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If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Might not be able to pick up my puppy in 4 weeks - courier service?

43 replies

TTlover · 29/03/2020 23:53

Hi all.

Due to lockdown restrictions, I probably won’t be able to collect my puppy in 4 weeks time. As rules are only for essential journeys. Do you think a courier would still be able to pick up the puppy for me? (It’s not ideal but I’d rather the puppy have a bond with me straight away rather than being with the breeder for months). Thanks.

OP posts:
HasaDigaEebowai · 29/03/2020 23:54

Oh my goodness don't be ridiculous. We are on lockdown and that is very far from essential.

Sillyscrabblegames · 29/03/2020 23:55

Hopefully you will find a way. Hoards of puppies growing up outside of their intended homes is just creating other problems.

Original poster
TTlover · 29/03/2020 23:59

It will be very essential if she has problems later in life because I haven’t been able to settle her properly !

OP posts:
AvocadosBeforeMortgages · 30/03/2020 00:25

How far away is the breeder?

I'm sure there must be a way to make this work if they're local - do the handover in the garden with the two of you standing 2m apart?

Shambolical1 · 30/03/2020 02:33

If the breeder is a decent breeder who knows what they're doing, they could easily raise the puppy up to the point you can collect it. Plenty of puppies and dogs change homes at some point and do very well after a short period of adjustment. Not just rescue dogs, either, but guide and assistance dogs which are 'walked' as puppies and then go on to training centres and then move again once they have been teamed with their handlers.

caringcarer · 30/03/2020 02:37

I would ask breeder if they can keep it for you until lockdown over. Offer to pay for dog food of couse.

Cohle · 30/03/2020 02:42

Are you seriously asking if someone will courier a puppy to you? Jesus Christ.

ArriettyJones · 30/03/2020 02:53

You mean like a pet taxi service? Not a literal courier?

Sillyscrabblegames · 30/03/2020 11:28

Pet taxis and pet couriers are a thing

Whitney168 · 30/03/2020 12:34

If the breeder is a decent breeder who knows what they're doing, they could easily raise the puppy up to the point you can collect it.

And if they're a decent breeder, they wouldn't dream of couriering puppies out too!

BrooHaHa · 30/03/2020 12:37

That's kind of horrendous. It's a puppy, not a pizza. Tbh, I kind of think the whole puppy industry is morally suspect though, so as you were.

HasaDigaEebowai · 30/03/2020 12:39

The kennel club has said that people should not be collecting puppies and so hopefully if the breeder is registered they will tell you not to anyway.

Windyatthebeach · 30/03/2020 12:41

We got our dpuppy before any of this madness. Just. No socialising going on. Limited walks..
Don't do it op...
Vets are not doing jabs anyway.

Flowersforpowers · 30/03/2020 12:43

I've seen several pet couriers online saying they are not working as it's not essential travel. Which suggests to me that if you do find one working, they'll be less than reputable. So leave the pup with the breeder for now, if they're half decent they'll be prepared for that being the case anyway.

ErrolTheDragon · 30/03/2020 12:44

No. You're very unlikely to be able to get the pup fully vaccinated so you won't be able to walk her, and you won't be taking her to puppy classes. If she stays with the breeder - who, if they're any good will know way more about dogs than you - then your pup will get some socialisation and training.

We got our current dog when he was 10 months old after the previous one died. He's great, was already housetrained and socialised and absolutely no problems 'bonding' with us. Honestly way better than getting a puppy.

iVampire · 30/03/2020 12:45

KC recommends puppies should not be picked up.

And as vets are only completing courses of puppy jabs which are already underway (not starting new ones or doing any other boosters), socialisation might be better achieved at the breeders,

Do not worry about age the puppy comes to you, think of guide dogs. They do not have behaviour problems despite moving house a couple of times before going to the person they assist and to whom they form a strong bond

And if the puppy is young, say due to be picked up at 8 weeks, then staying with its mum until 12 weeks would wisely be considered beneficial anyway

Original poster
TTlover · 30/03/2020 13:58

@iVampire that is very true. I suppose we just selfishly wanted her to still have those puppy looks. Which she may have at 12 weeks xx

OP posts:
koshkatt · 01/04/2020 10:05

And if they're a decent breeder, they wouldn't dream of couriering puppies out too!

It's a shocking suggestion. Hmm

Ylvamoon · 01/04/2020 10:13

Any decent breeder will will keep your puppy until it's safe for you to collect him.
What you can do is, ask the breeder for frequent updates, maybe use face time to see how he is doing. The breeder should also have started some basic training and will be able to continue to do so. I know, the norm is to collect puppy at 8 weeks, but for some it's better at 10-12 weeks.

adaline · 01/04/2020 10:44

Any decent breeder will have a plan in place in case a litter isn't sold for whatever reason. You cannot have your puppy couriered!

Even if you could get your puppy, how would you socialise it? Vets aren't doing vaccinations or general health checks so you can't even take it for a walk.

We got our puppy at twelve weeks and it was absolutely fine. He came to us pretty much completely toilet trained, he knew basic commands such as sit and stay, he was well-socialised with his litter mates and, most importantly, he'd had all his jabs so we could take him straight out on walks.

MaidenMotherCrone · 01/04/2020 14:12

You want the puppy whilst it's still cute? Dear god!

Windyatthebeach · 01/04/2020 14:16

Our dpuppy was 14 weeks old when we got her. She is amazing - although nn The Pony which may give away her size already at 21 weeks!

Jensouh · 04/04/2020 05:49

It is not a ridiculous question!! Our breeder has nine pups to go to their forever homes in 5 weeks! Am sure it’s not in the best interest to keep 9 puppies for an indefinite period in their family home!

Original poster
TTlover · 04/04/2020 21:18

Luckily the breeder has ordered a pet transportation service to deliver to us. It’s very strange but better than not having her for weeks on end. X

OP posts:
Windyatthebeach · 04/04/2020 21:30

Have you seen it with it's dm?