Age of Puppy

Question
QUESTION: 1. We have been offered a cocker spaniel pup by a friend. However, we have to take him when he is about 4 weeks old, in mid December, as the friends are moving out of station. If we do not accept, we miss the chance as there are other takers.
2. We are first time dog owners and understand that 8 weeks is the right time to take a pup but here the circumstances are peculiar.
3. Can you advise? We do not want to do anything to harm the pup or end up having a problem for rest of his life.

ANSWER: A 4 week old puppy isn't weaned yet so it's hard to understand why your friends would be doing this.  You'd need to understand the sort of constant care a pup this age needs.  No breeder would ever release a baby this age.  First of all, they're not getting the Mother's milk which is providing a lot of immunity to them.

You are absolutely right that 8 weeks is the normal time and if I were you, I'd call your local vet and make sure you grasp what's involved...like what to feed every few hours !
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: 1. Your answer suggests that with care, maybe it can be done.
2. We live in a backward, underdeveloped hilly area, which is covered by jungle with little in-habitation, hence good pups are not available. We have been seeing the parents for a year and they are healthy and well behaved. Vet services are at about 2 hours drive away.
3. We have enough time to look after the pup as also adequate space in the house. The friends could be about 3000 kms apart in a few weeks time, hence the dilemma/urgency.
4. Could you please give a simple yes or no, without any guarantees, off course?

Answer
Well, yes...it certainly can be done.  I just want you to be sure you know what you're in for :) - so I suggest a certain amount of "getting ready" with supplies and reading up on how to care for a dog this age. It's a lot of work and they must be fed every few hours (day AND night) for the next month or so.  It's really until 8 to 10 weeks that it's a full time job.
Delores