To ask for reasons NOT to get a dog?

[Waheymum]

I'm pregnant with my & DH's second child, first is a toddler. DH desperately wants a dog. I'm left with almost all childcare because he works irregular hours, and this wouldn't change if he had a dog so I'd be left looking after two children and a dog. I take DC1 out to groups/soft play/etc most days so it's not like I'm sitting around at home to look after a dog. On top of this, I just don't want one: I'm not ready to commit to a dog, they're a lot of work, I couldn't just take a dog out with my DCs to kids' activities.

AIBU not to want a dog at this time, and could you relay some experiences/stories that explain why it's a bad idea?

As well as your children you then have a further being who needs things sorted for.

My partner works away and doesn't get that miraculously someone has to either have the dog or walk the dog when I too am at work.
Currently I've doggy daycare, 2 dog walkers, a friend and in laws on the rota. Yes it's like childcare! A whole other mental load on top of everything else.

The training involved to not end up with a twat of a dog. It's relentless to be consistent. Get distracted by your child so dog pees on the floor....it isn't your dogs fault! You need eyes on vigilance at all times in the puppy phase. Fuck off anyone that says 'I used pads'...you're doubling the workload.

The late nights, early starts. You don't get to stay in because it's knee deep mud and wet out there.....you're walking that damn dog. The heat is worse.....constantly thinking about when to walk, not walk etc god they're exhausting but I love every bit of my furry boy.

No dog. DH still occasionally mentions how much he wants one but there's so much other stuff to focus on that even thinking realistically about a dog is impossible. Thankyou all for your reasons, they've been really handy!

Late to the party and I'm sure already mentioned several hundred times but dogs stink. They make you stink, they make your house stink, your car, they roll in fox poo. They have matted poo all round their bums. Those are enough reasons for me. 🤣🤣🤣

I'm so pleased!