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.

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

timing is everything, you should wait until your vacations are over. If you get a puppy now and leave you will miss the bonding time, it is easy to ruin a dog in just a few days!

[Stephanie]

In my opinion...along most others who have posted...you should wait. Unless you are willing to cancel your first vacation...and you can bring your new pup with you on the second...I would say its not the right time to get a puppy.

As another poster said, getting a puppy is like having a child...you really shouldn't leave it for that long (at least in my opinion). If you are going to be doing this 2 mo thing every year I would want to make sure my pup could come with me...I would never leave my dog at a kennel (or anywhere else) for 2 mos at a time...

[Melissa, Samson & Shelby]

The first vacation when the puppy is 13 weeks old could be a problem if you were intending to use a kennel. All the kennels in our area insist that a dog be fully vaccinated before boarding. Vaccinations are generally finished around 16 weeks of age.

I was just reading a book last night that mentioned the US is one of the few countries that does not require a long (6 months in many countries) quarantine for dogs entering the country. You should look in the specific country that you will be visiting but it is doubtful that you would be able to take the puppy with you for the 2 months.

Food for thought.

[sbis0oszc95r]

My brother just moved to the caribbean and took his two adult terriers and the flights down there were horrendous on the dogs. It took them weeks to recover from the trauma. I'd really look into the airline policies and the European acceptance rules.....

to be honest, it doesn't sound like you're ready to commit to a puppy....they take a LOT of time and effort.

You have to do what's right for the puppy.

[Margo]

Hi Lynn, I don’t know you, but what I notice first about your situation is that you just recently moved to a new area, and moving you and your family is a major life change… and major life change = major emotion. My instinct tells me (whatever that means :) that you would be best holding off of getting a puppy until you return from your two month trip (this also sounds pretty major). There will always be another perfect doodle, just the way there is always another perfect pair of shoes (or you fill in the blank, sorry I personally used to have a shoe obsession). Also from personal experience, I doubt it would be simple taking your pup with you to Europe, as the different countries have various quarantine requirements for moving family pets across borders. It may be different with the EU now, but I’m not sure. I have a 3 mo old puppy, and knowing now all the variables and the WILDNESS of new ownership, I personally would not choose to do this. A year isn’t that long and it will be fun for you to look forward to your new puppy when you get back.. Deep breaths and best of luck! Margo

[23ght0c2zk1tt]

We are first time puppy parents.

My little guy was born June 1, came home with us August 4. We both took two weeks vacation to learn what life was like with a puppy, and to be able to create that bond with him. We've spent the past week taking turns staying home with him because he's had a bout of diarrhea and vomiting, and we didn't want the dogwalker to have to clean up those messes. To be perfectly honest - if we hadn't bonded so much with him - we might have been kind of resentful of those messes on our hardwood floor!

It used to be that when my husband was out of town, I'd have dinner out with friends or see a movie. Not any more. I have to go home and feed Chapin, and I don't think it's fair to go home, feed and re-crate, so I don't. I invite people over now instead.

This morning it was pouring rain outside, but there we were at 5:30 am, walking the block - he loving it, me shivering and miserable. But, I won't crate him until he's had a walk, so there we were.

All this to say that there is a LOT more to having a puppy than the cuddles. A lot more than making sure you have the bonding time. I agree with many others here - other puppies will come along and they will be just as perfect - and you will be at a much better time and place in your life.

[Richard Crowe]

As was mentioned earlier; perhaps this is not the best time in life for you to get a dog! It just might not be fair to the dog to be put in a kennel for extended periods before the dog has had the opportunity to bond with you. You might think about waiting until your life is more settled before you opt for the responsibilities (and joys) of doodle ownership.

And regarding, "The Perfect Doodle"; our Holly is the "perfect doodle" and I have met numerous other doodles who are just about "perfect"! Doodles are just generally outstanding and I would be willing to bet that the "perfect doodle" will come along again after you can make the proper life for that doodle.

[Tegan]

I just went to IDOG to vote for them to win funding. I took a few minutes to poke around on their website. I found this under their is a Doodle for you section. I thought it might be relevant to the topic. They seem to have some great info on there, so here's the link http://www.idog.biz/ADoodleForYOU.html

Timing

The first year of a puppy's life is full of training and socialization. When the pup first arrives, expect some sleepless nights, frequent trips to go potty; veterinarian visits, training classes and some depreciation of the furniture/rugs in your home. Being realistic of the time you can devote to a puppy. The amount of effort and training you put into the puppy this first year, will pay off ten fold as the dog matures.

If you work long hours at the office, or you enjoy taking long weekends at your favorite bed and breakfast, how will a puppy fit into your life? Are you ready to modify your lifestyle to care for the puppy?

If you have several children and you are so busy with ballet classes, football practice and school functions, how will you have the time to also properly socialize and train a puppy AND also train your children the proper ways to care and handle a puppy?

Facts: There are two primary timing related reasons people rehome their doodles. 1.) "I don't have enough time for the doodle. I feel bad leaving the dog all day alone and he would be better off with more company and socialization than I can provide." 2. "The puppy nips and scares my kids. I don't have time to take to a training class and now that the dog is older, he is even harder to handle."