Best way to manage a 13 week old puppy if need to go away for a weekend?

[Meeko505]

Hi everyone, hope you can put me in the right direction. I've been planning on a puppy for sometime, and finally got onto the waiting list for a pup of the breed we want (samoyed). The puppies are due on the 10th May, and if I don't stick with this one we could be waiting a long time to get onto another waiting list for pups from a good breeder this side of the country.

HOWEVER, we have a cousin's wedding to attend in Ireland in August, around the 10th. Options would be, I guess: try and bring the puppy (not sure this would work very well), or try and find a very good pupsitter for a couple of nights with experience of young puppies. I think we could have all vaccinations done by 12 weeks if we're on the ball.

Do you think option 2 is OK for a puppy this young? Will they be OK? Will there be plenty of puppy sitters who know how to handle puppy stuff at this age? I would obviously shorten the trip as much as possible but because it's Ireland I think 2 nights is likely. I really do not want to have to put off this puppy for a wedding, but also don't to be a bad puppy owner!

We got in laws to stay in a similar situation. It was all fine.

Try local dog walkers some petsit or doggy daycare might have homesitters.

I would see if the breeder would keep them, if you’ve been waiting a while they know you are definitely keen.

Alternatively I would go to the wedding and leave puppy with partner. Or vice versa depending on who’s cousin it is.

Why do you want a Samoyed? I really hope you’ve had one before, because they take A-LOT of work. And no, you can’t take a puppy on a trip! And paying ££££ for a sitter isn’t better for the dog either. He/she will have just been taken away from his mother and siblings and all that is familiar. It’s a big adjustment and they need time and routine to settle. Either leave him with the breeder or cancel your trip.

I appreciate you have discounted travelling with dogs but for future trips since Brexit you would need a lot more paperwork and vaccines, just something to keep in mind, previously it was very straightforward to go UK to Ireland with pets - that is no longer the case.

You are really going to need a very experienced person as the early weeks of training can make or break a dog.

Have you experience with the breed? There are a few locally and it is clear their owners haven't the handling experience. I have the paw printed clothes to prove it.they are very bouncy enthusiastic bundles of energy.

Asking the breeder to keep them for a bit longer sounds like the most sensible solution. However, given this scenario had popped up before you have even got the dog, have you fully considered the lifestyle changes and commitment needed with dog ownership? Samoyeds in particular do not like being left alone and need firm, consistent training (which can very easily be undermined by a dog sitter even if they are well meaning).

It's great to hear that you are considering the well-being of your future puppy and planning ahead. Leaving a young puppy with a sitter can be a bit challenging, but it is definitely possible with proper planning.
Firstly, it's important to ensure that you find a reputable and experienced puppy sitter who has the knowledge and resources to care for a young pup. It's important to check references, conduct interviews and make sure the sitter is a good fit for your puppy.
Secondly, you need to make sure that your puppy has had all their vaccinations before you leave them with a sitter. Your vet can advise you on the appropriate vaccination schedule for your puppy. Also, make sure to provide the sitter with all the necessary supplies, such as food, treats, toys, bedding, and any medication that your puppy may require.