Am I crazy to get a puppy?

[CrackersandCheese]

I'm 4 months pregnant and we're thinking of getting a puppy. We already have two cats- a 1 year old and 9 month old, who get on really well. No problems looking after them etc.

I'd thought maybe we might get one when the baby was 1 year old but I've just been made redundant and am wondering whether it would be better now to get a puppy and do some training, whilst I have loads of time.

We were thinking of a show cocker spaniel. Our SIL/BIL have a springer, who is quite hyperactive. From the research I've done, I thought that this might be a similar but more suitable breed in terms of tempermant and activity levels.

Anyway, I'm interested to know what you experts think.

I'm no expert, but I do have a 5 month old cocker/springer cross. Erm, I wouldn't right now if I were you. Puppies need about the same amount of attention as a toddler, and I wouldn't personally want to be trying to train a boisterous pup while coping with a newborn. Sorry.

NO!!!!! You will be run ragged - If you do, there is a 50/50 chance that pup will be rehomed when baby arrives as he/she will be approaching adolescence when baby is born. The most difficult time; bar early puppyhood (so I'm told )

I meant YES, you are mad and NO don;t get one yet

Ok. Thanks. Unless a positive story comes along, I reckon we'll be giving this a miss then.

Very sad..

I should add my DC are 11 and 8, and it's still bloody hard work. Seriously, don't underestimate the amount of time and effort that is involved in turning a puppy in to a well behaved family pet. And try and picture yourself sterilising everything for your pfb, and the pup running in covered in a noxious mud/poo combo and undoing all of your hard work. A dozen times a day. And then it runs off with the baby's toy/blanket/clothes. Or chews the moses basket. And you find hair on the baby's face. The pup becomes an annoyance, and you end up frazzled

Oh don't be sad. Give it a couple of years and it's entirely doable. I just think you'd end up regretting a puppy and a newborn at the same time. And it's less acceptable to rehome the newborn. You will very soon be very busy and have your hands full :)

What about getting an older rescue dog? That way you'd get them settled in when you are at home now but not have the baby and puppy combination. In my experience young dogs remain pretty puppyish for a significant amount of time (our dog has just turned two and is still very lively and silly, we were told he probably wouldn't be grown up and sensible until he is three or so).

Don't do it but don't be sad, enjoy your new baby and a bit of time to yourself first!

Then when your little one is older you can enjoy the puppy together, so much more fun

Urgh Im 18 weeks have a 5 year old and a 4 month old puppy he's a collie and an absolute pain in the arse ! Kids are much easier if defo wait !!! This dog would have been GONE if me DD and and DH wouldn't kill me.. Wait !!!

I don't know where you've been researching but all the bits I read said cocker spaniels are not to be trusted with non canine pets.... captain fluffy tails might make a nice play toy we have a two year old show cocker who is great and our baby is 7months ish...I wouldn't get one now they are a lot of work and it would get very sulky when baby comes and it would get used to you being about everyday and then when you start work again it would be unfair to leave it! But they are IMO the best breed in the world

I had very similar thoughts when 4 months pg - my old rescue mutt died just before dd1 was conceived, and I missed him dreadfully.

Luckily my BF talked me out of it - I had no idea how much work the baby was going to be

Honestly, I wouldn't think puppy at all at this point - possibly (only possibly) older dog, but even then. Better to have the baby first, then introduce the dogwhen you feel settled with your child - and ready to enjoy both. And, congratulations

I agree with Nooka. There are so many older dogs that need a home and most rescue centres will know whether they are good with cats and kids (if not ask them to test). Good luck with whatever you decide.

Don't do it!!! I have a 1 yr old King Charles, he's more work than having 4 kids under 8... If I could re-home him with somebody who I knew would look after him for life I would :(

I agree with all the above, just don't do it! I have a 3 year old and 5 year old and I stupidly had this romatic rose tinted idea that getting a cocker spaniel puppy would give me the 3rd child we'd decided not to have - but OMG I wish I had gone down the 3rd child route instead.

Up until a month ago, I like to think that I was fairly well balanced and pretty laid back but now, all I seem to do is either shout at the puppy or explode with the kids and it isn't fair on either of them. Like CurlyJims if I could re-home then I would seriously consider it and try and restore some harmony in the house again.

I wish we had waited until the kids were a lot older so understood the need for walking the dog and also picking up their toys to stop another barbie getting chewed. So if you can curb the urge for another couple of years or so then I would do so for your own sanity and an easier life!

tidgypud what colour and how old is your cocker?!