This. If you're that set on getting this particular puppy, this is the only thing that makes even a modicum of sense. And if your daugter's old enough to get a puppy for her birthday, she's also old enough to understand that you have a responsibility to do the best thing by her, even if it means waiting for a while.
I don't dispute that you want this pup but I think that you will struggle to make it work in a way that is fair to the pup and which stacks the odds in your favour such that you are likely to end up with a balanced, well-rounded dog without any behavioural issues. In all honesty, I think you seriously need to rethink whether or not you are currently in a position to take on a young pup and provide it with the quality care that it deserves.
Do you realise how small the bladder is of a 9 week old pup of the type you are considering? That pup needs to be taken outside to toilet EVERY hour; that is after every meal, after every drink, after every play and after every sleep. You will struggle with house training in the set-up that you are considering, in fact, you may never achieve a 100% dry dog at all. So, I hope you are prepared for the daily mess and the chore of washing if the pup soils its bedding as well as the puppy pads.
Of more concern, is the separation anxiety that this pup is likely to develop through being left for such long periods from such an early age. What is your plan when the howling/screaming starts and the neighbours start complaining and as a result are perhaps less keen to be used as dog sitters?
Also, a 9 week old pup being taken to a stables will need SUPERVISING ALL THE TIME. You can not expect it to wander around and keep out of harms way and/or mischief.
Yes, pups do sleep a lot when they are tired as a result of mental stimulation......that is TRAINING and interaction with their owner, other family members and other dogs. To have a well-balanced dog this needs to happen consistantly throughout the day to coincide with their need for regular bursts of activity, their short attention span and need for regular naps. Also, as the pup gets older it will sleep less and less. What you will have on your hands at ten weeks of age will be unrecognisable to what the breeder has at six or seven weeks. So, yes, the pup may sleep an awful lot NOW, but it is amazing how much difference a week can make in the development of these needy little beasts!
If you really must get a dog, may I suggest that you consider taking on an adult rescue that is used to being left. I believe that several people on here recommend greyhounds for such circumstance. No responsible breeder worth their salt would entertain selling a pup to someone in the situation that you describe.
If you have found someone who is daft enough/money-grabbing enough to sell you a pup now, please do that pup a favour and cancel - even if it means losing your deposit. Try putting the interests and welfare of the pup before those of your own....oh, and how about this for your daughters present, which would be more appropriate in my view. http://www.toysrus.co.uk/Toys-R-Us/Toys/Soft-Toys/Animal-Alley-17-Large-Dog-Soft-Toy(0045564)
You are a teacher you say, therefore you must be educated and reasonably intelligent. You have got a lot of good advice on here from experienced people who honestly have no axe to grind against you personally. The ONLY thing that we all have in common is an interest in the welfare of dogs.
If you REALLY are intent on going ahead in spite of all this advice, PLEASE wait until you can find a litter that is ready to be rehomed at the start of your summer vacation from school. At least that way, the little one will have some chance of settling before being left, rather than being taken away from all its litter mates and one week later being left virtually on its own for the majority of the day.
PS Out of interest, how old is your daughter?
apology accepted I do know that they should have company if possible and yes maybe I have let my heart rule my head but I am confident that it will work out.
