Getting a puppy in November?

[RedLem0nade]

Currently considering getting a second dog- I have a previous post about this but we are leaning more towards getting one than not at this stage.

I’ve been speaking to a lovely breeder who is hoping to have puppies from her bitch who would potentially be due to go to forever homes in early November but I’m a bit worried this is too close to Christmas.

We’d be having family to stay over the Christmas period. Not for long but they have two young children (5 and 2) and would likely be with us for a week or so all told. The children are used to dogs but clearly there would be zero unsupervised time. I just worry it would be a bit overwhelming for a puppy who would have had just 5-6 weeks settling in with us by that time.

I don’t even know if we’d make the list for getting one of these pups but any thoughts from fellow dog owners would be much appreciated🙏🏻

I don't think there's necessarily an issue with getting a puppy in November, but there will be a lot to think about and you'll probably find an extended family Christmas with two young children quite stressful.

If it were me, I would get the puppy but I would cancel the family coming to visit (or at least get them to stay elsewhere) so that the puppy is guaranteed a break and some peace and quiet.

My main concern would be the amount of "toxic" food there is in the house at Christmas and whether you could realistically keep two small children from feeding the puppy grapes/chocolate/raisins when nobody is looking 😬

The other thing would be toilet training in the middle of winter - obviously it's perfectly doable, just not very pleasant

Toilet training in winter 🥶

I know❄️ DH and I have discussed the toilet training alright! It’s a con for me for sure. DH is an out-in-all-weather man so it wouldn’t knock much out of him in theory. To be fair the breeder does amazing work with them before they arrive but still- tiny bladders will only give us so long!

It’s more the “chaos” side of it too though. To be fair the parents of the littlies are totally on it. No random treats- sit at table for all meals and snacks etc. They are really good kids. But still kids!

There’s no clear agreement on how long they would stay. We have close family an hour away with whom they will also be staying so it’s negotiable.

Maybe not the best timing though. Last dog arrived in the spring which was perfect!

Is there a reason they need to stay with you overnight/for a long period of time?

Is there anywhere in your house that you can set the dog’s crate up that’s removed from the area people will be during Christmas? We have access to the garden from the garage, and the kitchen, so we shut the dog in the garage where it was quieter for nap times with visitors.
By Christmas, the puppy should be used to crate meaning quiet time/nap time, and getting the dog used to doing so even with visitors is good socialisation for the dog, if you don’t do it as a puppy, you might end up with a dog who can’t settle at all when you have visitors because they’ve not learned that nap time happens regardless of whatever else is going on.

If it's not too stressful it could be useful socialisation. We always get our pups in the winter and they are ready for slightly longer sunny walks later.

All my dogs have arrived in the winter. As long as the puppy gets loads of sleep it will be useful socialisation for him.

Interesting perspectives thank you all. I hadn’t thought of the possible socialisation benefits actually.

@Jenzine I have a separate little library/sanctuary that’s generally kept off limits for the DC. It would be ideal to put puppy’s crate in there. It’s where my Dad goes to read and escape when he’s visiting and he needs a breather!

@cinnamonfrenchtoast It’s definitely not essential but mainly to allow my DC time with the children (cousins) whom they adore and rarely see!

Just remember to socialise with the things you do in the summer - beach, tents, kites etc.