To say no to a puppy even though I'm good at training them?

[NKfell]

Me and 2 kids (5 and 2) have just moved into their Daddy's house and I have 2 dogs already- rottweiler and a border collie who are both well mannered and beautifully trained.

I love dogs and harp on a lot (showing off) about how training puppies is easy, I enjoy it etc. -This has now become a rod for my own back.

DP wants a puppy...his friend's dog has had puppies that will be ready around 30 June. A Standard Poodle who's parents are both big so these are expected to be huge. I'm due 8 July.

AIBU? Just because I enjoy training and under normal circumstances don't usually find it (particularly) stressful doesn't mean I want to be puppy training so close to due date and immediately after birth.

He doesn't pull his weight with the dogs at the moment so his promises of doing everything mean nothing.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

If he pulls his weight for a year, you'll reconsider? Double purpose of getting some help and then, if not, making sure he knows why.

[Droflove]

I would not get a puppy with a new baby ever again. Total nightmare. Tell him to wait a year and if he still wants a pup then, you can think about it together.

[villainousbroodmare]

YANBU

[Sootgremlin]

Yanbu, new puppy and new baby ridiculous amount of work.

But, I have a 16 month old and can't commit to a guinea pig yet for the same reason

[PacificDogwood]

YANBU. At all.

Does he have any dog/puppy experience? Or newborn experience for that matter?

[NKfell]

I will quite happily have a new little puppy in a year or so- I'll relish in showing off my skills but new baby + new puppy + existing 2yr old + 2 existing adult dogs sounds like it will = stress and mess!

My 2 yr old still needs 'watching' with the dogs- she's 2 so can be a bit rough etc. imagine that plus puppy training plus newborn baby.

DP hasn't grown up with dogs and I think he thinks they just morph into my 2- which he still isn't great at! My 5 yr old says "daddy, we need to feed the dogs" or "Daddy, the dogs need more water" if I'm not in.

[NKfell]

We've never lived together so no puppy or newborn experience really- he was around for the other 2 but, never had the sleepless nights! He had the cuddly, sleepy side of a newborn!

[Owllady]

I'm more intrigued why you didn't live together before if he is the children's dad but I'm just being bloody nosey :o

Of course you aren't being unreasonable. Dogs are a huge commitment and expense!

[NKfell]

owllady I know it sounds weird! We were always a bit off and on and I'm particularly independent! TBH if I'd had a happier looking bank balance me and the kids would've just moved into a bigger house instead of to his- but that's another story!

Instead, he's trying to make me eat my words about puppy training. Don't get me started on the cost, £750!

[PacificDogwood]

Ok, it sounds like he has No Clue what he is talking about - stand firm!

And when the time is right get a rescue puppy - there's plenty to go around, pedigree an'all

[Owllady]

It doesn't sound weird :) we all do what is right for us. But, don't let him railroad you into getting a puppy. You have two large, bright dogs already and don't want another and you have two young children too. Make life easier, not harder

[RandomMess]

"no" is a complete sentence

[RandomMess]

Is there any chance that he realises you will be more dependent on him with a newborn and a puppy..

[pilates]

Don't do it.

[NKfell]

Thank you everyone!

I'm so pleased I posted- I spoke to him last night (and this morning) but was standing strong feeling firmly in the right!

[sonjadog]

Definitely don't do it. Puppies are a lot of work and if you aren't completely commited to it, it won't be a good experience for you or the puppy.