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[OldEnglishSheepDog]

Hello! You have all been so super helpful on my previous threads that I'm once again asking for some help. I have joined the recommended fb group for behavioural advice (which is awesome and if the admins are here, you are amazing - thanks), read a number of useful threads and links and joined breed groups on FB.

With a bit of luck, our new addition will be born next week but there are still a few things that I simply don't know, no matter how much reading I do. So would you mind if I ask a few idiot questions? At the moment the things that are causing me to lose sleep are:

1. The school run. Before vaccination I understand I won't be able to take puppy on the school run. We walk and it is probably me out of the house for around 45 minutes in total. I'm going to make my DH take the first couple of days of work so that someone is with the pup the whole time initially but will it be able to cope with 45 minutes twice a day in those early days? Should I close it in its crate? And - since everyone says don't use puppy pads - do I just hope for the best with toileting while I'm out (obviously I'll take him out immediately beforehand).

1. Feeding - yes. I know. Everyone has different views. I think I'm moving away from raw (I'm just a bit scared about the germ potential) so what's the next best thing?

1. OK, this really IS an idiot question but I'll ask it anyway.... What is the best thing to do with poo? Just put it in the bin (in a bag obvs)? Flush it down the toilet? Is there an environmentally friendly option?

1. When it's older and I leave it occasionally (I think no more than 4 hrs at a time) will it just have to cross its legs or do I need to leave it a way out? A dog flap?

Honestly, half the point of getting a dog is to help me feel less anxious!

Thanks all.

No such thing as an idiot question

1. I would take the puppy with you. You cannot put him down on the ground (if it's somewhere other/unvaccinated dogs have been) but you can carry him quite safely and getting out and about is really important to his socialisation. A school run can be especially beneficial as he will meet other dogs and children.

1. Home cooked foods: there are loads of easy/cheap recipes if you want to do this yourself but companies are now starting to do it for you too. I think Honeys do it. allaboutdogfood.co.uk is a great site that reviews all kinds of foods independently so you can find a good one.

1. I put it in biodegradable poo bags and then throw it out with the normal rubbish.

1. Four hours is fine for a dog over about 6 months old to hold it for. He may have the odd accidents at first so leave him on an easy clean surface (e.g. in the kitchen) but otherwise should be ok.

Worth also remembering that puppies are HARD work and cause you to worry almost every day that you have broken or ruined them . They tend to come good in the end so keep that in mind during the tough times. Stick around here for hand holds, good advice and general empathy. (Puppies are also huge fun!)

Really everything what missbattenburg said.

I would take puppy, carried, on the school run. Perfect opportunity for socialisation - imperative for puppy to meet as many different people, sights, sounds, smells etc as early as possible. Wait until after vaccines are finished and you’re well into the fear parameters, need to get a head start early.

You’ll get a million differing opinions on food. Home cooking, as above, is an option but time consuming and tricky to balance (I have been doing it for my dog for the last year due to a health condition but wouldn’t through choice). You shouldn’t go far wrong with a premium wet food such as Lily’s Kitchen, Wainwrights, Naturediet, Natures Menu etc. All of those brands do dry food too. I’m less keen on that, but would advise soaking it if you do choose it (my dog is in kidney failure @ 14... feel very sure it’s feom a life time eating dry food as the bulk of his diet, extremely dehydrating).

Biodegradable poop bags here too. I like the Beco brand.

Most older puppies and adult dogs are perfectly fine with 4 hours home alone. I wouldn’t get a dog flap as would not like to encourage dog outside unsupervised.

Thank you - that's all very helpful indeed. I'm paranoid about carrying it on the school run in case it leaps from my arms (we have to walk some of the way on the road). But presumably it'll be too nervous to do that?

I forgot the really important question that I'm panicking about. When I pick him up, how do I get him home!? It's a two hour drive so I'm not sure having him on my lap is a good idea but if that's the consensus I'll go with it. If not on my lap, one of those portable cages? And presumably we should stop regularly?

Sorry, I'm absolutely terrified that I will as @missbattenburg says break the poor little thing before we even get started.

Depending what size the dog is will depend how to get him home. If it's a small breed, you could use a cat carrier and make it cosy inside with a blanket. If it's a larger breed, perhaps a harness with a seat belt attachment. You will need to think about how to safely transport him in the car when he is with you anyway. My little ones have a harness and seatbelt on the backseat.

What ever method you decide, be prepared to sit at the back with him as there will probably be a lot of crying (there was with mine). The breeder may give you a blanket or towel which has been in with mum for comfort.

Don't forget to pack some old towels/wipes etc in case of car sickness on the way back and maybe some water for him if it's a long journey back.

It's a Tibetan Terrier so pretty small. I'm looking at crates and carriers - I suppose a carrier could be used for the school run too? DH has said I'm not allowed a doggy stroller.

Yes, I'll sit in the back with him. All this anxiety over something that hasn't been born yet!

I brought my home (2hr car journey too) and my mum sat in the passenger seat and cuddled him for the first 15mins or so. He cried for about 10 mins (loud!) but then fell asleep. She then slipped him down onto the floor between her feet with couple of towels to keep warm. He slept all the way home and never needed to pee. However, do take spare towels and wipes and a bin liner to put them in, just in case of accidents. We also took a crate, just in case he didn't settle on a lap.

He never travelled like that again as was secured in a dog crate then in the boot with a guard up and a tether. However, both the breeder and Pippa Mattinson's Happy Puppy book recommended that for the first time as it's such a big thing for a puppy to leave hiome and travel in the car. I don't know if that journey had anything to do with it but he has travelled brilliantly in the car without fuss ever since.

For carrying about, mine never tried to get out of my arms - they cling to you - but I used a sling like this: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B016QTMD62/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?psc=1&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8

It has a little clip in it to clip the dog in, for security, but mine never tried to get out of it and it made him much easier to carry.

Ooh that does look good. I may have to get one. I think I'll get a crate for the journey so we have it for an option but I'll start off with him on my lap and see how it goes. I keep forgetting that they sleep a lot at first so he might just sleep through the whole thing anyway.

Slings didn’t work for me. Pup was desperate to get out and interact with the world. Try making your own with s shawl before spending the money!

That's a thought - thanks, good tip!

I would leave it at home as you have enough else to think about 9nly the school run and dogs aren't usually allowed in school grounds. I think leaving the puppy from get go is essential but I know others will disagree.

It's tricky isn't it? On the one hand you want it to get used to some alone time but on the other hand it seems very mean. I suspect I'll take it the first couple of days (our school has a low wall around the playground so I can stand outside while still supervising DS) and maybe try after that.

(PS: I am starting to understand that whatever decisions I take about this dog will be considered cruel and evil by SOMEONE!)

OldEnglishSheepDog yes to your last statement . It's hard not to worry but if you look at the puppy survival threads we all do things slightly differently but get there in the end. You just have to find what fits best for you, the pup and your family.

Thank you @BiteyShark (BTW I love your name - someone once referred to my DS as a Bitey Little Land Shark, was that you?!) I have foolishly taken to reading all those threads about dogs being left at home for hours or people giving up their dogs because it weed on the floor, etc. I should stop reading them really, I don't intend to do those things but it's like having your first child I think. Although you read all the books that tell you your life will never be the same, you can't really understand until you live it.

And I was CRAP at having a newborn.

Tbh as a new dog owner I thought it would be a lot harder than the reality based on reading stuff on the Internet. It's definitely easier than having a baby or toddler.

Haha OldEnglishSheepDog no that wasn't me . The name is actually in honour of my pup who is now 15 months old. He was a real bitey shark when he was young and I have holes in my jeans to prove it

I was so worried at the start because lots of articles and people say if you don't do it like X you will end up with a naughty/aggressive/anxious/etc puppy and it took me a while to realise that actually most of us do our best even if that's different to others and there is often no right or wrong way, just the best way for you.

It's ridiculous really. I'm the sort of person who needs rules and clear instructions (feed him this, walk him this much, etc) - when I'm told to just do what suits I start to panic! I am told the mother is a very relaxed dog so hopefully that will be passed on and I can stop worrying.

I am SO glad it's easier than a baby!