Can I ask some questions about puppies please?

[suburbandream]

We are hoping to get a puppy soon, he is 4 weeks old at the moment, from a KC registered breeder. We are going to meet him soon, v.excited!

Can I ask some silly questions though?
1 Am I right in thinking he won't have had all his injections if we get him at 9 wks old?

2 I think I read somewhere that the final injections are at 12 weeks. Does that mean I can't take him out until he's 12 weeks?
3 At what age should I start training classes?
4 I am a SAHM so I'll be able to be with him pretty much all the time. The only problem is that my DS has a docs appointment every Friday, which means I'll be out of the house between about 9.30am and 1pm. I'm a bit worried that it's too long to leave a puppy but I can't take him with me. Is it too long - should I arrange a dog sitter? Any advice appreciated!!
5 Can anyone recommend a really good puppy book?

I've been lurking about The Doghouse for ages and I've found all the puppy threads really helpful so I hope I know what I'm letting myself in for (although the DCs and DH will help of course I know it'll be me that does most of the walking and the poop-scooping!!) Thanks for all your help

We were possibly lucky but our puppy never woke up at night,

Dont know what happened there! Or wee'd, poo'd inside either! We put our DDs old baby sounds machine (that used to go by her crib!) on top of crate and played the 'heartbeat' setting on low! Worked a treat. Other people may suggest a clock, as ticks like a mums heart. What puppy are you getting? Sorry if you've answered this!

Oh & if you place a blanket or duvet over the crate it creates a wee den where the pup can go when the house gets to busy & overwhelming for it. As it gets older you can leave the door open before deciding to get rid or not when pup becomes dog.

My dts always know that when puppies go to the crate playtime is over & leave them alone.

Oh & if you place a blanket or duvet over the crate it creates a wee den where the pup can go when the house gets to busy & overwhelming for it. As it gets older you can leave the door open before deciding to get rid or not when pup becomes dog.

My dts always know that when puppies go to the crate playtime is over & leave them alone.

YY we have that rule TwoIf, if he's gone in his crate he is off limits, same when eating or asleep. He's a very chilled out puppy and I like to think we've contributed to that but I'm well aware we probably lucked out on his temperament!

LeBof I followed your advice and took him out in a bag (!) up to school last night and he was brilliant. Got some tall men to feed him his treats and a selection of female children and he said 'hello' to some dogs I know well from the safety of his bag. He took it all in his stride, I hope this is how he will be. When he went up to see his brother at the weekend they spent an hour fighting like tiger cubs. Please tell me this is normal play and if they meant it they would have drawn blood or something?

Wish I could link you some photos my friend took of her dog playing with another in the snow last year lostinwales. Although both were over a year old they had a great time 'fighting' each other, rolling around but the photos looked like they were almost attacking which was most definitely not the case.

Rough play is very much part of the game and yes, if they meant it they would draw blood and make much different noises.

My boy is too much of a big goof to play fight now, but he does love to roll about and chase a willing companion back and forth.

FYI did your bag look like this? Because we have to socialise guide dog pups from the off I have one, it looks odd but is very comfy having a snuggly puppy against you!

Twoifbysea I saw that carrier online, and couldn't resist a chuckle, looks so sweet! It would probably be brilliant but I think DH would refuse to leave the house with me if I had the pup in that - he already thinks I am bonkers because I keep saying the pup will be my new baby . I found a doggy carrier bag on sale really cheap so I'll use that. Good tip about the crate being a "do not disturb" zone, I know my DCs will be v.excited about our new pet and don't want them badgering him constantly.