Are we suitable dog owners?

[belindarose]

Need to make a decision. We've been considering having a dog for a while. I've always wanted one (family always had dogs) but was not appropriate when working full time. Now I do 2 days a week and have a toddler.

A friend has a puppy in need of a home. Not doing this just to help her out, but maybe now is a good time for us as I have the rest of the school holidays before working two days again. There is a very reputable local dog walker who walks several dogs from out street, so could use her on my work days. We have a secure garden, DD kind to the cat, we walk a lot and are on easy reach of moors and beaches. Holidays are camping type ones, so future trips could be planned around dog.

Am I stupid?

Sounds great. If you're willing to train etc properly. What kind of dog will it be?

No, you're not stupid.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. It's a Springer boy. Yes, would be very keen to train properly. Would also retrieve the stairgates from the garage.

I would think so.
Dog walker for the 2 days you work.
I'd go for it.

I would say yes. You already have a plan to manage those work days so go for it. Only thing I'd say is a springer and a puppy might need the dog walker to visit twice, not once, during the day. Or even three times depending on how old the pup is.