Not a AIBU more of a are we absolutely nuts

[87mum]

9 month old puppy and a newborn, are we/am I crazy?

We've always wanted a dog, and it never seems like the right time. I understand it will be a hell of a lot of work, and I'll no doubt be cursing myself at times but I feel if we don't do it now, we never will.

We are prepared to put in the work over the next 6/7 months to train the puppy and have offers from family and friends. It would be a small dog, mum and dad are very good and easy dogs, and pup is already showing positive signs of being toilet trained.

DH thinks we will be fine, but I am slightly panicked. DS - 6, would love one but we know he won't be much help.

We've discussed the practicalities around giving birth, who does the work once baby is here etc and I do want one but I there's just something stopping me from being fully onboard.

Would you/have you done this? How'd you find it? Am I crazy for even considering it?

I know only one person who had a puppy with a newborn and the dog was rehomed after a year.

What breed?

Just no, so unfair on the babysitter

Oh sorry OP, but I'm in team no way! I'm sure in a few years your DC will still want a Dog, I just wouldn't put any extra pressure on yourself when you're already in the thick of it with a Baby!

Omg @Octobermeterreadtime

That photograph is shocking. I’m sure your dogs are lovely but what a risk.

I really wouldn't. We had a two year old dog, very small bouncy one when dd was born. I unexpectedly had an emergency c section and a LOT of damage, catheter for a month etc and we had to give the dog to our next door neighbours for a while so he wouldn't jump on me. We were very lucky they were there and happy to do it.
We now dog share as they love him so much, but even then it's hard work. Also think about all the things you may want to take your baby/child to but may not be able to as you are tied to not leaving a dog for long, especially a young one.
Having said that DD and dog are best friends and he's as gentle as a lamb with her.

God no. You have to watch puppies constantly and the nipping/chewing is a nightmare. Dog, poo, hair. Plus once your baby is crawling you will have separate them unless you are right there. And walking is time consuming.

I'd revisit when youngest starts school. We got our dog when youngest was 6 and the first two years have been a nightmare. I had lots of time to train as well

I got a puppy when my baby was 8m old.

Wasn't ideal, I felt restricted and simple things like feeding my baby on the sofa became more complicated. I wouldn’t recommend it really, I couldn’t see a better time though and by the time I went back to work the dog was trained/happy alone for short time periods etc.

Great family pet now (dog and child are 6 and there’s another kid in the mix!)

But you will likely feel like the dog is affecting your time with your baby.

Oh no, don't do it, you run the risk of seriously stressing yourself out.

Nope.

Good. Because he might think it'll be fine - but he won't be the one at home dealing with the pair of them, will he?