Puppy before or after my summer holiday?

[OneWiseDuck]

Hi all, I have been thinking about getting my first dog for a while now and I’m definitely ready for it! I’ve seen a lovely little girl nearby who is 14 weeks.

Problem is, I plan to go on holiday for about a week in early July, would I be fine to go get my wee doggy now or should I wait until after my holiday? My parents are more than happy to babysit while I’m away, so she would be well looked after, I just worry it’s not fair on the wee pup!

Thanks!

I would say that's fine. You'll have her well toilet trained etc by then. She might already be toilet trained at 14 weeks. Lots of time to build up a strong bond between now and then. Puppies are the best, you can really shape them into the dog you want. I got my boy at 14 weeks and yes, it's like having a new born for a little while but he is such a joy.

14 weeks is late to bring a puppy home, 8-10 is generally recommended. How come this dog is available so late?

That was my question...

That being said, leaving a puppy for a week only 4 months into owning the dog wouldn't sit well with me. Those first few months are so crucial to build that bond IME and 6-7 months old is where bad behaviour/anxiety etc begin to form

Yes, I'm curious why she's available at that age? Have they been socialising her etc??

I don't think a week, in July, with your parents, is that bad. I looked after my friends lab when he was about 4 months old (so they'd only had him about 2 months I stayed at their house for two weeks. He's nearly three now & he's a brilliant dog & we're very 'close'. Other than being a shitbag on the lead, he's brilliant. Didn't do him a bit of harm.

Your pup will be fine, June is a way off yet so he should be toilet trained and settled before you go i'm sure.

My dad died when my puppy was 3.5 months old and i had to go to Spain for a few days. Much as I hated leaving her, she was absolutely fine and it did not hamper my bond with her at all.

14 weeks rings alarms bells for me tbh so we need more context on why she’s available and also what training she’s had already?

she would be fine with your parents for a week. She will be half years old by the time in July. I am more concerned why she is available at 14 weeks? Has she been socialised? potty trained? I feel 8-12 weeks is crucial to build bonding with the pup and kinda nurture the pups personality too.

Your baby will be fine!

I got my dog at 14 weeks, no sinister reason it was just when the family who bred him were ready to let him go. He stayed with my Mum and Dad a month later when we went away for a few days, no problem at all, his Nan and Grandads is his 2nd home he loves it there