I have the chance of having a gorgeous black Lab puppy but he is 15 weeks old, older than I would have usually bought a dog. Can anyone tell me what if any problems I would be likely to come accross when it comes to house training ( I presume he wont be), will I still be able to get him used to travelling in the car ok as I would want to take him on holiday to the Lakes with me in July and socialising him as usually you try to get a pup used to as much as possible before this age. Please help.

You shouldnt have a problem with housetraining him provided you have a bit of time to keep watching him for signs he wants to spend a penny which you would do anyway with a younger pup.I tend to take my dogs in the car for short trips to start with keep popping him in the car with you and sometimes I leave then in the car for short periods( if its not sunny) in the drive they get to love the car quickly.You will see on other threads I take mine in the caravan and they are fine.
Good Luck

If he comes from a good breeder, who has socialised him, done some basic training you should have no problems.

I doubt/hope he has not been living in a vacuum. I would expect if he has been raised in the brteeders home that his housetraining will be progressing normally for his age, as would his other social skills. He should also be fully vaccinated and ready to take out and about.

If this is a good knowledgeable breeder then all the above should be true, so ask! If he has been brought up with the view to being a companion dog, then you have actually got a head start!

Fourpaws
Our breeder lied about Tally's age when we bought him (black Lab) and the vet worked out that he was probably about 15 weeks. I've never owned a puppy before but Tally seemed an absolute dream (well apart from racing around the garden like high speed train grabbing mouthfuls of soil on his way!!). His housetraining was a lot less difficult than I was expecting and he really is eager and quick to learn. The only thing which Tally didn't like was travelling in the car (he dribbled and drooled) so we took him every day for a quick four/five minute drive round the corner to the start of the walk. It took a while but he's a lot better now - although I still have to lift him into the back of the car!!
Let us know what decision you make:)

I must say that I prefer my puppies to be 8 weeks old when I bring them home, but so saying, for various reasons one was 14 week and quite frankly I really noticed no difference!

If this puppy has really got to you then that’s the one! I study them closely when choseing but at the end of the day the heart rules the head.

As far as holidays are concerned, years ago, my first Labrador Mandy went away with us on a 2 week caravan tour of Scotland at just 14 weeks old! Not maybe recommended but remembering to limit the exercise and Mandy had a smashing time. So much so that every time we packed the caravan for holidays she was the first to climb in!

Regards, John