Hello again
My life at the moment seems to have been taken over by the arrival of our new puppy (16th Feb)
My question is , we get him on the saturday , I thought the following Monday we would start his course of injections Question 1: How many weeks will it be before he can go out safely?
we have the chance to go to the lake district ,end of March to a Hotel (that take dogs), But he will only be 13/14 weeks old, I'm not talking about Walking him up Helvelen! but Its just I keep thinking it might all be too much too - soon ,the Hotel /car ride/ etc OR would the experience be a good one for him (He's a Labrador)
Will I have managed to house train by then? I hope I don't sound really stupid asking these questions
I would really appreciate you're thoughts
Annie

Hi Annie

Congratulations on getting your new pup. You have asked very good relelavnt questions. They are not in the least stupid. Keep on asking.

What you have here is a bit of a dilemma really. The experience of going to a hotel etc would be good - but you'll be very very lucky if he's house trained by then. He's only likely to be getting used to what he should do at home let alone a new place.

As for vaccinations - it largley depends on what he's had and what your vet advises. Vets vaccinate at different times, use different vaccines and therfore the time when he's safe to put down will vary. I'd ring your vet and talk to him. If you;re lucky - he should be ok by 13 weeks - but it could easliy be later.

At only 13/14 weeks of age your pup should not be having any real exercise - running around the room or garden will be plently for him so walking in the lakes - Helvelyn excepted will be too much.

If it was me - I'd leave the holiday for a while. Let the pup setlle in really well and get him trained etc. Carrying a baby lab around soon gets to be very hard work - they are heavy.

hth

Pam n the boys

Dear Pammy,
Thanks very much for yr reply, I think I already knew, But wanted someone to confirm it all,we are going away in August to Cornwall (Oliver will then be 8 months) We have booked a cottage, He should be OK by then, Time seems to be going SOOOO slowly, We (especially me) want to bring him home( its silly I know , but I feel like I'm about to have my 3rd child!
Once again thanks- Mind you I'm really quite nervous aswell!

Annie

Annie

I know exactly what you mean. The waiting for both my boys was as bad as being pregnant with my children.

It'll soon come and just as with kids, you soon forget what life was like when they weren't there.

Pam

PammyYou Know before i found this site, and started reading how people felt about their dogs- I was begining to think I was having a midlife crisis! & and my husband thought I was becoming a bit obsessed! all I'm able to talk about is Oliver this & Oliver That! ( I do also have time to feed my husband & children)!!
We have only seen the puppy once, thats it until we collect him - He's over an hour away! do you think thats alright!
Annie

Hi Annie

An hour away is fine. Try to collect him as early as possible in the morning and before he has been fed.

When you go to collect him, make sure you have plenty of newspaper, towels and kitchen roll with you. He's likely to sleep all the way but sometimes they can be sick or need the toilet. If you think he needs the loo, and have to stop by the road side, don't put him down. Put some paper down first and try and get him to wee etc on that.

Take a large bottle with you to fill with water from the breeders. We all know how a change on water can upset our tummies - it can be the same for puppies. He might like a little drink if you do stop.

Before you collect him - send an old towel or jumper for the breeder to put in his bed for a few nights so that you have something full of the scent of his mum and siblings, It can help pacify them at night in their new home.

It's going to seem like such along time before you get him but it will soon come. I'm just jealous that you have time to feed the kids and the husband - I keep forgetting and have to be remnded - lol:D

Pam n co

Thanks Pammy-
I must get off this site now & do some ironing!!!
When he finally arrives I will let you know how it goes!!
TKS - Annie