Hello,
We have a older dog at the moment who is a smaller breed but we are interested in the chance of getting another dog, we are not sure on breed as yet but would like a bigger dog this time round.
Things have changed since we got first dog as a puppy. We have changed jobs and had 3 children in this time. Puppy hood seems like distant memory.
We are trying to work out the logistics of getting another puppy.
I now work 3 days a week, term time only.
Do you think it would be fair on the dog if on the 3 days I work, my husband work from home one day and then use daycare 2 days.
At the moment our dog has one day at home and 2 days with family who are also looking after our youngest child.
There may be a chance they will say they will have pup as well but want a plan in place incase they say it too much, which I would understand.
We would aim to get the puppy at the start of the summer holidays so would have 6 weeks at home too.
When we got our first dog we spent about a year choosing breed, researching, finding breeder etc likewise this time we wont rush in to things.
All opinions welcome, also any suggestions on breeds. Im thinking a Labrador as we love been outside and are an active family.
Thank you!
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The doghouse
Family puppy
User07 · 19/04/2020 20:04
Daycare could be an issue. Puppies need a lot of sleep.
Good breeders breed rarely. You’re unlikely to find one ready at the start of the holidays.
Working or show?
Puppies are a PITA! Older dog can’t be left alone with it too much and not sure how much work can be done on puppy watching days!!
Labs are BIG. How small is smallest child?
And bloody hairy!! How houseproud are you? 
In all honesty we are unsure how she would cope. Its something we need to really think carefully about.
I know its not the same as living together constantly but someone close in the family is getting a puppy soon (well hopefully with Covid) so this could give us a better idea on how things could work out.
We are lucky that we have some well rated day care around us. Again something that needs more thought, we are at the early stages.
I guess trying to work out if it is something we can make work and something that is fair for the puppy and our girl.
Youngest child is 3 will be almost 4 by the time anything happens if it does.
Im as house proud as possible with 3 children and a dog
Thank you for all the replys so far!
My puppy is now nine months and I wouldn't have wanted her in daycare from 8 weeks. Maybe from 14 weeks. (Get her in lockdown?! ). She was so vulnerable and scared and slept a lot.
As houseproud as possible?
Love it!
We are keeping pup and big girl mostly separate. Pup needs to bond with us and we need to train and establish boundaries. Plus she’s VERY bitey and it’s not fair to expect big dog to tolerate that or be forced to tell her off.
It certainly can work. Great you’re thinking it through.
It’s a nightmare trying to find decent breeders. Worth looking into the breed club (though that may just be show and not working type. I’m not sure.) KC just means a pedigree lab. It gives NO protection against puppy farms and backyard breeders.
Worth checking what health tests parents should have prior to breeding. (It’s different for every breed.) I would expect hip scores but don’t know what else labs would need!
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