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New puppy and school runs

8 replies

Blahblahblah40 · 12/11/2021 11:30

This has maybe been asked lots before, but can anyone tell me what you do about school runs with a new puppy? I’m thinking about the period between first and second vaccinations and the 2 weeks after when you’re not supposed to expose them to potential virus.

We will be getting puppy after first vacc but before 2nd. Our school is a 5 minute walk away and we usually spend about 10 mins at the gates until the bell. So about 20 mins total. Would you leave pup in their crate while you are out so they get used to it, or take them with you (carrying) so they get the socialisation?

OP posts:
CouchWoes · 12/11/2021 11:33

I'd alternate.

Get them used to going out with you being carried but also to being left alone for short periods.

Don't just shove them in crate though. Make sure you crate train properly to make it a safe and happy place to be left for Short periods of time.

Worstusername · 12/11/2021 11:35

I had a puppy carrier/sling and took pup with me. Took pup everywhere actually - was great for her socialisation. I did leave her in crate for a little while but she didn't like it. I ended up getting a larger play pen for when she was home alone. She liked the crate for night and still uses it but I didn't use crate in the day.

Winniemarysarah · 12/11/2021 11:41

Neither. I detest crates almost as much as I hate the hoards of idiots who insist on taking their dogs on the school run. I’ve always left mine in a safe room in the house with a Kong or something.

Blahblahblah40 · 12/11/2021 11:54

Thanks everyone.

No I’d never just shove in a crate, that’s cruel and I want to raise a happy, healthy, well adjusted dog. I just wasn’t sure what people usually do in that situation so wanted a little advice. Originally I was thinking open crate in a room with the room door closed rather than the crate door closed. Then I started freaking out about them finding something on the floor I hadn’t noticed, chewing a wire etc. It’s like having a toddler.

Alternating sounds like a good idea and I will investigate a sling/carrier as I do have some shoulder problems. Luckily school run is only 3 days a week for me.

OP posts:
XelaM · 12/11/2021 12:00

We always took ours with us on the school run. The kids loved him and he is amazing with kids as a result. I would take him with you

bunnygeek · 12/11/2021 12:28

Initially definitely take pup with you in a sling, it's great for their socialisation.

Crate training and building up time to being left, even for just a few minutes, can take weeks (or longer), so that will be something to work on. Rushing it leads to separation anxiety.

Clymene · 12/11/2021 12:33

If you crate train dogs properly it's really worth doing. If they ever have an injury, a dog who views their crate as a safe and happy space is a godsend.

Stellaris22 · 12/11/2021 12:42

Seconding alternating, so they get socialisation and used to being left. The latter is really important so they don’t get separation anxiety.

I take our adult dog on the school run, but wait at the local park for DD. Before she was old enough I’d wait at the gate, but further away so I didn’t get in the way. I always make a point of thanking children when they ask to pet.

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