To Get An Older Puppy Or Not?

[Mil]

Hi

I'm new, I've been reading for a bit, but I'm soaking up knowledge and so don't have any advice to give...hope you don't mind that my first post is a question.

Anyhoo...I've been desperately wanting a bichon frise for ages and have finally found a breeder that we like with a little male available. The problem is that now we have found him we are a bit unsure about the timing. I am not well, so I'm home all the time but don't have lots of energy. We thought that maybe if we got an older puppy, he might be a little easier for me to care for, eg toilet training well underway.

The breeders that we have found are happy to look after him until he is about 16 weeks, which is great, but how do I know how much training they will give him? and could we end up with a puppy with some bad habits that is older and therefore harder to train, or is 16 weeks still young in the training area? Would it be easier to have an 8-12 week old puppy and start from the beginning ourselves?

Sorry one last question...we will be moving sometime soon hopefully, when we find a house, but don't know when it will be, would it be traumatic for a little puppy to settle into his new hme and then a month or two later be moved somewhere new?

Thank you so much for all your wisdom, its much appreciated...want to do the right thing.

[Toohey]

Anyhoo...I've been desperately wanting a bichon frise for ages and have finally found a breeder that we like with a little male available. The problem is that now we have found him we are a bit unsure about the timing. I am not well, so I'm home all the time but don't have lots of energy. We thought that maybe if we got an older puppy, he might be a little easier for me to care for, eg toilet training well underway.

Hi Mil and welcome to the forum.

Congrats on finding your new baby. You might find that most of your questions are better answered by the breeder, because a lot will depend on where and how the pups are managed in her home. I am guessing if she has a few dogs and pups, she might not have the time to put into starting your little one off with his toilet training.

how do I know how much training they will give him? and could we end up with a puppy with some bad habits that is older and therefore harder to train

Again, something you'll need to discuss with this particular breeder, but you will probably find that having an older pup ie. 16 weeks, will not be an issue as far as training goes. The most important thing will be socialisation at that stage (along with toilet training), and that is something the breeder probably won't be able to do for you.

Would it be easier to have an 8-12 week old puppy and start from the beginning ourselves?

In my opinion, yes, but it's really not that big a deal as it's only a few weeks difference .... best to wait till you are ready and able to cope with the HUGE life changes that are coming your way

we will be moving sometime soon hopefully, when we find a house, but don't know when it will be, would it be traumatic for a little puppy to settle into his new hme and then a month or two later be moved somewhere new?

Nah, probably not. Home is where the hoomans are! Edited November 17, 2006 by Toohey

[Mil]

Toohey, thanks heaps for replying and answering my questions so thoroughly.

I agree that a lot of these are questions for the breeder, but I don't feel very comfortable asking, so I think that may be another reason to say thanks but we'll wait. I really want a breeder that doesn't mind me plaguing them with questions and getting it all sorted. I appreciatee your opinions about the age of the pup, maybe we will take him a bit younger.

I think if we wait a couple more months and find the breeder that is just right for us, it might just all fall into place.

[Muttaburra]

If you're not feeling 100% up to the cleaning and chasing after a small puppy, you might find that you can adopt and older Bichon that has already been trained. If you think this might be a possibility check in the breed rescues and rescue sections. When getting a dog from a reputable rescue they are always temperment tested, desexed and the foster carer usually can tell you a fair bit about them.

[badboyz]

If you are uncomfortable asking the breeder questions than do not buy a puppy from her/him. Much better to wait for a breeder you are more comfortable with. You need to be able to ask the simplest questions and not feel foolish. A good breeder will be happy to answer all your questions and pleased that you are comfortable asking them.

If I were you I would contact as many breeders as possible - even interstate if necessary - with a new litter/pregnant female/planned breeding and put my name down on a waiting list. That way you can plan for your new puppy, which in turn will make it easier for you to cope. Good luck in your search.

[cowanbree]

Personally in your situation I would look at an older dog, not a puppy and there are plenty in rescue which would fit the bill perfectly

[Dogsfevr]

As a breeder we do like our people to discuss these matters with us & you will often find the breeder will be a great help in making a decision or if you do decide to wait be happy to keep you inmind if they have something latter on.

As to your illness at present only you now how quick or slow it will be before your back to normal.In my view whether the dog be a pup,tad older or mature rescue whatever there all still time consuming.

Pups require the crucial training but older dogs still need to to adjust to the new routine & can be just as time consuming as a pup.

[skwo2]

Hi Mil,

I have just recently got a Bichon, first time dog owner, with a lot of silly questions, my breeder is happy to answer them all.

Yeah, it does involve a fair bit to take care of her. During my first week, I have been only sleeping about 4 -5 hours average each night, got to keep an eye on her, cleaning up her wee and poo. Then each day it gets better, as the pup understands your routine, and me understanding her routine. I am not sure if you are well enough to have some sleepless nights at first. Now, 4 weeks in my place, and she is all ok.

Sometimes she can get a bit mischevious (sp?). like constantly pulling my pants. It gets a bit annoyed, cos everytime I try to walk, there is this thing pulling me backwards! Overall, she is a lovely pup, we do kisses, and we can't stop laughing at some of her cute actions, like carrying your slipper and run around the house.