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Original poster

Getting a cocker spaniel puppy then having a baby a few months later.

85 replies

Babylife202 · 29/05/2020 19:40

Anything I should be aware of? We have a puppy lined up that was born on Friday, and my second child is due in August. I’ve never had a dog before but my DH has. I’m thinking, never leave the two unattended and have lots of baby gates everywhere. I know the need for the walks. Anything else I should be aware of regarding day to day issues? Thank-you

OP posts:
Trevsadick · 29/05/2020 20:39

Spaniels need far more mental stimulation that miles of walks. They can walk for miles and then walk more.

And ots not company, its mind games. Lots of them, several times a day. New ones, go back to old ones. Training to do tricks.

MrsOfBebbanburg · 29/05/2020 20:43

So clearly you’ve done loads of research into bringing a new lifelong commitment into your home OP. Hmm

So sick of this shit.

KitchenConfidential · 29/05/2020 20:49

You said it mrsofbeb!
This is why the rescues are full of dogs.

Mummyshark2018 · 29/05/2020 20:50

Honestly I wouldn't. I have a cocker spaniel cross, though he's definitely more spaniel. He's 3 and adorable, but high energy, jumpy (despite training), needs lots of attention and stimulation- but I wouldn't be without him. He's like my little shadow and needs belly rubs, walks, mental training a lot! I've only one dc and getting a dog has been great for our family. Dc was 5 at the time and she now admits she was frightened of him at the start when he was going through a normal nippy: teething stage. With one dc and a newborn no way. I'd wait until you see what new baby is like then re-evaluate when they're at nursery/school. Dogs also need lots of rest and if they constantly have kids around they can become overstimulated very quickly which can result in naughty behaviours.

Auntgiraffe · 29/05/2020 20:54

I've a nine year old cocker spaniel and an 11 month old. I cannot tell you how much you should not do this.

The walks are the least of your problems, it's being in the house with the dog and the baby for the other 22 or 23 hours a day.

It's the barking at the postman waking your baby up from naps, running away on walks and you can't leave your pram and follow, it's the stealing your dinner because you are so tired you forgot to shut the baby gate and on and on. And you don't have the luxury of time to consistently work to ensure a well mannered dog. You cannot be consistent when you are trapped under a baby because you can't get up to respond to every issue every time.

Your baby won't be able to explore the floor and become mobile without shutting the dog out. The dog might not respond well to this and might cry and whine and damage your home.

After responding well to my baby's arrival, my dog is now very stressed by him now he is mobile and I am having to keep them completely separate, they can't even be near each other under supervision. You would have to do this too with a puppy. It's a nightmare and not fair on either parties. I love my dog very much but I do wonder if he would be happier in another home. You really shouldn't choose to take this on with a puppy.

MrsEricBana · 29/05/2020 20:56

Do not do this. I'm not being unkind. This will not just be a nightmare, it will be unworkable. You will be compromising your children and the dog. Tell the breeder you have had to reconsider. Then do it when your youngest is a bit older (and even then probably not a cocker spaniel). You would definitely regret it.

Itwasntme1 · 29/05/2020 20:58

I am sorry but this thread makes me cross.

This is why so many young dogs and cats won’t up being rehomed. People think it will be lovely to have a pet, then are surprised they are hard work.

SpillTheTeaa · 29/05/2020 20:58

Agree with others. Not a good idea at all. They're very lovely dogs but need a lot of attention and hyper

Aquamarine1029 · 29/05/2020 21:00

I hope you are going to show your husband the responses on this thread.

SoupDragon · 29/05/2020 21:05

having a baby a few weeks after the puppy arrives, not months!

This is a completely and utterly dumb idea!

SoupDragon · 29/05/2020 21:06

I have a cocker spaniel. He is 11. He has not calmed down or grown up.

Glowcat · 29/05/2020 21:07

I would also say that I know too many people, including my mother, who have ended up doing 99% of the work of looking after the family dog when they were the one least keen on getting a dog in the first place.

ChangeMeAlready · 29/05/2020 22:33

Do not get the dod. Especially, cocker spaniel. I had one for 15y. They need lots and lots of walks- at least 2 walks 1h each a day. With the newborn it will be almost impossible to keep him exercised. Also, spaniels are known to have multiple health problems: ears, bum, heart. They are really friendly and really lovely dogs, but, maybe, not very good idea for this time of your life. My advice- do not get a dog, especially, spaniel.

AriettyHomily · 29/05/2020 22:46

I'm not sure about a cocker as they are slightly completely bonkers BUT we got our dog when I was pregnant, I was 10 weeks. Best thing we ever did. Apart from the kids obviously!

MerryDeath · 29/05/2020 22:49

particularly not a cocker. not the easiest of dogs. certainly not a starter dog. and a baby. jesus. no thanks. at least tell me it's not a starter baby too?

Wheresthebiffer2 · 29/05/2020 22:49

puppy or baby - never both.

thisisexhausting · 29/05/2020 22:50

I did it, I wish I hadn't

whoknowswhichwayisup · 29/05/2020 22:53

Is there any way you can not get the puppy? I had a young dog when we had a baby. It didn't go well

barneymcgroo · 29/05/2020 22:56

I did this the other way round - had a baby 2 years ago, got a puppy a few months later. The baby would only really sleep while being walked, we live in the middle of nowhere, so it was pretty perfect. The two are inseparable - the cocker adores DS (DS is basically made of food, the dog isn't stupid) and he adores her. She is so calm and quiet with him, and used to come and let me know when he'd woken up (did the majority of his sleeping in the pram).
So I'd say it definitely can work. Make sure you've plenty of space for walks. Crate training is a great idea. Good luck!

Anotherlovelybitofsquirrel · 29/05/2020 22:59

I am sorry but this thread makes me cross.This is why so many young dogs and cats won’t up being rehomed.People think it will be lovely to have a pet,then are surprised they are hard work

Me too. Happens all the bloody time. Irresponsible and selfish.

EcoCustard · 29/05/2020 23:03

I have two working cocker spaniels and 4 kids under 5, and my advice would be don’t do it.

My kids came along after my dogs but it is still hard work.

My boys are amazing with the kids, but as pups and adolescents they were bonkers, masters of escape, chewers until about 18 months old and full of mischief. They were well trained and I used to do agility with them, from aged 2 and they still got up to all manor of mayhem. They are also attached to me, and have been for 10 years.
Spaniels, as with all dogs need a lot of stimulation, exercise and care all of which is very hard with a newborn baby and harder still if you have never had a dog and little experience.

Please consider waiting or I suspect it will be a short lived affair.

Aquamarine1029 · 29/05/2020 23:17

Is anyone else a bit concerned that we haven't heard a peep from the op? I wonder if she thinks we all have no idea what we're talking about. Hmm

sweetkitty · 29/05/2020 23:29

Why do it to yourself OP? The jump from one child to two is bloody hard. You’ve got a newborn and a toddler to look after too both demanding you and both with different needs it’s knackering. And into that a puppy and you’ll just end up resenting it , it’ll just be another thing to clean up after, feed, walk, another stress, another chore.

Reconsider in a few years time

NannyPear · 29/05/2020 23:42

Barney I think it's very different the other way about though. A few months after giving birth you usually have some of your shit together at least and are more aware of what you're dealing with to be in a position to know for sure if adding in another life and responsibility is a good idea.

Of course it might work out. But there's a good enough chance it won't to not take the risk imo.

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 30/05/2020 06:18

@Aquamarine1029

Is anyone else a bit concerned that we haven't heard a peep from the op? I wonder if she thinks we all have no idea what we're talking about. Hmm
OP will get the dog. It doesn’t matter that a huge wave of experienced dog owners and parents have all said its madness. A couple of people have said go for it so she will!