Is it possible to be broody for a puppy?

[PerfectlyChaotic]

Or does that make me sound a bit odd? We always had dogs growing up and I've become slightly obsessed with giving my DCs (9 & 7) the same experience. Plus after all these years I'm sort of craving the routine and company that I feel it would bring.

I'm aware that there's a good chance that it would also bring chaos to the house and generally make life more complicated buuuuuttt, still very much trying to persuade OH that it's a great idea. It's not though is it? Tell me it's not so that I can put the idea to rest 🙄

[Madhousemummy]

It is very possible to be puppy broody perfectly A pup will absolutely bring chaos but also untold joy! We wouldn't be without our dog and have lots of heartwarming picture and videos of him playing with our kids. it very much depends if there is someone at home all day then absolutely go for a pup as in the early days they really can't be left for long at all. If it's the nice routine and company you want without the chaos a rescue dog may be the answer.
I will make your broodiness worse next week as we are collecting our very much wanted golden retriever pup next weekend.

[Costacoffeeplease]

Perfectly possible, but if everyone in the house isn't fully on board it's a bit of a non-starter really

[Madhousemummy]

Sorry missed the part about your oh not being onboard.

[PerfectlyChaotic]

So envious madhouse!! You will share pics won't you?!

I totally agree that we all need to be on board & it's certainly not something we'd rush into 😊 I'm just curious to know why I'm suddenly so keen?!! Clearly I'm not alone though. Is is something to do with your own childhood memories do you suppose?!

OH not totally against the idea, though he is concerned over happiness of our elderly cat (fair enough) and being tied a bit (would obviously also need due consideration).

I work for myself, mainly from home...out for 3 hrs max about three times a week. That's not too dreadful is it? With planning I could be totally at home for about 12 weeks to start with!!

I shall daydream for a while and lurk here to hear about the good, bad and ugly bits...

[Madhousemummy]

I absolutely will
I think childhood memories play a huge part I adored my dog growing up and I think that it does also teach a lot about responsibility my dd is responsible for feeding and grooming current dog I obviously do make sure it is getting done but she enjoys that these are her jobs.
Yes I think if you could work it that you would be home for that length of time that is absolutely fine. I don't often need to leave our dog for 3 hours but when I do he is fine.
What you also need to think about is if you have a family event or night out who would be able to look after your dog - we have a wonderful local dog walker who will come and stay with dog or dog can go to hers.
Yes it's something to think through but I would also start convincing the oh it sounds to me like you have made your mind up

[cockermum85]

Absolutely sound alike you're at home enough for a pup. I couldn't be without a dog, my boy at the moment gives me so much joy and I've never found him a bind but I'm a little mad for him... I'm expecting my first baby in March so there will be some changes, but I'm sure it'll all be wonderful!

[PerfectlyChaotic]

I did question myself as the alarm went off this morning - cold, dark...I'd have to take dog out early before school run wouldn't I?!!

So, my plan is to really think about day to day life over the next few months & see how easily (or not!) we could adjust. Has anyone experience of introducing a puppy to an older cat? Would it be terribly unfair?

Good luck with your baby cockermum...also a joyful and challenging time 😉 I'm sure baby & dog will be the best of friends before long!

[Doglikeafox]

I think if it's something you've put a lot of thought into and you have owned dogs before then I don't see why not.
I agree with it coming from childhood memories. I had dogs my entire life and loved being a dog owner. When I left home at 16 and moved in with my partner I told him straight off I wanted a dog and he wasn't keen at all. He had never owned a dog before, thought they were dirty and smelly and said we didn't have enough time. I was in full time education, worked full time and he was in part time education and full time work. I pushed and pushed and eventually he agreed that once I finished my a levels and was only working 4pm-12am (he does 8-4 shifts) we could get a dog. We waited, deliberated for ages and eventually got the high-energy, large dog that I wanted. A week before we were due to pick him up I ended up getting the opportunity to work from home full time and everything fell into place.
Years later, both pup and DP are still around and they absolutely love each other. We are debating getting dog number two and DP has insisted we get the same breed again
I love the structure that our dog brings. If I didn't have him, would I still get up early every day and have a productive day? There's no way I would go out and have a 1 hour long walk twice a day everyday if I didn't have a dog but this actually ended up being one of the most enjoyable times of my day and is great quality time for the family. I love the constant companionship too. He is always there and right now is curled up at my feet. He is just a sweet heart and I would never want to live a life without a dog now.

[Thewolfsjustapuppy]

I have been puppy broody for about five years and this weekend I get to spend my puppy fund on a much wanted and saved for eight week old bundle of fun. She is going to turn our lives upside down and I can't wait . I can supply pics if you need encouragement but I have to warn you that they will make you even worse

[PerfectlyChaotic]

Ahhh, thewolf...that's too exciting! What type is he? Please do supply pics!

We really wouldn't do it lightly either, I shall research and plan for a while yet :)

[Thewolfsjustapuppy]

I cannot be held responsible for the consequences of this photo
She is an Irish Terrier and a bit of a heart stealer ❤️

[PerfectlyChaotic]

Oh look at her! She's gorgeous isn't she and looks rather cheeky too?! ❤️ Good luck...I'll keep an eye out for your updates. Do you have DCs too?

Doglikeafox, so sweet. I know my DH would fall for one... Maybe we should borrow a friends for a trial!

[NoncommittalToSparkleMotion]

Yes.

I want a puppy so badly it's a little embarrassing. I have a Pinterest board dedicated to dogs in my imaginary menagerie

But it's not a good idea for us right now.

It doesn't help that my friend just got a Saint Bernard puppy and she's absolutely beautiful

I'm also here for pictures.

[Vajazzler]

I'll offer pics of my puppy. His name is Keegan and he's 11weeks now. Brace yourself....,,

[NoncommittalToSparkleMotion]

OMG. Vajazzler and thewolf!! They're beautiful

[PerfectlyChaotic]

That little seal face! Has he got that gorgeous puppy smell too??! V jealous 🙈

[Thewolfsjustapuppy]

Yes I suspect a character is about to enter our house and chaos will not be far behind. And I'm welcoming it.
I have two DC, 16 and 7yo, they are looking forward to puppy and have been active participants in raising the puppy fund for a number of years.

[Shriek]

Isbitnpossiblento not be dpup broody!!!??? Never heardbof such a thing

Think best thing you can do is prepare well as not all dpups are the same and resultant ddogs. Do research in depth about the type you are planning on getting into. Look for recommendations and grill breeders to ensure you get a healthy dpup with excelllent temperament who will fit in well with family.

School run is done with ddogs! Walking there and back or in car then onto walk after. Feeding after being back after some time to settle a bit.

[PerfectlyChaotic]

Yes, lots to consider! Wherever to begin?!

Thinking waaaaay ahead of myself here, but on the mornings that I would eventually need to be out (3 hrs max) I go straight from school run. So, would mean an early walk on those morns wouldn't it? Is it very disruptive/confusing if routine changes a bit on certain days?

[Thewolfsjustapuppy]

Vag, your puppy is too cute! I have come back to stare three times now

[ClaireBlunderwood]

Controversially I'm going to disagree with the poster who says if your DH is not fully onboard it's a non-starter. Mine wasn't/isn't and I'm afraid I went for it anyway. We (me and 3 dc) had been talking about getting a dog for four years and I realised that I just had to go for it or we'd leave it too late - the youngest is 8 and I wanted dog ownership to coincide with them being at home.

DH likes dogs just didn't want to own one. I think he's now halfway won over. Having one makes the children so happy and it makes them actively want to go on walks (miracle). He (the dog not DH) has brought the three of them together when they were drifting apart and I feel that he's made our family complete. The youngest child loves no longer being the baby of the family and they have been pretty good so far with the walks, poo collection, letting out etc.

I have to go out three hours straight from school a couple of days a week and I just go on walk with the dc before school. Good for everyone really. Our dog is not intelligent enough to know that it's 8.20 rather than 9am...

[PerfectlyChaotic]

That's so helpful to read ClaireBlunderwood, thanks! They are exactly my reasons too...great to know that it's not just some romantic notion of mine. What sort of dog did you go for, obviously an appropriate breed/type would be hugely important.

Now, tell me about negatives please! Oooh, and I mustn't forget the much adored elderly cat - not too sure we'd win her over!!

[ClaireBlunderwood]

A medium sized non-moulting terrier not dissimilar to a Schnauzer (don't want to out myself as it's relatively rare breed)! I love him so much, I really do, even if there are moments when I wonder what on earth I've done.

Weirdly dh being such a sceptic has helped me accept the dog and all his faults as I know I can never complain about anything for fear of the told-you-sos so I have to always see the positives. Of which there are many (but yes, negatives too - I do feel tied down and my work productivity has nosedived. He jumps and barks too much and potty training is only 90% there. Oh and even if your children sleep in at the weekend you have to get up).

[Darklane]

Triple trouble?

[PerfectlyChaotic]

I'd hate to think what would happen to my productivity!!

They're cute darklane :)