work of the breeder begins around 3-5 weeks of age (when the teeth emerge), and the pups start eating food. This is when the poop starts piling up, puppies need to be cleaned, taken outside, and require more and more individual attention from the breeder. This work only becomes more work as the pups get bigger and produce more of a mess, make more noise, and require more attention. Through either ignorance or laziness, (ignorance is also laziness, because the information on proper puppy rearing is so available to anyone and everyone these days) these breeders spit out pups and when the going gets tough, they get the pups going out the door.

Each and every pup that's taken from a situation like this makes it easier for these people to spit out more pups with inadequate care during very important developmental stages.

Problems that can arise because of early release of pups? Dog/dog aggression, lack of bite inhibition, temperamental issues, etc...

People, do yourselves a favor, and take your time when looking for a new canine companion. Responsible dog ownership is a lot of work in itself; why set yourself up for years of frustration, when taking your time to do things right could lead to years of joy with a trustworthy companion?

Research the breed, research puppy rearing, research trainers in your area, research research research. Learn the difference between a 'breeder' and an 'responsible breeder'. A responsible breeder will be there for you, the puppy buyer, for the LIFE of the puppy. They will be there to answer your questions, and help you through the rough patches. They will be there to share your joy and your sorrows. They will be there to rear the puppies properly that they place in this world.