To get a puppy or not?

[mumboss1984]

We went on holiday recently with resident dogs and it kind of made us wonder if we should consider getting a puppy. I work from home (self employed) and hubby mostly works from home now too. We have a 6 year old and a 3.5 year old. Would we be mad to get a puppy at the moment? I am quite keen as I think it would be good for our mental health and to get us out in the fresh air more.

Thanks all

I love my Lab but he’s a huge commitment. And very expensive.
How far can your children walk? I walked my Lab three hours a day (after the initial six month period, where you can’t exercise them too much). If he didn’t get walked, he chewed stuff. So when I was ill, I still had to walk him.
He’s a tie, wherever we go we have to time it. I’ve always had dogs, but since having DD it’s been very hard to balance time and attention on my dog and my DD. When DD was younger she badgered him, constantly. He’s very good natured, but I’d have to put him in another room and when he had his very expensive knee op he had to stay elsewhere for the ten weeks recovery.
My MIL got a dog, made him her life for a few years then met her DP. She can’t leave her dog, not even two hours as he will urinate, defecate, cry, bark, destroy things.
It’s a huge commitment and with young children you’ll more than likely have to get a puppy and puppies are hard work. It’ll be a good few months of possibly sleepless nights and training.
Saying that, they are very rewarding IMO (there are other threads running that have different points of view).

Noooooo bloody hard work. Especially with young children. Actually more of a tie than having young children. Try to find a place to go on holiday with kids and dogs...not easy. Especially abroad. Costs of kennels when on holiday. 😭 Don't even go there. 😬Fleas and worming and vet bills. 😮Think carefully before committing.

Thank you all for the honesty. I think we may get a cat instead 👍

I think having a dog is great. Yes, you can't leave them alone for long but as long as you can work around that they are so worth having.

If you get a puppy, make sure you get a small and very kid-friendly breed. We have a pug and he is amazing with children! Don't get anything big and active like a Labrador who is going to knock over your kids. Our boy is incredible and has improved our life immensely

Cat sounds best. Good choice.

What do you like about dogs?

Pokemon Go is good for getting some fresh air.

Cats are great pets, if you like being belittled and dead mice under the bed.

I love my cat but she doesn't really pull her weight as part of the family

Don't get a cat if you really want a dog!

Just do your research, look into the different breds and Xbreeds to see what suits you. It's not just about looks, it's also about size and temperament, regular coat care and energy levels as well as how far you can take training.

Then look for a breeders. Make sure you get a puppy from health tested breeding stock, so you might have to wait a bit for the right one to come up.
I would also look into puppy/ dog training classes and have something lined up.

And for easy house training, to get a puppy next spring/ summer when it's easier to leave doors open and the weather is dry!
By the time you have done your research and found a breeder, your youngest will almost be in school age!