Long trips

[Rachel and Ollie]

So I have found a goldendoodle breeder with puppies in the color and size I want and they are near me. Pretty much perfect...but... I am really struggling on what to do.

 

I really want a puppy, but come Christmas time I will be traveling back home (on a plane) for two weeks. What do you do when you have to leave a puppy that long? I really don't want to be away from him/her that long but don't know what to do...do I bring him/her with me on a plane? Do I find a puppy hotel (they are awful expensive when you will be gone two weeks) 

 

What tips do you all have? 

 

Thanks!!!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Couple questions 1st ...... Where do you live now and where is back home"?  In other words how long of a trip are we talking?  Is driving an option?  The other would be are you getting a standard size or a mini.  If it isn't a small mini you would not be able to take the puppy in the cabin and I would not recommend flying any other way.  Although it is done all the time by many people, it isn't the greatest thing for the dog (In my opinion).    As for me, the only traveling we will do from this point on will be via car and the doodles will go with us.  However we are at a point in our lives where that is possible.  Many aren't.  A lot of people board at doggie day care (just one of those expenses you need to factor in if you are planning to get a dog).  Some people have someone who will come and stay at their house and house/dog sit.    Other have friends who dog sit.  There is even a group here on DK where people are willing to swap off dog sitting for each other.  There are lots of options, you just have to decide which one works for you.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

How big can a dog be & still be in the cabin?  This pup would be 6 months old at the most, right?  My first choice would be to take the pup with you.  It will be pretty young still, and I wouldn't want to leave it.  Especially if it will be too young to have had all its vaccinations.  You do not (well, actually, I don't think boarding places will even do it) want to leave a puppy who is not fully vaccinated.  That is dangerous I think.  If I didn't have another solution, I'd take it with me even if it had to go back to a different area.  I would take to the airlines & see what they do with pets.  At least it will be Christmas & not too hot.  Next suggestion, if you can't take the pup, I would either have a family member/friend come watch the pup at your place.  In my opinion, that would be more expensive than taking the puppy with you though.  We stayed at a pet friendly hotel over the July 4th weekend & the only thing they asked for was a $75 deposit & you get it back provided the dog didn't chew anything up.  We either had Bexter with us or he was crated, so there was no problem in the hotel.  OR maybe the breeder could board it for you while you're gone.  I'd ask that.

It sounds like maybe you have found the breeder you want, but maybe it isn't the right timing.  Are there litters after Christmas you could get after the trip?  (Remember to check the DK breeder suggestions.  Good that you like the size & color, but make sure it's a good breeder though.)  Assuming this is the breeder you want to go with, I'd see if there would be a litter right after you get back.  Good luck!

[Michael Gurley]

The dog has to be able to fit in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Not many dogs can do that!

 

I recently flew to Texas and back (I live in NC) and there was a girl with a shih tzu puppy who looked uncomfortably tight in his carrier, and shih tzus are small dogs.

[Janel and Sophia]

Rachel

I flew with previous  dog numerous times to the Caribbean and all over the US and Canada.  The biggest dog plus carrier bag, most airlines allow in cabin is 15lbs.  The bag must fit under the seat!!!  Always check with the airlines as their pet policies change, almost on a daily basis.  The dog is considered your carry on baggage, but they charge you an extra baggage fee of close to 100.00 each way.  You must also have a health certificate signed by your vet. that is not more than 10days old.  If flying to any other country besides US and Canada, you must also get a titer test plus apply to the visiting country for an import permit.  The import permit has to be applied for at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance.  Failure to comply could result in the dog being quarantined for up to 6 months. Hope this helps.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Wow great to know!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I would hire a dog sitter but my first choice being so young would be to take the pup with you. Asking the breeder is a giid idea. good luck!

[Adina P]

How old will the pup be at that time?

[F, Calla & Luca]

This will not be a one time problem. Unless the puppy is going to be very small when full grown, you will need to consider how you will handle travel and vacations from here on out. It cost me hundreds of dollars to have my two stay in someone's home when I was last away. I knew going in having one, then two, dogs would be an expense. I love my dogs but they do tie you down or cost a fair amount for outside help.

[Lynda Kamrath]

There are always puppies available, so you may want to wait until after your Christmas trip to get a puppy.  Two weeks is a long time.  I have no problem shipping my dogs via air and Continental is very responsible.  They ship the seeing eye dogs that are full grown.  You need somebody to meet the airplane to get your animals, but that should be no problem if you are also on the airplane.  I guess I would check to see if Continental flights are available in your area.

[Rachel and Ollie]

Thanks for all the tips! The puppy would be 5 months old...it is a mini. I am just trying to make sure that I do the right thing for the puppy. I moved to Texas from Indiana, so I can't really drive that...I will ask around and see if anyone will be sticking around my area to watch him/her...if not then I may not be able to get one. I have always wanted a dog, and seeing as I live alone and far from family, thought it would be good. Thanks for all the help.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Rachel - You live in Indiana now?  I live in Indiana!  Go to my page & tell me where you live.  Also - Tell me what breeder you are getting yours from!  It may be where I got Bexter.  They might be related & I might be able to help you in some way!!!  I am excited because I really want to meet doodle owners in Indiana.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Oh...you live in Texas now?  Darn.  I was going to offer to watch your pup, especially over Christmas.  I'm a teacher & off during that time.  Darn!  Move back to Indiana!!!