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New Puppy - old dog - vaccinations and introduction

19 15:16:40

Question
I've just a deposit on a puppy bichon frises that I'll be picking up a few days before christmas day when its about 8/9 weeks old.  I already have a Bichon Frises who will be 1 year old on christmas eve!  They are both boys and would like some advice on introducing them? The puppy is only about 3/4 miles away and the current owner has said that I can visit as often as I want before I pick the puppy up.  Any tips to help me with the both of them???  (Oh, and my current Bichon is quite nervous around other dogs, but is not aggresive)
Another question - the breeder has informed me that the puppy wont be vacinated, therefore when should I be getting the new puppy vaccinated? And should I insure it now that i've paid the deposit?  HELP!

Answer
Firstly the pup at that age will be going through a fear stage so they will both be nervous.But I am sure you can cope . You will not have any problems at the moment with two boys but they will mount each other to establish dominance.Best to leave them to sort this out now rather than when they are older.If your older dog goes outside then there is a risk of bringing back with you a diease that could cause harm to a young pup. The vet will be able to check that by feeling the lymph glands, if swollen then they may give antibiotics. But if not then hey great.
Because of this risk I would advise insurance I use pet plan. I would visit pup often and bring with you a blanket that you can permit your older dog to smell, this should reduce any anti social behaviour when you bring pup home.
Vacinate as soon as possible I would ask the breeder to do that before collection , even part 1 of the primary vaccinations would benefit the pup as you live in the same area this would be good idea, if you lived further away I would not recommentd this .With them both being youngsters the best way to introduce is to simply walk in with the pup behind you , hey will both sniff and walk in circles, tails should be high and wagging...Dont pamper the pup and dont deter the older dog this just causes animosity.I have lots of advice on my health site hould you like to take a look
simply log into
www.eurobichons.com

Have a happy xmas and ensure that you have lots of good provisions in  such as puppy milk  we use Delamere goats milk and always have done.