Looking for some realistic advice please as we have been seriously considering getting a labrador puppy for the last few months and are the verge of deciding yes but would like the answers to a few practical considerations!
I'm assuming when puppy arrives, we'll need a few weeks to settle and bond and I was planning to not work at all in that time. How long do you think that would need to be?
How soon/at what age would it be okay to leave a puppy and pop out say 30 mins for the school run - or do I just take her with me? Or an hour to the shops/gym?
I will be working 2 or 3 days a week once puppy is settled and at that stage, is it okay to leave a puppy at home with with a carer/walker coming in in the middle of the day or will we need doggie daycare?
Also, how easy is it to transport a pup around in a car in the early days - can I just take it over to my parents/friends from when it arrives?
Lastly, there is a gorgeous puppy from a litter that had all been reserved become re-available and would be ready for collection at 8 weeks next week - we were really planning on August and had made enquiries on two litters ready then but I am a bit tempted to just say yes for this one. The reason I am hesitating is I have a two night trip with a friend which would be about 12 days after the puppy came home - my husband is okay to work from home if we do this but the main responsibility for our puppy will be mine as I'm home more. Is it okay to get a pup and then for me to leave DH and kids in charge soon?
Thanks for any help.