to think "no, it's not the same"?

[Twinkleinmyeye]

Since having my DC, I've had conversations with some friends which might run along the lines of "yeah, well it's all about consistency and making sure you do as you say you're going to do" or "Yup, I was up with him at about 5 this morning because he wouldn't stop crying". Normal conversations for parents, you might think? Well, yes, except that these conversations have been with DOGOWNERS.

One close friend has just acquired a puppy. She doesn't have children and this is her first pet. So, I totally understand that this is her first taste of being responsible for another living being. I really do get that.

But please, AIBU to think "No, having a new puppy is nothing like having a new baby??"

YABU to say it is nothing like.

Think of it as a continuum.

No children/pets
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Puppy
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Baby

Having a puppy is something like having a baby.

OK, that makes sense. I guess I just missed the puppy stage, so can't see it working backwards.

I've had both, and have to say there are similarities. But puppies grow up quicker, and for some reason clicker-training toddlers is frowned upon. Worked for Hugh Laurie and Cuddy's daughter in House though...

YANBU - I have 3 DC and a puppy. I like my puppy, I love my children, the two emotions do not compare in any way.

Hmm - I have two children and wouldn't dream of getting a dog, as it'd be too much of a commitment But I did used to get annoyed with a colleague who, when I came stumbling ashen-faced into work during dd1's early months (ML was shorter back then), used to yawn loudly and say she knew how I felt, because her cat had jumped up onto her bed in the middle of the night.

I've never known a child gnaw a hole in the wall through the plaster to the breeze block like a new puppy did to my friend's house.

I don't have a puppy or a child (yet) and I'm pretty certain having a puppy is NOTHING like having a baby.

I'm sure lots of parents wish they could clicker train their children, though.

But how would your friend know whether having a puppy was anything like having a baby, not having children herself? She wouldn't. So she just guessing.

I'd cut her a bit of slack. Having a puppy is knackering especially when they cry all night long. She just doesn't appreciate that having a baby is even more knackering!

Have to say, it is a little bit like having a baby.

Being kept awake due to the crying/whining.
Clearing up of poo and/or vomit.
Constantly disinfecting things (admittedly due to the puppy being dirty and not to keep the puppy clean)

I found my puppy exhausting when I first got her (5 years ago) I did have a 3 yo DD at the time, and was (am still) a lone parent. I though it would be endless fun - it just meant that the little sleep I did get (DD bad sleeper) was interrupted by the bloody dog!

However, she is now a gorgeous dog and DD is a fab DD and I am a happy Mum/Dog owner

So YABU, but not totally. Having a baby is harder than having a puppy, but having a puppy does equate to sleep deprivation, just shorter term.

With a puppy, you can leave it in a cage for a couple of hours and go out alone. Possibly not the best idea to do so with your baby.

I do cats here. The children are easier in the long term - they learn to wash up the bowls and make their own meals. Eventually the children also learn to make it to the bathroom if they have any upset tummy and stop waking you up at sunrise for attention and food !

having a puppy is loads like having a baby. Lots of people should realise this before getting one.

@ cash

everlong my dog is my baby but I recognise it's not the same as a human people. Some people seem to genuinely not understand the difference.

Yep, it's the same for me.

I cant leave the dog or the kid at home on their own so it's the same.

The only difference is that dd doesnt lick her arse.

LOL to you all!! :) Thanks for the input.

I am happy to accept that my friends dog is her baby but I am not happy to accept parenting advice from her because a baby is not a puppy! Just like I wouldn't accept technical advice from someone in a totally different line of work!

This is someone who won't have a 2 month old baby at her wedding because it might cry and she has decided that the parents will have more fun without it and she understands because she got her puppy at a similar age. I did ask if she breastfed the puppy and she got quite huffy with me....

Having a puppy is not like having a baby. It is like having an incontinent toddler running round your house, without nappies.

Twinkle, just be like all "yeah, I'm trying to toilet train DC but s/he just won't wee on the damn grass!"

It is like having an incontinent toddler running round your house, without nappies.

Apart from the very obvious differences, it is a little bit like having a baby. At least it brings back vivid memories of having a baby.

Well, I've done both and think it is very similar! The excitement, anticipation phase, the falling in love phase, the "Oh my god, what have we done phase", the exhausted phase and finally the everything settling down and you can't imagine life without them phase! Yes indeed, to me it is very like having a baby albeit less intense!

i think my puppy (s) was/were harder work for longer than my children!

YABU

lakeandlulu at only "like". It's not a piece of furniture. I'm not saying the sentiments have to be the same, but "like"??