New Puppy with Summer Vacations?

[Brennan Hill]

Hi all,

Now that we are convinced we want a Boxer puppy, how about some advice on timing? As I'm sure you can imagine, we are pretty anxious to find the right puppy, hopefully soon. We have found a nearby breeder that seems to be very good, who has a Boxer with puppies due on Monday (4/30). If there is one we like, and the breeder likes us for that puppy (his terms) we would be able to bring him home on June 25th.

Problem is, we are going to Yosemite for 4 days on July 15th-19th when the puppy would be 11 weeks old. And then to the East cost on July 31st for 11 days when the puppy would be 13 weeks old. We do have several very good options as far as friends and family watching the puppy during these times. Really good people with and without dogs. Would this be too hard on the puppy to be seperated from us this much so soon after bringing him into our family?

We can't imagine at this point waiting until late August, or even later to find a puppy. Also, my wife starts nursing school right when we get back and really wants to work on house training the puppy before school starts, not after. What do you think?

Thanks,
Brennan

 

[abxonetwoa]

Now that we are convinced we want a Boxer puppy, how about some advice on timing? As I'm sure you can imagine, we are pretty anxious to find the right puppy, hopefully soon. We have found a nearby breeder that seems to be very good, who has a Boxer with puppies due on Monday (4/30). If there is one we like, and the breeder likes us for that puppy (his terms) we would be able to bring him home on June 25th.

Glad to see you are joining the crew!

Would this be too hard on the puppy to be seperated from us this much so soon after bringing him into our family?

My situation was very similar to yours (only one two week vacation). Honestly, I'm not even sure if he ever noticed I left! You should be just fine.

I would suggest keeping the pup with the person you feel has the highest tolerance/patience. At this age, the pup will be chewing on *everything* that fits in the mouth (probably even things that don't!). Also, there is no 'for sure' that your pup will be completely housetrained at this point. I think as long as you make sure your 'pupsitter' is aware that this *is* a puppy things will be just fine.

We can't imagine at this point waiting until late August, or even later to find a puppy. Also, my wife starts nursing school right when we get back and really wants to work on house training the puppy before school starts, not after. What do you think?

Honestly, I think you better start getting ready for June 25th!

 

[Elsa]

My advice would be to ask the breeder if they can kennel your puppy for the times you are away; I'm sure they would rather puppy sit and have peace of mind that your pup will be well cared-for. Very often we use our breeder to board Ruby and we pay a little more than we would at a kennel but the peace of mind is worth it. Offer to pay them what you would pay for a kennel. Good luck and have fun on vacation!

 

[Christian C.]

You're a decisive man, Brennan! I'm glad you were able to find a breeder you were happy with in such short order. I agree--breeder boarding would be best if possible. Some kennels won't take puppies less than 4 months old because of shots, etc. Needless to say you should visit them in person before selecting a boarding kennel unless you have a good one you used with your Lab. No matter which you select, before you and your family go to Yosemite, try a trial-run overnight boarding visit of just one night. That should give you peace of mind and clue you in to any adjustments you need to make for the longer stretches.

Good luck!