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??"

Oh yes, I've done puppies and babies too.

Block your ears SWMNBN. Small children and dogs are remarkably similar to raise. Babies and puppies are v similar too, and a puppy is rather good practice. Although, sadly, it is frowned upon to go out and crate one's baby. :(

We have a dog and a 1 year old. The similarities are incredible. In fact my mum was a HV and says dogs come out at about 18 months on the developmental tests.

I have done both- twice. I had DS1, Dog1, DS2 , dog 2.

Dog1 was much harder than DS1 (Now aged 8) who was a "good" baby. He was full on all the time- ate the lino floor, needed constant supervision/attention, cried at night/when left etc. Is a lovely dog now tho, aged 4.

Then I had DS2 who was not a "good" baby! He cried every time he was put down, never slept and needed constant contact. He is now 2 and he is very full on still- he has so much energy- despite walking with the dogs for an hour per day! and still doesn't sleep!

We then ot dog 2 in September for DS1's 8th birthday. She is comparatively so easy compared to DS2. She took much longer than Dog1 to toilet train and has eaten a chunk of my wall and the corner of the skirting board... but she is still easier than DS2!

So i really think it depends on the sort of baby you are comparing the puppy to- Puppies are harder work than DS1, but easier than ds2!

In