PUPPIES

Question
When are lab pups usually ready to leave their mother?

Answer
7-8 weeks is the ideal time.  The period between 6-12 weeks is a dangerous time.  One sniff where a sick dog relieved itself in the last 6 months can bring on parvo or another life threatening disease.  Fail to expose it to strangers, including men, women, children, noise, etc. and you could end up with a misfit you can't take out in public.  They also need continuing contact with other dogs, but it must be limited to ones you know are getting good care.For help with safe socialization, see http://www.apdt.com/po/news/docs/Messer_Nov06.pdf

If you are thinking of buying one and the breeder want to put off past 10 weeks, go elsewhere.  Many breeders are quite clueless about puppy care.