When is the best time to test a puppy?

You can test them at anytime.  If you are planning ahead for your upcoming litter, we suggest sending umbilical cords or dewclaws (if you usually remove them) or docked tails (depending on the breed). You can also send blood. These tissue types allow us to get started earlier in their lives. Otherwise, we suggest doing cheek swabs around 4 weeks of age or when the pups can be safely isolated from mom and sibs for at least an hour.  If you do cheek swabs, please have someone help you hold them and give them plenty of water during the 1 hour wait.

For each swab, insert between the cheek and gum and press gently towards the outside, against the cheek.  Rub and roll the swab against the cheek for a slow count of 30-45.  This should collect enough cells for DNA extraction. Then repeat with the other swabs. Return all 3 swabs to the laboratory.  If you are shipping international, please send 4-5 swabs per dog.

The mistakes that many people make are (1) not having someone help them hold their pup and (2) not staying in the mouth long enough to collect enough cells.