Okmum Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 Hi, We have a cavalier girl coming to us at either 8 weeks or 14 weeks... here being the reason.. we have a beautiful 2yr old dexsexed male Ridgeback x and we are going away for 10 days when our new pup would be about 12 weeks old. I have a great house sitter (studying vet science!) who will be here all of time except maybe 2 or 3 days where she will need to be at uni all day... So we originally asked the breeder to hold the pup until we got back from holidays (at 14 weeks)... but now I'm thinking she would be ok with our friend and we should get her at 8 weeks. We have 2 kids (5 & 7) and I work 3 days a week and hubby works full time... thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roova Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 Hmmm thats a tough one. How much socialisation and training is the Vet science student prepared to do for you? What is her experience with puppies, training and dog behaviour? If not the student then what is the breeder able to do or will her hands be full with her own dogs? Will either party be toileting pup outside through the night to continue toilet training if you're still working on it? The time when a puppy is young isn't just about feeding and play, it is also the time we need to spend a few minutes multiple times a day working on basic behavioural training and creating positive socialisation experiences. What happens to them now can set them up for their whole future and help create a well behaved adult. Training how to cope being alone to avoid separation anxiety, getting out and about to experience different sights and sounds, meeting different people and animals, basic house manners, toilet training, lead training, chew training, desensitisation to the lawn mower\vacuum \ blower, crate training, puppy kindy, capturing calm, the list can literally go on and on. Nearly two weeks can be a long time in the big scheme of things for a baby. Around the 12 week mark they can also start to become a lot less accepting of new things being introduced or may even enter their first fear period. If you're not ready and observant you might frighten them further. I know sometimes life gets in the way of plans and a holiday is a holiday so maybe ask each party if there is any training \ socialisation they can do for you while you're gone? Good luck with your new puppy and sorry to be a party pooper with your holiday! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebanne Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 I'd get her at 8 weeks. You then have her for 4 weeks before you go away. Word up your student on what you want her to do. A large % of pups would be sleeping for a minimum of 8 hrs at night by 12 weeks but you do have to allow for the one who doesn't. You need a good seperate area the puppy could go in while people are away for work. A Cav pup and a large goofy dog will require good management Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuralPug Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 I'd discuss it with the breeder. There might be a third option, depending on how far away you are from the breeder or if the breeder could recommend someone near you. You could take the pup at 8 weeks, begin training and return her to the breeder for the time you are away, Unless the vet is student is very very experienced with monitoring inter-dog reaction I wouldn't leave a baby toy breed puppy AND a two year old large breed in their care for 10 days. One or the other but not both. Fourth alternative would be to put your adult dog in a reputable kennel for the 10 days you are away. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 yep if the breeder is close by ask them if they will take it back ,we certainly do. Mind you there is no reason the house sitter option cant work given that you will be leaving the pup home when your at work . I gather you will have already set up a pup zone for when no one is home anyway so it really shouldn't be that much of a big change . If the breeder is a good one & does lots of things with there pups than bringing home after your holidays will work as well . Not the best time to do holidays & wanting a new pup so you need to talk with the breeder what they feel is best for that puppy ,it will be alot of change in a short space 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpha bet Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 There are many factors... certainly if the breeder can take the pup back for the 10 days would probably be the best option. Otherwise I would be discussing with the pet sitter to see how you feel. It is quite a bit to ask for a sitter to mind such a baby and it is also when you might find your older dog starting to put in some blocking behaviours when the pup is getting to full on. This is normal for the older dog to give some reprimands to the baby but it might be something that your pet sitter will be more stressed with as she might be over cautious on your behalf. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okmum Posted February 1, 2017 Author Share Posted February 1, 2017 Wow! Thank you so much for your replies! unfortunately the breeder is too far away, and in the other direction to which we are traveling to take pup back during our holidays. I wasn't planning on have the dogs together when they aren't supervised. My boy is outside when we are out, but I'm looking into some kind of pen to put pup in inside when we aren't home. Any suggestions there? I think we will get her at 8 weeks - and I'll be sure to leave our sitter with strict instructions! If I'm not confident I'd probably be able to find someone else to help me out I guess and have the two dogs in seperate houses. The breeder is lovely, but I know she has several cavs and several larger breed dogs so might not have lots of time for pup - although I know she will be safe! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuralPug Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 Have a look at vebopet.com.au exercise pens. These are great because you can buy extra panels if you wish and build room dividers or odd shaped pens. You can also connect the panels to a crate if you are intending to crate train the puppy, but they don't need one if you would rather just pop a dog bed in the pen. If you are placing the indoor pen on carpet, a vinyl flooring offcut from a flooring supplier is handy to protect the carpet or use a thick rubber-backed picnic rug upside down instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roova Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 For the cheapskates amongst us you can also use Bunnings compost panels. It's about $25 for four and they're brilliant. You can cable tie them any which way and create doors too. I put a tarp on my carpet and the pen on top just while toilet training. I found it handy to put my other dog in when training the pup too lol 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okmum Posted February 2, 2017 Author Share Posted February 2, 2017 Thank you thank you!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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