Will my puppy be too young to travel in my car and have a vacation with me?
My chesapeake puppy will be available at the end of January and will be just over 6 weeks (an age recommended by the breeder). I have plans to visit family in the middle of February so he'll only be a month and half. I will be driving about four hours to get where I am going and would plan on several puppy stops. I will be spending one night with one family and then 5 nights with another family and an adult Chessie (likes other dogs). I would not be leaving the puppy alone for any length of time but I am concerned about any stress he may have along the way (traveling and meeting new people). Am I being too concerned or should I consider changing my plans to a later date? I will have his crate with me also.
Dogs - 8 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
Make sure you stop to go potty allot and make sure he gets plenty of water! I don't think it would be a problem make sure he has a nice cozy crate with a bed. When I got my Chiuahua we went on a trip it took two days to drive he was 3 months old and was just fine.
Answer 2 :
Six weeks of age? Not a good age. That's far too young. Eight is the legal age and I wouldn't get a puppy until 10-11 weeks. If the breeder can keep the puppy for longer, that's what needs to happen. A trip is just too much stress for a puppy. I wouldn't even do any traveling until the puppy is at least six months old. And then I would only do that for a short trip. I would change plans.
Answer 3 :
No, he will NOT be old enough, one, to leave his mother and littermates; two, to be out in any public places where other dogs have been since he does not have all his vaccinations. I highly suggest you reconsider buying a puppy from this breeder. Any breeder who allows (or worse, encourages) buyers to take puppies at only 6 weeks old is not a good breeder. They should be at least 8 weeks old before going to their new homes.
Answer 4 :
We drove 7 hrs home with our one dog, and she was 8 1/2 wks old, and had 2 sets of shots already. The only concern I would have is stopping for a potty call when you have on idea what animals have previously visited that area. You do chance picking up serious health problems, Parvo included. No vet would recommend letting a pup go at 6 wks of age. Can't you pick the pup up from the breeder AFTER your vacation when he is a little closer to the appropriate age?
Answer 5 :
It would actually be a great idea. It will help him adjust to car rides and confirm that cars are fun, not scary. You can crate him for the whole trip if you'd like, but as long as you make lots of puppy potty breaks, he should be fine. When I adopted my puppy he was very scared, so I put him in the passenger seat and scratched his head for the whole ride. After awhile, he'd hop in the car, put his head out the window and then after about 20 minutes of driving, curl up and nap. It was awesome. Also, it is very good to introduce your puppy to new places and people. It is good socialization. Also dear, 6 weeks is a month and a half. He would be about 2 months by mid-Feb if you get him at the end of Jan.
Answer 6 :
well for his pick up make sure you have a safe kennel for him & treats or toy as for spending the night at other peoples houses i say its a no he needs to go home & get used to where hes gonna live. hes gonna be crying all nite for a good week & even though there will a chessie you should take time home & let him get used to his new home good luck! :]
Answer 7 :
Actually, the trip can be a great experience for you both. First thing after getting the puppy take him to your vet to be checked out and get the first shots. Ask the vet for his opinion on traveling. You want to be careful where you put him down to go potty at this age. Try to pick spots where it is unlikely other dogs have pottied to avoid picking up parasites and diseases he is not immune to at this point. Vet offices are the worst since sick dogs have definitely been there! Go to www.dogstardaily.com and check out the puppy information there. This can be a great chance to socialize your pup. Dr. Dunbar's goal is 100 new people in the first 100 days. Going to all these new places with new scents, sounds, noises will be a great experience as long as you are careful to control the situations and be protective. I traveled with my 8 week old lab pup and he did not come to any harm and met quite a few people and older vaccinated dogs. It was a great experience for us both. He is 2 years old now and a very outgoing dog.
Answer 8 :
NO dog, however old, should be taken on holiday so soon after you get them. It's incredibly stressful for a dog that won't even have got used to its new surroundings. Yes, PLEASE postpone your plans!!
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