We spent a year researching breeds. My absolute favourite dogs are either staffies or German shepherds bit because of the reputation / size I decided against these. When I wind down my child care business then Mabel will get a little brother or sister!
We have had our cockapoo puppy for 4 weeks now. Before she arrived she had a vet, was signed up to puppy classes, had a backup dog walker and doggy daycare. I work from home but the on the rare occasions I have to be out all day she will go doggy daycare and if I'm going to be more than 2 hours her walker will come by.
I have started getting up at 5:30 so I'm used to it when she's old enough to do an hour run on a morning; then she'll be with me all day, coming to the park with the kids, in and out of the garden, on our lunchtime walk etc. Then another hour walk on an evening and a quick half hour before bed. (Always our routine with dogs we've had before). I just need to convince her she won't melt in the rain!!!
She is being socialised with people and animals properly because I refuse to have an unhappy dog. She needs to be happy and settled so she has a good and fulfilled life.
My brother was one of the fuckwits who got a husky. 3 kids, both out at work all day and wondered why it chewed everything and was snappy. Thankfully he 'escaped'! (My dad found him a new home who could handle him. He's now very happy in a country pub with a very nice childless couple who adore him).
Absolutely agree there should be compulsory training and a license before you can have a dog.