New pup

just got a new staffy , wanted to know what is best to feed a 5-6 week staffy

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Seems a bit young. Was there a reason you took the pup home so early?

Hiya and welcome been a while since I had a pup, I assume there is puppy food especially for them at that age

That is very young, I dont even start weaning my pups until 4-5 weeks of age.
Most people recommend that they dont leave mum til 8 weeks so they can learn important social lessons which they wont have a chance too otherwise.

he is pretty young i agree but like some people on here have done its been for a reason .. give her food created for puppies, all pet shops aka pets at home etc do them .. take a look at the labels you may find one more suitable for her age as she is a lil young .. no cows milk tho', use soya or goats milk)

we assumed he was at the right age, but is very playful and happy, just going down pets at home to get his correct food and will try him on weetabix see how he goes . we have named him (Diesel) and will keep you updated with his progress thaks for your advice everyone

Sorry to disagree but I wouldnt feed your dog weetabix, grains are not good for canines and they cannot digest them effectively, I try and steer clear from any foods even kibbles with grains in them. They can also cause itchiness in some dogs and can contribute towards dermatological issues such as atopic dermatitis. Much better to get a decent quality dried kibble and wet it with boiling water then wait for it to cool. Or even better again give it some raw chicken wings and a couple of soft lamb spine bones etc, really high in protein

I understand that sometimes there is a reason for the pup to be split from the mum early, but it is always good for them to at least stay with their litter mates. In my opinion the last couple of years a vast amount of people have started getting there pups earlier and earlier, the 'breeders' should be willing to keep pups til 8 weeks even if they have to be seperate to mum. It seems to be getting all too common, for example there have been at least 4 on here with the same 'mum cant cope' excuse in the last 2 weeks. Obviously not the new owners fault they know no better and want to get their new baby asap (who wouldnt!) but the breeders sometimes just want to get rid of the pups and get the dough in their pocket and they shud be willing to hold onto pups til they are ready.

could not agree more Nosipho, most breeders are genuine and it does seem to common that people are thinking about money rather than the pups themselves, but just tried him on advanced nutrition for puppy from pets at home and just made it abit moist with a drop of warm water to make it softer and he has ate it all with no problems atm

i would get a smal tub of powder puppy milk from yourl ocal vets, than get some puppy food

What food did the breeder have him on he should have given you some when you took the dog

Yes, the breeder should have given you a small supply of whatever food they were feeding him on.

I can't believe the amount of breeders who aren't prepared to keep pups until they are the right age! I'm not having a go at you, far from it, but you could have your work cut out for you.

There are milk supplements for puppies at most pet stores.I would use that and a good kibble to continue the weening process.
I don't get why breeders seem to be doing this so much nowadays.I have a feeling it has to do with the vet bills for worming and the first series of shots.I would not purchase a puppy from a breeder that did not follow the basic rules for selling there pups.If they cannot keep the puppies for the full 8 weeks they shouldn't be breeding there dogs.
It is going to end up being you who has to deal with the issues of an improperly weened and socially trained dog.It will most likely make some of the early training more difficult than it needs to be as the pup is going to miss out on some good life lessons that the litter and mother would provide.
I would suggest that you take the pup to a vet and get a full checkup and get the deworming going and set the appointment for the 8 week vaccinations.

Pittboss wrote:TI don't get why breeders seem to be doing this so much nowadays.I have a feeling it has to do with the vet bills for worming and the first series of shots.I would not purchase a puppy from a breeder that did not follow the basic rules for selling there pups.If they cannot keep the puppies for the full 8 weeks they shouldn't be breeding there dogs.
It is going to end up being you who has to deal with the issues of an improperly weened and socially trained dog.It will most likely make some of the early training more difficult than it needs to be as the pup is going to miss out on some good life lessons that the litter and mother would provide.
I would suggest that you take the pup to a vet and get a full checkup and get the deworming going and set the appointment for the 8 week vaccinations.

Totally agree with the above.

As much as I totally agree with whats being said, whats done is done.

I had Lola at 5 weeks. Fair enough now I know i would never have another pup from that age, it is a disgrace that bredders let them go etc etc

But I think a saying a pup will have issues is not always the case.

Lola is an excellent dog, never been crated, never had to, well apart from the toilet roll issue haha but that was my fault.
She never chews when left alone.
She has always had me from 5 weeks till 11 months as I am home all day long.
She has no issues whatsoever.
She hasn't got seperation anxiety when i leave her.
She was left with my ex and was golden for him.
she is great with dogs her recall is almost perfect.

I could go on and on.

So as much as i totally agree with every point that has been made, I also disagree with these issues you talk of.

We cannot change the fact that breeders hand over the pups at 5 weeks, and like myself i should of walked away and said i would return at 8 weeks.
But i didn't and I don't regret a single minute of my decision.
Would I have another at 5 weeks, no, but people do and thats that I'm afraid.

Like u said whats done is done, he is settling in nicely, had his first bark tonight, but thanks for the stories and advice its apprciated, i had a german sheppard for 12 years but passed away a few month ago, so we wanted to go with a smaller dog,

i would defo get some powder milk for dogs our milk is bad for dogs so the first thing you want to do is tomoz get that

Sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sure Diesel will brighten your days and ahem, nights for a while

haha im sure he will lol

I can only add to this that when you are searching for your beloved pet then go for a breeder that cares were, what and how that puppy will live and develop breeders like this make me so mad not only if you hand over money to them will they continue to breed again and again as they have no welfare for the pups its a disgrace the young puppies are barely weaned.
Not talking about the new owners as whats done is done but of the meal tickets the little puppies are
Im sure that you will do your very best and the puppy will be fine and happy just a worry that they are leaving mum a bit too early

As with all of you i would rather pay a little more to a qualified breeder then a person looking for the quick buck.5 weeks is really young. We just got ours at 8 weeks and she came with some food that the breeder had her on. We bought more puppy kibble and mixed the 2 so it wouldn't be to much of a difference. I hope your new puppy is healthy and doesn't have any future problems.

Nosipho wrote:
I understand that sometimes there is a reason for the pup to be split from the mum early, but it is always good for them to at least stay with their litter mates. In my opinion the last couple of years a vast amount of people have started getting there pups earlier and earlier, the 'breeders' should be willing to keep pups til 8 weeks even if they have to be seperate to mum. It seems to be getting all too common, for example there have been at least 4 on here with the same 'mum cant cope' excuse in the last 2 weeks. Obviously not the new owners fault they know no better and want to get their new baby asap (who wouldnt!) but the breeders sometimes just want to get rid of the pups and get the dough in their pocket and they shud be willing to hold onto pups til they are ready.

Totally agree
but also i do not, it is up to the new owner to say no, if they love the pup so much they would want whats best for them, the only way these so called breeders are to learn is if the new owner says no.
Breeders who allow their pups to go so early are not reputable breeders at all, there are so many risks involved mentally and physically and a proper breeder wouldn't care to think about such things never mind cause them.
as for all the excuses like the mum couldn't cope or i thought it was the right age research should of been done.
Its such a shame, i'm sure you have your pups best interest at heart but this is a vicious cycle that need to be broken.
Only days ago i heard someone speak about going to pick up a new born staffy pup apparently they think the pup will forever see them as their parents and for ever respect them, the breeder is willing to sell these pups just hours after birth. Its getting so much worse its frightening.

The trouble is, and I'm sure anyone who's ever been waiting for a pup will understand, it's difficult to refuse if a) you don't know what the correct age for leaving the litter is and b) you're told by the breeder "it's now or never, the pup'll go to someone else".

The only way forward is education - for both breeder & prospective buyer.

just keeping you guys/girls updated diesel is having some puppy milk from pets at home and slowly introducing solids also from pets at home, he's doing well, belive it or not he toilet training is coming on a treat as he has hit the training mat twice today or was lucky aiming

I'm glad to hear your taking the advice given here.Sounds like he's a little sharpshooter .Did you get a chance to take him to the vets yet?

yes being so young I would definitely take your little puppy to the vets for a check up and first needles...