We have been looking into the possibility of getting a pup to tie in with the summer holidays, when I will be at home full time for 5 weeks. We can't take one in before as I currently work full time, though will only be working a few hours a week from September, (and one mile from home!:))
Now, the dilemma is - we have the possiblity of a pup to be available early August, but it will be ten weeks old, or to wait until the end of August for one that will be 7 weeks. What would you all do? If I wait, I will be out for a couple of hours two days a week straight away, with little more than a weekend to settle a pup, but if we go for the older pup and have the luxury of all those weeks together, would we have problems with it being older? Look forward to everyone's thoughts on this one!
Confused!

I'd have the 10 week old pup and spend the time with him.Pups should be 8 wks before they leave mum so 2 more weeks isn't a problem.
Archer

Hi Confused! :)
I agree with Archer, I would wait and get the 10week old puppy when you are going to be on holidays.
It can be pretty stressful taking on a new puppy, imagine having a new baby in the house and multiply!! :)
You will have more time to settle in the new addition, without having to worry about what they're up to when you're not there (There will be time enough for that, believe me! :) )
I don't think spending more time settling in a puppy and then a few weeks down the line, having to go out for a couple of hours, will create any more of a problem for you, than getting a younger puppy and being out straight away. As long as you put provisions into place, where and when you need them, I'm sure you'll all get along great!! :) :)
Register and let us know how you get on,
Sharon.

Hi,
You need'nt worry about getting a 10 week old pup, it will be just as loveable and loving as a younger pup, I had my dog at 11 weeks and it worked out really well - he was well on the way to being house trained and had been very well socialised with both dogs and humans and was a tiotal delight.
If you like the pup and the breeder is going to socialise it properly and you're happy with the way the breeder is doing things then being able to settle in your pup for a few weeks would be ideal. :)

we got zak at 5 months old,and he seemed to settle just as well as our new pup who we got at 9 weeks,as long they get the attention they need then i dont think that are any real differences to what age you bring them home,and the way they settle.i would personally prefer to be able to spend as much time as possible with the pup,so i would go for the older one.
what breed have you chosen?
good luck whichever you choose
mel:)