Is flying an 8 wk old pup scary for them? Any repercussions seen?

[Barb Perkins]

I'm about to get my first Goldendoodle pup. Very excited. I have a question for anyone who has had a puppy shipped to them..

I'm reading this book to prepare me for this adventure. It's called Good Owners, Great Dogs by Brian Kilcommons. Really liking this book btw. But it mentions that week 8-11 are "fear" weeks for the puppy. I was just thinking, maybe not a great time to ship a pup? Do they end up scared of everything after that?? 

I'm just curious if anyone has seen any issues on this topic. This is a long way - Seattle Wash to Syracuse NY, but breeder says she ships east all the time, so maybe I'm just worrying for no reason..

Any thoughts?

[Deb & Issy]

When we purchased our puppy she was flown to us and it was a very exciting and worrisome.  She was 10 weeks old.  However, the puppy did fine, was so happy to meet us.  Our mini-golden doodle is now a year old and is an awesome pet.  We love her to death and she is extremely smart - we had her potty trained in about a 3-4 weeks.  I'm sure during the flight the puppy was scared but was fine once it was over.    breeder assured us, he does this all the time and it would be fine.  Hope this helps and congratulations on your new pup!

[F, Calla & Luca]

You will get many opinions on this topic. I flew both of my doodles fom the west coast to NJ. I am sure in some ways it is scary for the puppies. But both of mine were fine on arrival and I don't think they suffered any repercussions. Continental was great.

[Meridith and Lola]

I flew Lola from West Virginia to NY.  There was a layover in Detroit and her flight was canceled.  It was a terrible night of weather (it is when the flight in Buffalo crashed in Feb. 09).  She was put on another flight that got in a few hours later but was also delayed.  The airline supposedly had a pet "concierge" service and was well attended but who knows.  The only repercussions from the experience may have been her dislike of the crate.  She never seemed to like it even though the breeder told me she was fine when she was with them (she stayed at the breeder until 12 weeks so she could be crate and house trained a little more than an 8 week puppy).  I probably wouldn't risk that again but would fly and get her and bring her back with me in the cabin. 

[Ron Carnes]

Our breeder transports mostly by air. We did pick up Zack at the breeder. She is on a farm and has a flat bed truck that she takes her pups for daily rides. The boucing as she goes from field to field seems to help with the air travel, acording to her.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I would think this may help. Kudos to the Breeder is that is why she does it.

[Ron Carnes]

Yes, gets them use to a bit of a rough ride.

[Becka]

Also the image of a bunch of puppies riding around in a flatbed and bouncing all over each other is really awesome.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

We did not fly Daisy yet she was fearful of everything when she was little and tends to be jumpy to this day, I think that some are and some aren't. I think Daisy may not have done well in the belly of an airplane but others do just fine.

Personally I wouldn't risk it but would fly out and fly back with the dog under my seat if possible.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

What an exciting time!!! Congrats on your new family member!

Lisa has a good point about the experience affecting pups differently depending on their temperaments. Some pups are adventure seekers and nothing seems to scare them and others are more sensitive and unsure.  I chose not to fly Tara but I know there are many here on DK that did with no issues.

My concern this time of year would be the heat/weather situation in cargo. It sounds like your breeder is experienced with flying them though and will take that into consideration.

Can't wait to meet your new baby! Do you have a name for the pup yet?

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

Personally I would not take the risk.  With all of the stories of planes being delayed on the tarmac (including the ones you don't hear about but are an everyday occurrence)  I could not bear the thought of my puppy having to endure something like that.  I am not here to judge anyone because they have done it and/or thinking of of it just my own personal opinion.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Like everyone has said...it is really up to you and all dogs react differently.  I personally would never fly my Doodle unless I was with it and had it up in the passenger area with me under the seat.  I have heard too many stories.  Our neighbor is an American Airline pilot and my DH asked him one day about flying dogs.  He said he would not after the things he has witnessed.  If you were to fly your pup I would try to put it on a non-stop flight only.  This time of the year there are thunderstorms that just come up out of no where in the East and that can cause delays or cancellations.  Also, if it is too hot then the dog doesn't fly.  My sister-in-law waited weeks for her pup because it was being flown in a puddle jumper to a major airport somewhere on the East Coast.  Then on to Detroit and from there to San Diego, CA.  It was a nightmare and the poor pup was covered in poop and pee when it finally arrived.  The pup was in the crate for over 15 hours with no food or potty breaks!  I just need to hear even one story like that and my questions are answered.  I would fly to pick up my pup and fly back with it.  But like F said, you will get many opinions.  I think booking a non-stop is the best route to go if you were to have the pup shipped.  But I don't think there are non-stops into Syracuse????  Hope it all works out for you.  Can't wait to see the pictures of the new baby!  Good Luck

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I wonder if, on this topic there is any hard evidence and stats regarding the flying of dogs and puppies in particular.  Seems like a subject it would be good to evaluate on fact.  Also,  perhaps there is an optimal age at which it is easier and conversely an age at which it is not recommended,