Buying a puppy

It would be better to wait for a while in my view Annie as it means visits to see a puppy and visits to a vet etc.
Out of interest what kind of breed would it be?

My DDs decided that it was time that I had another cat, to be company for me during lock down. They approached the rescue centre but were told no new arrivals and no adoptions for the duration of the crisis. Centre under lockdown. I would suppose that breeders are the same.

lemon she likes all the breeds we in the family had and have,
her aunt, my younger daughter has four, I have two, her father
has two. A small breed.

Could you not choose a dog from a rescue centre? Not all dogs have behavioural problems.

They are all or should be in lockdown, so patience will be the order of the day

I wouldn’t think of acquiring any pets at all during this crisis. How would a new puppy get its vaccinations, vets are trying to see emergency cases only, and now is not the time to be sourcing pet food etc.
Just my opinion.
GD (12) was hoping to get a pair of guinea pigs as a belated birthday present, DH is constructing a hutch and pen, I said not to rush over it as new pets are not a priority.

I wondered about this. What if a breeder has a litter of say 6 or 8 pups all nearing the time when they are ready to go to their new owners? Does the breeder hold on to all the litter or try to offload them one by one? What a nightmare if they are big dogs.
Our daughter bought a puppy for the family just after Christmas and I have to say it has been an absolute godsend. Company for the children, fun for everyone, a big source of love and comfort. Even her husband, out of work, is enjoying every minute.
They say dogs can't pass on the virus so maybe if the breeder is self isolating that would be ok. You could ask the vet.

Anniebach I really think a visit to a breeder is not a necessary journey and visit at this time.

Any visitors we were expecting to see their pups are now getting a FaceTime to see it. We had people ring to ask if they could come to discuss having a pup in future but have put them off - why take the risk??

My Son in law arrived home from work last weekend with a new Springer Spaniel puppy in tow. He works in a key worker roll, and a collegue needed to rehome the last pup from her unplanned accidental litter of three Pups, as she was working extra long hours and having to take the Pup's mother to stay with her parents, after the other two had already been found homes a couple of weeks ago. They already have an elderly Golden Labrador Girl, who.is now tollerating the new Puppy, but on webcam last night, it was clear that she wasnt getting much peace, the new arrival keeps trying to suckle on her claws of all things, and she looks rather stressed by the entire situation, hardly fair on an elderly dog.

I would contact a local rescue center and ask if they are re homing, due to staff shortages they may be grateful to have one less. As for vaccines, it would need them where ever it was living.

If it is possible then it would be a good time to get an animal as people are at home more than usual and a good distraction for the new owner.

How about offering to foster a dog for someone who needs help perhaps temporarily. Preferably someone with a large supply of dog food?

Was going to add that you could ask online in local groups. Sounds as if you all have lots of experience. I found a puppy really hard work. Like having demented triplets.

I think.it was a snap decision on my Son in laws part, without even mentioning it to DD first, who.is also a Keyworker. We have always looked after the Labrador for them in time of need, and also fund a sack of Dog food per month, and. Hip in towards any vets bills when needed. However, we have made it quite clear to them that as sweet as this new Puppy Looks, we are just to old now to cope with it on a day to day basis, and they will have to find alternative accomodation for her if they need to be away from home at anytime.
The last Puppy they had ended up being rehomed at about 10 months old for being a chewing machine to any piece of wood it could find around the house, including my kitchen skirting boards that it chewed one of the corners to splinters in 5 mins flat whilst visiting one day!

JuliaM Some years ago I had an elderly teckel (large hairy dachsund) and brought a young puppy into the house, He was unhappy at first because she wanted to play, which involved charging all over the place, whilst he didn't. It took about 2 weeks for them to get used to each other - she became gentle with him and he got a new lease of life.

I've never had any problems with any of my dogs chewing furniture but did have look after an older dog who chewed the corner of a rug. That didn't matter too much as it came from a vide grenier and cost 5 euros.

I have to echo the sentiments of Battersea Dogs home. Rescue is the best breed.

Thank you all

I telephoned my vet and they kindly telephoned my granddaughter and explained all the reasons to wait before having a puppy . She will take their advice , they have been our vets for years.