Hi

I am aware that in an ideal world, a puppy should be introduced to it's new home between 6-8weeks...but wondered what people thought about this situation...(not ideal) but want to do the best thing.
We are getting a new puppy, he is 5wks at the moment, we are due to go on holiday which has been booked for a year when pup is eight weeks. So would be unable to bring him home until 10weeks.
Obviously I could leave him with the breeder until then, or could begin to socialise him into our family at 6weeks, returning him to the breeder at eight weeks until we get home two weeks later.
I have a brilliant relationship with the breeder and we both have have experienced homes, I have visited the litter on a weekly basis, as they are only 15mins away.
??what to do for the best??

Hi,

Well I think it should be fine to leave him with the breeder until you return.  You may find that if he comes home with you for 2 weeks and then take him back, it may confuse him.  I had a similar issue.  I didn't pick my first pup up until she was about 10 weeks.  Sometimes, the longer they stay with the mother and littermates, they start to bond with them.  I had no problems with my pup whatsoever.  On the other hand, I got my other pup when he was 12 weeks and it was a little bit harder for him.  He really missed his littermates and I went through about 4 weeks of having no sleep at night! 

What does your breeder think will be the best thing?  I am sure someone else will be along to help soon!

Have fun with your new pup and have a great vacation!

Charlene

Myself and the breeder can see the for's and against in the situation.
My main concern is that he will be confused, but on the other hand he will receive good socialisation at a vunerable age, wheras leaving him in a litter enviroment he will have less experiences. I am at home all the time and do not work, have other dogs and children, so he would get a full on experience but with careful considerations.
Other opinions grateful read!!

I had a similar situation with my last litter.  The much awaited pup was ready at the same time as a long arranged plan for family to come from Oz for a month.  That meant days out and a very crowded home, IMO not at all suitable for a new pup - a bit like taking  a pup home for Christmas! .  The pup stayed with me until he was 12 weeks old.  It meant a lot more work for me (I didn't keep one from the litter because I only keep bitches and the litter was 6 boys!! )but I just treated him as though he were mine and did all the things that I would normally do.
He settled very quickly into his new home, with their already established 14 month old bitch!
I must admit I wouldn't want to move a puppy twice.  Stress upsets the immune system and it's not a good idea at that age.

Personally, if I was the breeder, I would rather keep the puppy for an extra couple of weeks. Pup would then be settled in one new home rather than settled, returned, and then back into new home again. I don't think it's fair on the pup.

JMHO :)

IMO far better at 10 weeks than at 5. I believe that pups should be with their litter mates and the dam till at least 7 weeks, so if your pup is left in the nest and the breeder is happy to do a bit of socialisation then you have the best of both world.

Why don't you compromise and take puppy home for day trips and return him in the evening.

Bringing pup into our home for day trips seems like a good compromise to me, what do others think ?

Phwwwwww!! :(
I wouldn't be prepared to put him back with the rest of the litter after a day trip and risk bringing infection in!!!  I can't believe that it's a serious suggestion!

I agree with Val, no way would I put a puppy back in with a litter after it had been away - the risks are just too high.

Good point. Bad idea then ..

do you have to go on holiday? you wont enjoy it anyway ifyou are dying to get home to your baby!

Yes I do. It is our family holiday and has been booked for nearly a year, it is just unfortunate timing. I am aprehensive about going but on the other hand puppy socialisation is a lot longer process than a fortnight....

Hi,

I really think you should just leave the puppy with the breeder until you return home.  It won't make any difference to the pup.  At the end of the day, it's only 2 weeks!  Just go on your holiday, enjoy yourselves and when you get home you have a brand new pup to look forward to! 

Kind regards,

Charlene

Yes Charlene, I think I will draw my conclusion to the idea and do just that, thanks for all your input.

Your very welcome.....glad I could be of some help.

Have a great holiday....going any where nice?!?!?!

Charlene

We are going to the Pelion in Greece, for a really away from it all holiday. I saw my babe today, he is just soooo beautiful. I normally hate coming back from holiday but I am looking forward to it this time..!

Excellent, it sounds lovely.....hope you have a fantastic time!

Well like you said, when you come back from holiday, you'll have your new pupster to look after.....I bet he's gorgeous!!

Ok, well take care and have fun with your pup!

Charlene