New doodle and vacations???

[Lynn D.]

Hi Everyone!

I think I may have found the right doodle for me! HOWEVER, this may not be the right time to have a puppy around. I was hoping that any one who reads this could help me in deciding what to do.

My family has recently moved to North Texas so I really don't know anyone (or even have a vet) in the area. I have sent e-mails to someone on the DK board, that is kind of in my area as well.

I am seriously considering a dog that is ready today, but I am not. The biggest concerns are that there are 2 major vacations coming, the first of which is in 4+ weeks. I think that the puppy would be about 13 weeks old at that point and I am trying to figure out what would be the smartest/safest thing to do. This first vacation is going to be 8 days. The second "vacation" could be 2 months long. And I am concerned about what kenneling him would do to training and emotionally.

How would you handle this issue?

If I listen to my heart I will get the puppy and deal with everything else after. If I listen to my head, I may never get the dog I really want.

Thanks in advance!
Lynn D.

[Leslie and Halas]

Any possibility of taking the puppy with you on your vacations?

[Lynn D.]

The first one, no. :( It's a cruise that has been planned for a few months.

The second one, its a possibility! I will be in Europe for 2 months at a school with about 300 kids. But there are other faculty that has their dogs. Of course, they live and work there year round. :S

[Lynn D.]

Well, for the 2 month long vacation I had thought about sending him to a training camp if he doesn't go with me to Europe. Going to a training camp would be costly but beneficial for both of us. Minimum $900.

He would be 9 months by that time. The 2 month "vacation" could be recurring every year for the next 4 years. If I am lucky.

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

IF this is TRULY the perfect dog, maybe ask the breeder to babysit while you're gone? A 13 week old puppy is still a baby and shouldn't be left with just anybody. Also: He may be too young to leave in a kennel with other dogs, if he hasn't received all his immunizations yet. You will miss a really important time in his childhood if you leave him for extended periods of time that soon. Will you be able to fully enjoy your vacation knowing he's somewhere else, waiting for you?

[Lynn D.]

I totally hear you about him being too young to be left with just anybody! I absolutely would be worried/nervous while I was away from him. Typical momma.

The immunization schedule is part of what I was unsure about as well. Ask me anything about humans (I have it memorized), but a dogs immunization schedule= not so much.

The breeder is out of state. I am not sure the breeder would watch him after being gone for 4 weeks. If it were me (as the breeder), I would be worried that he would bring a fatal disease back to my kennel.

Everyone's comments and questions have been great! They are all a part of what is going into making my decision of whether to get the puppy or not.

Thank you!

[Tamara & Giada]

I'm sorry, but you may not like my opinion. It sounds to me you are not ready for a puppy at this point in your life. They are like babies........they need time to bond and consistancy that would not come with as much traveling as you do. Sorry:(

[Adina P]

My initial thought was "NO WAY"...but realizing puppy will be 9 months when the long vacay comes...I think the yearly 2 month vacation is do-able and perhaps even this year when he's 9 months.

BUT I do think it is a mistake to think that the 'right' doodle only comes around once in a great while. I don't recall what your criteria for the 'right' puppy is but I would say it is EASIER to find a great dog than to find a great spouse =) There WILL be other great doodle litters with great doodle pups.

If you choose to take this one...just be REALLY REALLY choosy and careful about the board & train you choose -- if you can attend training there with him in advance and SEE their methods and be sure you are comfortable with them. Also I would ask to meet dog owners who have had their dogs go through the board & train program and see how they feel about it AND what the results were. In 2 months I think a 9 month old could learn a ton if it is a good training program.

[Tegan]

I have to agree, it may seem like he is the only dog for you but I can tell you from experience that there are lots of good dogs out there. I know what it's like to find a great dog and not have it work out but you really might be better off if you wait. I'm sure you would find another doodle that you would love just as much as this guy. If you wait until you are back from the 2 month trip you would have a whole year with your new dog before going away again.

My Kali is 9 months old I know if I had to leave her somewhere for more than a few days I'd be worried sick about her, especially if it was at a kennel. I would be a little wary of training camps, I'm sure that there are great ones out there but you would be loosing that special bond that you get from working with your dog and the satisfaction of teaching them new things. If you do go this way be sure to get and check out references from them. It would be awful for you pup to be somewhere they wouldn't be well taken care of.

[Lynn & Sadie in WI]

I had a similar situation. I was having remodeling done to my home and I had some vacation planned. I was hoping the remodeling would be finished or close to finished when I got her but of course it took much longer and there was my vacation. I asked the breeder if she would keep her for me until my vacation was over, I offered to pay a boarding fee. She agreed since she didn't have any other litters at the time to deal with, just her adult dogs. I picked up my pup when she was 11 weeks old.

My house was a mess, nothing normal but we managed. I just knew there was no way to get her and go on the vacation. If the breeder hadn't agreed to keep her I would have canceled the vacation. I really think that will be too long to not be with him/her. That is a critical bonding time for you and the puppy. I would really reconsider getting a puppy at this time if your schedule doesn't allow you to spend time with it. Sorry, I'm sure that's not what you want to hear.

[Adina P]

Lynn, her pup will be 9 months when she goes on the 2 month vacay and that vacay happens yearly.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

There are so many wonderful dogs out there. Wait until your life settles. In the meantime, volunteer at your local dog shelter, walk the dogs, play with them, they will love it. If you're thinking "oh I can't fit that in my schedule" then you definitely don't have time for a puppy.

[2hl9mp3c2fuam]

I know how it feels to always think with your head and then your heart messes it all up!! Honestly I would wait until the vacations were done. I believe everything happens for a reason...and it is a possibility that your puppy would still be available when you return???? right??

Regardless of what any of us think it is YOUR decision, but with my experiences....if you have a bad gut feeling about it.... I would just wait.

Good luck!!