Puppies

[yorkshirecountrylass]

Hi guys,
I'm wanting a bit of advice about all things puppies. In the not that distant future we're going to be looking for new additions to the family. My husband has a deep love of Boxers, for me a Springer and a Labrador. We know full well the ins and outs of the breeds as in needing lots of exercise and form but fair training from the off, we're an extremely active family so I know we can give them that and we have not only my decades of dog ownership and training but also my uncle who's a lifelong dogs man. What I am struggling to get my head around is logistics! Are we better looking to one then add in a few weeks later and then again a few weeks later, or would you try and co-ordinate to arrive more or less together? Obviously there will be the practical aspects of when pups are ready to leave Mums I'm just pre-emoting if we have more than one ready at the same time. On the one hand I think it'd be great for them to have each other for company but on the other is the biosecurity issues of three different litters meeting. Any thoughts or words of wisdom Mumsnet?!

[missbattenburg]

I am not sure I am reading this right...

You want to add 1 boxer, 1 springer AND 1 lab puppy, all within a few weeks of each other?

[AgathaF]

Google litter mate syndrome. It's a really bad idea to have puppies together.

[theconstantinoplegardener]

If you want several dogs, it's usually better to allow at least 12-18 months between aquiring each one. This allows for more efficient training, as each puppy is focused on you and not another puppy. Being raised separately also helps to strengthen each puppy's bond with you, whereas if you have two puppies at a time they tend to bond most strongly with each other.

[yorkshirecountrylass]

So better to leave at least a few months between them seems to be the way to go from opinions so far. Thanks for your advice, it's about 12 years since we had to introduce a new pup (sadly lost her to kidney failure last year) and our lab was about 12 months when she came so that makes sense. Thanks again for the advice it's much appreciated

[adaline]

Three pups at once? No way.

Wait at least eighteen months between pups if possible. But be aware that after going through puppy madness and teenage hell three times in three years may not be that appealing when you're in the middle of not all!

[SlothMama]

I wouldn't have two puppies so close in age, it's much easier to train and socialise them properly without the distraction of each other. Our puppy is coming up to 10 months and I am considering a second dog, but I'm waiting until she's at least 18 months old before bringing another puppy home.

[OverFedStanley]

Biosecurity issues are the least of your worries if you get them together tbh.

It is a very very very very bad idea on all accounts. Bad for the puppies and bad for you!

I would leave at least 2 years between them or as others have said minimum of 18 months.


Why rush it? The puppies will have less of your time, less training opportunities, you will not be able to get the best bond with your dogs if you have to spread yourself between three dogs.


I don't understand your comment about form?