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The doghouse

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Original poster

More puppy questions!

51 replies

Powertothepetal · 06/09/2021 11:00

So, pup is going to be coming on the school run (in arms), how long can he be out before he is going to need a loo break?

I should mention, as we don’t drive and the schools are all different for each kid by ‘school run’ I am actually referring to a walk of at minimum an hour (there and back) twice a day...
So not a quick little 10 minute drop off.

Should I take a pad with me to put on the grass? Confused

He’s a tiny toy breed so I’m fairly confident he won’t be able to hold it for an hour or more right?

OP posts:
Original poster
Powertothepetal · 06/09/2021 13:33

Our puppy was not distressed one bit. He had a water bottle and he self settled straight to sleep. We had a video baby monitor on him the whole time
It’s still the house though.
You are right, I was a bit rude, sorry, I know you were trying to offer constructive advice.

I’m really not comfortable leaving him properly alone though at that age for so long.

OP posts:
Hellocatshome · 06/09/2021 13:34

There’s no other viable option, you can’t leave a 8 week old puppy on its own for two hours!

Why is there no other viable option? You haven't said why you can't get a puppy sitter, drop puppy with neighbours or friends, ask someone else to take and pick the children up. There are lots of viable options but you have chosen to do this one, Thats fine but you can't complain when people offer potentially better solutions, people are trying to help.

Original poster
Powertothepetal · 06/09/2021 13:35

People do seem to have a lot of anxiety around pups these days!
I’m not anxious.
The plan was always going to be to take him out with us, I have no issue with that whatsoever.

Just that our other dog being much bigger could definitely hold it at the same age, as this one is so small I didn’t know if he would be able to.

OP posts:
Original poster
Powertothepetal · 06/09/2021 13:36

Isn't the general rule that it can hold wee for an hour per month of age?
I don’t know but I certainly hope so as that would be great!
👍

OP posts:
Maves · 06/09/2021 13:38

Seriously just leave him at home you will still be putting him on the floor to use the pad ffs. Carrying an unvaccinated pup round the streets for hours ive heard it all now.

Dobbyafreeelf · 06/09/2021 13:39

You absolutely can leave a puppy for 1hr twice a day OP! In fact it's better to get them used to it when they are young. Give him a good play before you go. Settle him in his crate with a kong etc and leave him to sleep. They learn the routines pretty quickly.
Your more likely to create an anxious dog by not teaching it to self settle. Settling and teaching calm are the most essential things we can teach our dogs!

Original poster
Powertothepetal · 06/09/2021 13:41

Why is there no other viable option?

  1. Because that has always been the plan. It is valuable socialisation done safely without contact and it’s time with his new family.
  2. At 8 weeks old he won’t be accustomed to being on his own.
He’ll be trained daily in tiny amounts but you can’t leave a small puppy on its own too long.

You haven't said why you can't get a puppy sitter
I don’t trust other people with my dogs, the reputable sitters are booked far in advance, I don’t want anyone who isn’t my close friend or family in my house

drop puppy with neighbours or friends
I don’t trust other people with my dogs

ask someone else to take and pick the children up
There is no available to do so.

but you can't complain when people offer potentially better solutions, people are trying to help
I wasn’t asking for an alternative.
I was asking how long is a toy breed puppy able to hold it and I was asking if putting a pad on the grass would be safe as until fully vaccinated the puppy standing on the grass is not safe.

OP posts:
Original poster
Powertothepetal · 06/09/2021 13:45

Carrying an unvaccinated pup round the streets for hours ive heard it all now
The older dog was out and about with us too, unvaccinated, it really is a non issue.
Being a bigger breed I had no worries re needing the toilet within an hour.

OP posts:
XelaM · 06/09/2021 13:45

We always took our puppy on school runs and he loves it! Maybe a bit heavy to carry for an hour, but other than that I think you'll be fine with a pee break every 30 mins on a puppy pad

XelaM · 06/09/2021 13:48

Mumsnet is a bit bonkers when it comes to all these "perfect" dog owners. In real life, there is absolutely nothing wrong with your plan and it's a great way to socialise the puppy. Ours absolutely adores the fuss from all the kids

Dobbyafreeelf · 06/09/2021 13:48

@Powertothepetal it may have been your plan but it's not a plan that will be of any benefit to your dog! Dogs generally hate being picked up and carried and held.
Puppies need to sleep. Far more than most people realise! Your expectations of an 8 week old puppy are far to high.
The puppy won't gain much socialisation from the school run. And it's not a toy to be shown off which is the only possible reason I could think of for taking it with you.

Wolfiefan · 06/09/2021 13:49

I wouldn’t leave a puppy that long either OP. Leaving a tiny puppy who isn’t happy being left is the best way to create separation anxiety (as the OP clearly knows)
Could you get a cheap doggy pushchair or borrow one? That way you can put layers in it and won’t get covered in pee or poo!!
Good luck.

Original poster
Powertothepetal · 06/09/2021 13:55

@XelaM thanks Xela!

it may have been your plan but it's not a plan that will be of any benefit to your dog! Dogs generally hate being picked up and carried and held
I’d rather let him walk but being unvaccinated and a baby...

Puppies need to sleep. Far more than most people realise! Your expectations of an 8 week old puppy are far to high
Okay.
FYI, neither me or DH are inexperienced.
We’ve just never had a tiny breed.
We already have the day planned inc nap times, feeding etc.

The puppy won't gain much socialisation from the school run
It’s an hour’s walk twice a day where he will see other dogs, strangers, children, cars, cats, shops....

And it's not a toy to be shown off which is the only possible reason I could think of for taking it with you
You don’t say Hmm
I’m taking him with me because it’s safe socialisation, time with his new family and avoids him panicking on his own.

Could you get a cheap doggy pushchair or borrow one? That way you can put layers in it and won’t get covered in pee or poo
Ooh maybe!

OP posts:
Branster · 06/09/2021 13:59

The replies on here are insane.
OP, the puppy will get used to whatever routine you choose to have. It's your dog, your life and you sound like a very responsible dog owner.
To start with, just chance it. If he pees in your arms, it's not the end of the world.
Personally, I would put him down whilst he is peeing and encourage him to learn peeing (whatever cue phrase you are using for this), then pick him up again.
Chances he'll pee whilst in your arms are very slim. Chances he'll get ill from going on the grass for 1 minute before his vaccinations are complete are even slimmer. People get a second dog as s puppy with an adult dog coming and going to all sorts of places transferring germs and viruses as they go along.
Take a relaxed approach as much as you can and go with the flow.
Within a couple of months you could try starting to leave him on his own for 5 minutes at a time and slowly increase this time. In this way, he should become well adjusted to being left on his own by the time he is at least 1 year old. Not for ages but for short periods of time. You don't need to worry about this just yet.
I would also suggest some sort of dog carrier that is comfortable for you. You say it's a tiny puppy but it's surprising how tiring it can be holding him in your arms.
Enjoy the journey through puppyhood and don't worry too much about the small details.

RoSEbuds6 · 06/09/2021 14:02

A friend of mine had a miniature spitz when our kids were at primary- he was put in a small dog handbag with a pad at the bottom in case of accidents. Maybe ask your breeder for some advice too.

MintyGreenDream · 06/09/2021 14:03

Can't advise without a puppy pic

Brownlongearedbat · 06/09/2021 14:38

Personally I can't see what the fuss is about - I would leave the puppy myself, but a pushchair sounds a good idea. I just really came on to say (and someone else mentioned it) is puppies can wriggle very determinedly and leap from your arms - they are not always easy to keep hold of. I have got a tiny toy breed puppy, but he doesn't really like being carried and is very feisty with it. He is so bad I take him up and downstairs in a carrier as I have visions of him jumping out of my arms over the banisters. They yelp, push of with their feet and try and launch themselves anywhere. Of course, then, you have to take a really firm hold which is distressing for them. Also, do think of your own safety- if you trip carrying a puppy you haven't got both hands to save yourself with, you could be injured, the puppy injured or able to run off.
My little chap will put up with about 3 minutes of carrying before he wants down. He just wants to run!

pigsDOfly · 06/09/2021 15:42

@RoSEbuds6

A friend of mine had a miniature spitz when our kids were at primary- he was put in a small dog handbag with a pad at the bottom in case of accidents. Maybe ask your breeder for some advice too.
Goodness OP, I can't believe the hard time you're getting on here.

Anyone would think you were going to cook the puppy and eat him.

I was going to suggest what the above pp has said their friend did, either a bag or a small dog backpack. Either way, add a puppy pad and it should be fine.

Alternatively, a small dog buggy with a puppy pad inside would work just as well.

I'd be very reluctant at that age to put him anywhere near grass at the side of the road.

I imagine carrying a small wriggle puppy for such a long walk is going to be quite hard, although, good for toning the arms.

tabulahrasa · 06/09/2021 16:35

There’s some weird answers on this thread...

I know the general opinion seems to be that small dogs will need to go more often - but that’s not actually logical, they’re in proportion. They’ve got the right size bladders for the rest of them, it’s not like they drink more... so... I’d just do exactly what you’d do with a larger breed tbh.

pigsDOfly · 06/09/2021 16:48

@tabulahrasa

There’s some weird answers on this thread...

I know the general opinion seems to be that small dogs will need to go more often - but that’s not actually logical, they’re in proportion. They’ve got the right size bladders for the rest of them, it’s not like they drink more... so... I’d just do exactly what you’d do with a larger breed tbh.

Absolutely.

My 5.7 kilo adult dog will wee during a walk around 5/5.30 in the evening.

Usually, she'll then wee before bed at around 11/11.30, but even if she doesn't wee at that time because she's taken herself off to bed early and doesn't want to come downstairs again, she'll still not go out until after her breakfast at around 8 the next morning.

She can hold on just as long as any huge dog.

StrawberryFizz26 · 06/09/2021 16:52

I bought a dog pram my pup before he was allowed out for walks and it was great.

He is really well socialised and doesn't seem to be scared of every day noises.

PuppyMonkey · 06/09/2021 16:56

Another vote for a covered pram or push chair. He'd probably fall asleep and then he won't be weeing or pooing.

Also, better for when it's pissing down. It will be pissing it down lots, I'm predicting. School run time is always pissing it down time. Grin

Original poster
Powertothepetal · 14/09/2021 12:59

I have a little update for everyone.

So he is here and first of all there is absolutely NO WAY I could have left him on his own.
He gets upset being left for a few minutes in the living room while i pop to the toilet, let alone an hour!
He would have been beyond hysterical.

So I took him today, buried under my coat in the pissing rain so he was completely covered and dry and couldn’t see anything outside which rather defeats the point but anyway, he slept pretty much the whole way.
It was absolutely fine and we’ll do it again tomorrow

OP posts:
GuyFawkesDay · 14/09/2021 13:14

Doggy backpack with a pad in the bottom just in case?

Better for your back and arms

bellalou1234 · 14/09/2021 13:20

Can you get a puppy carrier for your pup..u had one for mine when she was little..not sure about toiletting.

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