Thank you, luverofpeanuts, your story sounds like mine! This guy wasn't a breeder, though he took out an online ad with a lot of the right words.

We lost Ginger a few weeks ago. No one could come close to replacing our 13-year-old yellow lab. And Nicky, our other dog (a Lab/Husky mix), was really sad and so were we. We jumped at the chance to get a Golden. Perhaps we were naive.

But our Sunny has been wonderful and is growing up so fast. Your story gives me hope and I really appreciate your sharing it with me. Thank you.

I got Cooper when he was 44 days old. Other than being overly worried at first because he seemed do tiny, I haven't had any problems with him. He's extremely sociable with other dogs and with people. He is a bit stubborn, but no more than most Goldens I've met. He's healthy and sweet.
I know it isn't the ideal situation, but it's nothing serious if you handle it well. It is important for you to tech him some boundaries (not to bite, for example) and I'm sure your older dog will be an enormous help in that area. Your pup will be fine. Just provide all the socialization possible and don't let her get away with anything now that you wouldn't allow once she's grown.

BTW, the breeder was extremely irresponsible and I'd be furious with him, but I don't think the pup will be better if you return her there.

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We live in Minnesota and were also niave. The person that sold us the pup said the pup was 7 weeks old. Only to find out he was 5 weeks old!!! It has been a long 3 weeks to make it to the 8 week mark. Not to mention the guy that sold us the pup said he was AKC registered and would have his 1st vaccines. All the vets I contacted said no vaccines until 8 weeks old!!! We were offered no money back. Flick is a good pup, and we have 3 cats he has been socializing with and at Christmas time 2 other Goldens as well. Only one of our cats is curious enough to hang out with him and socialize lots with him, the other 2 could pretty much care less. After reading all this I am really mad with the seller of the pup. I should have done more research into this before we jumped into this. I guess there is a reason certain pups are more money and have better guarantee's that what we got. Flick is very cute and I think he will be a great pup, but it has been a long 3 weeks so far!

Wow, that is terrible! I am happy your puppy is doing well, but I think that you should report whoever you got her from - it is not safe to sell pups this young and not everyone will be as responsible and do the research like you are.

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-Valerie

The one good thing Flick has going for him is that I have had goldens and labs all my life, just never this young!! I will do whatever is necessary to make the best of what has happened! My mom and husband say I am already spoiling him. He is such a baby though! I even thought about getting another golden puppy, but 1 is more than I can afford and handle at this time. We go to the Vet this week for 1st shots, Flick is officially 8 weeks old tomorrow!!! This is what we should have been bringing home all along.

And yes, I will take all the tips and advise I can get!

wow, that's ridiculous. Hes gonna require additional training, definately a trainer, and right now hes gonna require alot of attention, alot of nurturing, and try to expose him to lots of people and puppies near his age if possible, im sorry this happened to you

I am so sorry this has happened to you, but so glad you are dog knowledgeable and jumped right in. Just socialize after he has his Vet check as much as possible. There is a good thread on Yogi, by Dallas Gold and all she is doing to socialize. Very detailed and gives so many ideas.

Good luck and keep us abreast on your progress. Know it will be ok.

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5 week old pups are so very fragile- such a different level of responsibility from a fat, sturdy 8 or 9 week old chubba. I do not know how breeders can bear to send little, little babies out into the world like that. It is so heartless. However, the owners are so loving and give the babies a chance.

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