Dog sitters for very young pup

[Jericho]

We are about to get a new pup who will be 7/8 weeks however over the next 6 weeks we will be away for one night on a couple of occasions (can't take dog) The pup will probably not have had it's 2nd jabs by then so was wondering what our options would be. My Oh is saying wait and get a pup until after the nights away but my carefully thought out plan was that the pup could go out and about before the 6weeks school holidays so we can enjoy all being togtether as a family so we need to get one sooner than later. And I do feel that there is never going to be a totally perfect time to get a new puppy anyway - there will always be something!

Our options - return to breeder to dog sit, the pup goes with the children to grandparents (although they have a dog albeit very quiet) or it goes to a dog sitter? Any other ideas? Will the change be too much for a young pup? I am keen that any dog learns from an early age to accept change/ is social without stressing too much as whilst we have lots of time and space for a dog we are a busy active family.

 

[Toffee44]

Had my pup at 7 + a bit weeks far too early. I think if we were get puppy again I would aim 9weeks tbh. Maybe get breeder to do jabs or take your self and return to breeder. What you got? P@h us £55 quid full course and microchip and 4wks insurance.

 

[MurphysMinder]

I would ask the breeder to have the pup back. I have done this on a few occasions when people have had a pup from me but already have a few days away planned, I prefer to let a pup go at 8 weeks and then come back a couple of weeks later rather than keep it for those extra weeks and have it miss vital socialisation time in its new home. You are right there is never a perfect time to get a pup, something will always crop up but having one before the school holidays often works well, although you have to be aware that a young pup won't be up to big family walks etc. What breed are you getting?

 

[Jericho]

Thanks for your replies. The pup will be a JRT bitch - have done our research and I think the big dog attitude in small dog clothing will suit our family!!! Have spoken to the breeder on phone - they are 6 1/2 weeks at the mo and she said that the mother is fed up with them already and ready to go. Not sure what to make of that comment....

Am seeing them on Wednesday and both parents and all being well would bring her home weekend after next so that we can give her the best introduction to her new home. She will be just over 8 weeks and nearing 10 weeks when we have our first overnight away. I think the best plan would be to ask the breeder to have her back - in fact it might be a deal breaker if she doesn't because I don't feel happy with the alternatives.

Should I be concerned if she refuses or is it a big ask?

 

[Kaylum]

the reason why pups arent meant to be taken away before 8 weeks at least is really nothing to do with the mother its to do with have time with its litter mates. Learning how to play and interact. Believe it or not this time is the most important time of a puppy's life.

Its a shame that some people who breed for money dont understand this.

Not sure about your sitution Jericho. Sorry.

 

[milo'n'molly]

The breeder should be happy to take the puppy back and i'd be a bit concerned that she wants rid of them so soon. I can understand the comment about mum has had enough, my dogs mum is a mini jrt and i can say that mine did NOT come from a responsable breeder (more like one accident litter after another) however he kept the pups till 8 wks, just gave mum more and more time away from the group, there were 8 of them

 

[Jericho]

Just to update - went to see puppies. They are all bright, well looking and healthy. The breeder was more than happy to have her back for the days we are away over night. We saw the Mum and she was a very sweet dog, calm and settled although it was quite clear that she had had enough of her pups - she kept sloping away and sitting on the sofa or next to her owner to get away. The breeder was happy to let the pups go at just over 7 weeks (weekend after next) but stressed if we wanted her to keep her for longer she would.

I did express my concerns about being earlier but she showed me the pups were already eating solids at 5 weeks and that in her experience of breeding JRTs for over 8 years she always found that 7 weeks was a good age, she said she also bred GSDs for a couple of years but noticed that they were never as mature at that age and would definitely keep them longer.

We are all going back (children and OH) on Saturday to pick (or confirm my choice)!

Also it turns out that she is my Farriers mother and his JRTs (which she bred and would be related to our pup) are the reason that confirmed why I wanted a JRT!!