Puppy and a baby?

[gsjd8]

Hi everyone, new to posting on here although I have read many threads already so I know I am touching on an “already covered” subject!!
I would love to hear views from both sides, is this really such a crazy thing to consider? So a little about us, I have a 7 year so he’s at school. I also have a 5 month old and yes we are considering bringing a puppy into our household. Specifically a Labrador!
I have done what feels like endless research into this although I fully appreciate you never do quite know what it’s like until you’re in the thick of it, up to your ears in poo / wee / chewing and so on, but I still find myself wanting to do it. I realise it will be hard work!
My parents have had dogs over the years and I have played a role in helping (although again I appreciate helping and being ultimately responsible are totally different).
I have researched the breed and the initial stages. we would crate train from day one. Hubby would take 2 weeks off work when we bring pup home. He is also in a position (once pup is ready) to take him/her into work, not everyday but certainly a couple of days a week.
We will book into puppy training classes and have already looked into this. I fully appreciate the first few months will be mayhem but is it still advisable to wait?
Time wise I feel is never going to be perfect but as my little one is not yet on the move I feel we could get the initial toilet training under control first? Also by the time she is walking I would hope the puppy will be starting to settle so not so bouncy?
Would love to hear both sides, has anyone managed it?
Thanks in advance x

My in-laws have a 2 year old lab
She is still very hard work
If she doesn’t get at least 2 hours of really strenuous exercise every single day her behaviour deteriorates
There is no way I’d have a baby and lab puppy at the same time

“it’s too restrictive for us personally”

It’s not about being restrictive for the sake of it, it’s about maximising the chances of getting a healthy happy dog...

There are a whole load of health issues that are inherited but can’t be tested for, epilepsy, allergies, IBD... there are lines of breeds with huge behavioural issues passed on.

What you want to be looking for in a breeder is someone’s with enough knowledge of the breed to avoid that stuff as well as the issues that can be tested for.

Personally I would wait as I can't imagine coping with young children and a puppy. Honestly both DH and I are still in the mind of 'never again' even though we adore our dog who is now a lovely adult at 2.5 years old.

However, if you really did decide to go ahead I would at a minimum do this:-

• ensure you can puppy/toddler proof areas around the house. Large sturdy play pens for either the toddler or the puppy depending on who needs your attention.

• you mention a friend that is a walker and can do puppy visits. Yes to that from the start so it gives you a break from 'puppy watch' all the time and yes for walking when he is being a bouncy stubborn teenager. Factor in the cost for regular use. If you find you don't need it great but at least make sure you could pay for it now as it's frustrating when getting in help could make the difference between dogs staying or being rehomed but the owner cannot or doesn't want to spend any money.

• pay for 1-1 trainers to come in at various times to get you on the right track from day 1. Whilst puppy classes are ok (I have had good and bad) a 1-1 trainer is so much better to ensure that you are doing the right thing rather than letting bad habits build up.

Gsjd8 we found it worked well with two of us doing the nighttime let outs. I normally go to bed before my husband anyway, so I’d go to bed as usual, he’d stay up until midnight, then I’d get up at 3am to do the let out. We’d then be up at 6am during the week, but at the weekend my husband would set an alarm and do the 6am let out.

I work from home, and that does work really well with having the dogs. I normally travel to meetings one or two days a week, and then my husband works from home or we have a dog walker (probably once a month). It sounds like other than the baby question your home/work life is a good fit for a dog. But it really does seem to take about 18 months for dogs to grow up and calm down into something I would trust with a baby.

Here’s my older dog and my nephew (with my brother, face covered to protect the innocent!), I would not trust my puppy this close!

@jsjd8 you asked what dog I have - she's a working Springer spaniel, bred at a gundog kennels.

I've seen the recent posts and have to agree with others that it's unusual for a working/gundog litter to be advertised, or for puppies to be available after they are born. When we chose our breeder, the puppies hadn't been born yet and all puppies were spoken for before they were born (and there was then a waiting list because the bitch only had 3 surviving puppies from that litter)

I'd also seriously think about getting a working bred dog. You say you don't have time to train a puppy in a few years time, but working and gundog bred dogs need intense training and a 'job' throughout their lives. They need to be busy, either as a gundog, or doing agility, flyball, obedience etc because they can be destructive and difficult otherwise. If I don't take toys with me on a walk and 'work' mine, getting her to find and hunt balls in long grass, or practising obedience etc she'll find her own job - hunting, because that's what her instincts and breeding tell her to do.

It seems you have read the comments and weighed up your options, and decided now is the best time for you as a family to get a puppy. It wouldn't be for me but that's your choice. I would however really urge you to research getting a working/gundog bred puppy and think about choosing instead from a line bred for family pets as they will have very different needs and temperaments, even in the same breed.

Hi OP

We have a 12 week old cockapoo and a 9 month old daughter. I was so nervous before he arrived ... he is a total breeze. We are both around at the moment which helps but will change soon when my husband finishes his SPL.

Pup comes to work with me most of the time so he isn’t lacking any one on one time or stimulation. I do think it requires an experienced pair of hands (I’ve trained gundogs most of my life and this one will be the same, although we won’t shoot with him). He is naturally a very laid back dog - his energy will obviously increase as he gets bigger, but he’s just not like other puppies.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that absolutely anything is possible with the right level of discipline and dedication. I think the early months are actually easier as the pup will sleep so much. Harder a few months in when you are juggling walks etc with a much more awake dog. Have you thought about how you will handle a toddler and a pup? Lots of wide open spaces and bloody fantastic recall training is going to be key for you. I’d also suggest (and prepared to be shot down for) having some childcare on hand to give you time everyday to focus on 1 on 1 puppy training.

Building the bond with your pup is absolutely crucial. Nap time obviously is great but you do need time out and about where you can be focused. Our pup is my hobby and honestly I jump out of bed at 5am to have 2 hours with him before our house gets up. It’s the best part of my day - but it’s not for everyone!