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?

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

When I was looking for Tara I only looked at breeders within driving distance of my home because I wanted to avoid the flying issue. I had concerns to.  I ended up driving 5 hours each way to pick her up and her breeder thanked me numerous times for doing so. She doesn't like flying her puppies but she probably doesn't say that to the ones who want the puppies flown.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I found this below, though it doesn't give any studies or the reasons why:

Definitely fly your puppy in the cabin as you coo and feed him tiny treats like beef extract on the tip of your finger, advises Tufts University veterinary behaviorist Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

For a young pup during the crucial formative time in his life, being jostled in a cargo hold as a noisy plane takes off and lands is akin to taking Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at a theme park. Any “horrendous experience,” Dodman says, “can have long-lasting, lifetime effects.”

Here is where it came from:

http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-training/travelwithdogs/flying-with-d...

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Barb is there any possibility of flying out to pick up your pup? Often the breeder can meet you at the airport with them.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

What an exciting time and what a difficult decision.  I was in the same position very recently -- trying to determine if I wanted our puppy to fly via Delta's Pet First service or if I was going to fly out to the breeder, pick up the puppy, and fly back with her in the cabin with me.  Here's how I decided:  The breeder explained that it can be a stressful experience either way, but that puppies have short memories and typically arrive no worse for the wear.  (I should add that she will only fly puppies on direct flights.)  She told me something, though, that made my choice crystal clear.  She said that whenever she has brought a new dog into her own family as a pet, she's always travelled to get the dog herself.  Hearing that was all I needed.  So, if cost isn't a factor, my recommendation would be to fly or drive out to your breeder and bring home your little goldendoodle pup.  Whatever method of transportation you choose, having a puppy is THE BEST!

[Lynette Casey]

Congratulations!  We just brought our 1st Goldendoodle puppy home 2 week ago and we ADORE him!  This is our 1st dog so we started this process from square one... what breed is best for our family?  In the course of our initial research we met a local dog trainer.  While I was picking her brain about breeds, she mentioned the fact that it was quite common for puppies to be shipped from breeders all over the country.  She even went so far as to say she has never gotten a pup that had not been shipped to her.  This shocked me.  It was not something I had really even considered an option.  We were fortunate to find an outstanding breeder located 2 hours from our home so I did not have to make the fly or no fly decision.  Our breeder will not fly puppies, but will deliver them to the airport to fly home with their new owners.  She also offers a shuttle service (for a fee) that covers much of the East Coast.  Good luck with your decision and with your new puppy!  Our Bailey is such a joy!!

[Stephanie and Jellybean]

Just a note. Be sure to check with the airline regarding weight of the puppy for flying with you in the cabin. If I remember correctly, Jelly could not fly in the cabin with me because she weighed too much at 8 weeks!I know that the crate you bring them onto the plane in has to fit under the seat in front of you.  We ended up having her shipped to us for that reason, and she arrived after a direct flight of  about  1 1/2 hrs in a puddle of pee. Would not do it again, would probably just have drove the 5-6 hours and picked her up ourselves. Did not really figure in all the travel time for the puppy, as they have to arrive early to be checked into cargo and the breeder lived about an hour, hour and a half from the airport she used. Additionally, the puppy could not be flown into the airport that is 15 minutes from my house, but had to be flown into Los Angeles. So that was another hour that the puppy had to be in the car driving home from the airport.  It all works out, but it is something I would not do again if given the choice.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Just to say that I had a choice to have Riley flown to Ireland but he would have had to be brought from Scotland to London (long journey) and put on a plane to Dublin.  I drove and crossed by ferry to Scotland, went to the breeders home (this was very important to me) and collected Riley.  The drive home was about 12 hours with a round trip of almost 24 hrs. I crept out of the house at 2am and was back at 1.30 next morning.   Long long day and I was so nervous though I had great support and help from lots of DK members.  I would do it the same way again if I have to.

[Deb & Issy]

My pup was on a direct flight just a few states away I should add.  It was late September, weather was cool.  She flew Delta & was in a secured crate and the delta agents were talking to her when we arrived.   She was the talk of the airport which was a small airport.   It all turned out well!  Our pup has the best temparment and there were no problems.  I would probably worry if was a long flight though. A lot of breeders fly the pups, some I've heard even have a puppy nanny to accompany them!    Our breeder sent weekly pictures of her until she was received.  The whole experience was truly exciting.

[Barb Perkins]

Wow...ok I have a lot to consider here. I will email the breeder and see about the flight info. I can pretty much guarantee though that there are no direct flights to Syracuse NY...from anywhere for that matter. I am really reconsidering it. Maybe I should keep looking for a closer breeder. :(( I don't mind driving 5-6 hours...but not to Seattle,  obviously. If anyone wants to inbox me on something closer..feel free. I am so ready for this pup.

[Lynette Casey]

Hi Barb!  I worked with an amazing breeder out of WV right near the MD line.  Her name is Amy Lane and her business is called Fox Creek Farms. You can find her on the web.  This is my 1st time dealing with a breeder, but I can't imagine getting better, more supportive service anywhere!   She has a shuttle service that drives puppies as far as NJ just outside NYC I think.   You can check out her website if you'd like more info on her.  She is also very responsive to questions of all kinds.  If she does not have what you are looking for, in the time frame you want, she may very well be an excellent resource for other options closer than Seattle!  Good luck in your search and as Amy says, "All good things are worth the wait!"

[Barb Perkins]

Oh ok, I think I did check her out in my 3 hr search today, let me re-visit that now.. Thanks Lynette!

[Ginny Nightingale]

Remember guys--you can not recommend a breeder in the main forum!! Big no-no! Should use PM for that!!