[tashapeterson29]

Hi all, I am new to this forum but my double doodle is the sister of cracker9ball's puppy Sam. I'm also the wife of the guy that let the puppy outside by herself.

Just to clarify, about 1 min after he let her out I ran out the door and got her and let him know that I didn't agree with letting her out unattended. Since John and I have been on his case he has not done it again. I assure you that Shelly is in a safe loving home. I'm so lucky to have her! (we are getting a fence)

Back to the subject at hand. I called the vet today to make Shelly as well puppy appointment and asked the tech about when to have her spayed. She told me that since she is a larger breed and is already 20-25lbs that they could spay her at any time. I'm just wondering if that sounds right since she is only about 16 weeks old??? What do you guys think?

 

[SadieFern]

First of all...WELCOME! We've let Sadie out unattended a few times too but learned that even though she does her business and comes right back 90% of the time...sometimes there's a dog or a bird or who knows what that makes her run off. So, after chasing her around the neighborhood a few too many times, we're more careful. Right now it's freezing rain here and what I do is use a retractable 16' leash and I stand INSIDE the door and she goes outside. That way I can reel her in any time I need to.

Now, on spaying...yes, she's old enough. The like to do it between 4 and 6 months. Sadie got done right after four months and all went just fine. Enjoy doodlehood!

 

[cracker9ball]

Welcome Samantha's sisters parents. HI

 

[lmtoth2]

Hi and welcome Edit: I erased my spay advice because I've only had male dogs But I still wanted to say welcome.

 

[Calimom]

Welcome! It will be so much fun to watch Shelly and Sam grow up together.

I understand that there are varying opinions on when to spay/neuter. Sixteen weeks seems young to me too. Cali got spayed at six months. There are a lot of breeders on this forum who can give you more educated answers than I can.

Again, welcome!

 

[DebBrown]

I don't think there is any hurry. Usually, the vet will recommend spaying a dog before her first heat which is likely around 8 months. OTOH, its not a big deal to do it earlier. Our foster doodle is 6 months old and was spayed yesterday. She is happy and perky today. You wouldn't know she had surgery except for the little stitches on her belly.

So... my advice would be to focus on getting her settled in, potty training, basic obedience training. No need to do everything at once.

Deb

 

[cracker9ball]

That is excellent advice Debbrown. YES, get her settled in, knowing her name, basic obedience, you have at least two months before you have to worry about spaying.

 

[blueteal]

Welcome to Doodleland Tasha
Glad to have you here and happy to hear that puppy
is safe and well..................

 

[annabelles mom]

Welcome Tasha - we have already given Shelly a happy welcome but welcome to her again !

I have heard nothing good about spaying a dog that young regardless of their size - I would wait

Everything I have read and the Vets we have had our dogs with have all recommended spaying between 5-1/2 and 6 months - later than 6 months and you risk them going into head.

I have had all of our girls spayed between the 5-1/2 and 6 month mark and they did fine.

JMO

and again - Welcome

 

[SadieFern]

I don't think there is any hurry. Usually, the vet will recommend spaying a dog before her first heat which is likely around 8 months. OTOH, its not a big deal to do it earlier. Our foster doodle is 6 months old and was spayed yesterday. She is happy and perky today. You wouldn't know she had surgery except for the little stitches on her belly.

So... my advice would be to focus on getting her settled in, potty training, basic obedience training. No need to do everything at once.

Deb

Yes, I wasn't thinking that you just got her, duh! We had Sadie for seven weeks before getting her spayed so she was used to us, had basic commands down and was in a routine. Don't rush it.

 

[Guest]

Welcome Tasha! (I love that name! ) Shelly is adorable!

 

[Jac]

Welcome Shelly and Tasha! It will be so much fun for you to have Sam and Shelly growing up as family...they know...they really do!

I am a breeder and I have had experience with early spay and nuter (ESN) and I don't have an opinion either way, except to agree that it would be nice to let her settle in first. Once she is used to her family and surroundings then I'd follow the advice of your vet. If your vet is in favor of ESN then ask questions.

I'd also suggest that you read and study about this because there are good reasons for doing it early and good reasons for waiting. Personally, I think it is best if done before the first heat cycle, but since you don't know when that will be, I always say have it done between 4 and 5 months.

 

[tykesmom]

Welcome Tasha and Shelly! Glad to know you and John have won the battle - although I hate to call it that! Sounds like Shelly has a very loving family! I think so many of us were concerned because we have seen the awful consequences, and wouldn't want that to happen to you or your doodle!!! I hope you feel welcome on this forum, and feel free to ask anything!
Tyke was spayed at about 5 1/2 months, with no ill effects at all. Since you just got Shelly, it might be best to wait until you all get used to each other. In the meantime, welcome to the wonderful world of doodles! We are happy to have you! :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[tashapeterson29]

Clean bill of health for Shelly

Okay, I'm a little upset because I just spent about 30 minutes typing up this post and somehow lost it all....anyhow...

Thank you all for the welcomes. I did take Shelly to the vet tonight for her well puppy exam and the doc said she is "beautiful," of course. I did go ahead and schedule the spay for April the 1st. I have used this vet for many years for my other dog and I completely trust him. However I do agree that she should be allowed to establish some trust with us before it's done. Since I have several weeks I will feel it out and see how it goes.

Annabelles mom, I'm not sure what you meant when you said "later than 6 months and you risk them going into head." ?????

So here's a little about me just incase anyone is interested

I am 25 years old and I have been married to my husband Chris for almost 5 years. I have a daughter that just turned 3 and last year I adopted my husbands 9 year old daughter. We recently built a new home and moved in this past July (yes the puppy pooped on my brand new carpet but she's too cute for me to get mad.) I have one other dog, she is a terrier mix and is 8 years old. She was a rescue that had either been terribly abused or had never had contact with humans before she was rescued because she was extremely afraid of any and everyone. It took me about a year to gain her trust fully but she definetly knows her momma loves her. She is still a little shy when strangers are around but when she's here with us she is open and social.

I worked in the telecom industry for 4 years until I was laid off this past August, which was a good thing because it gave me the opportunity to persue my dream of becomming a nurse. I started an assosiates degree LPN program in September and will graduate this October after which I plan on persuing a BSN. My husband is a disabled vet of the gulf war and works part time as a poker dealer at a casino near our house.

Well, that's me in a nutshell...just thought I'd put it all out there so you guys know who I am. I'm usually pretty open and always honest so if you have any questions just ask.

Right now Shelly is chasing her tail, hehe
I love my baby doodle!

 

[lmtoth2]

Annabelles mom, I'm not sure what you meant when you said "later than 6 months and you risk them going into head." ?????

haha...she meant "you risk them going into heat"

 

[blueteal]

Very nice introduction Tasha
glad you have joined us................

 

[tykesmom]

Welcome to you and Chris, Tasha! It's nice to know about new members of our "family" (that's what it feels like after a while!)

 

[cracker9ball]

How sweet. Nice intro. Samantha wants to know what her sister is doing.

 

[tashapeterson29]

HAHAHAHA....makes sense now...

 

[tashapeterson29]

Shelly is sleeping on the rug by my feet while I trudge my way through this gruelling homework.....