Yet another "should I get a puppy" thread

[anchovies]

Can I have opinions please?

We currently have a 2 year old lab who is perfect and fits into our family really well. We rescued him when he was 1 and so have never experienced chewing/mouthing/jumping up etc. I am hoping to start an online PGCE with my first 10 week placement not taking place for about 8 months, my parents live 2 minutes away and love having our dog when I work/we go out for the day etc. We have 3 dc's 8,6 and 4.

We have reserved a rescue lab puppy who is 10 weeks old but I am now panicking that we have done the wrong thing. Practically speaking this is the best time to get a puppy (while I am at home) and although I know my mum would have the puppy when I need her to, she will think we are bonkers (I haven't told her yet cos I know she will try to put us off.)

How do people make the decision to get another dog?!

[herbertjane]

Personally I do not think this is the right time to get another dog. Your PGCE will be time consuming enough on its own without adding in a young pup that needs training, socialising and your time.

Also I guess things will change after you have completed the PGCE eg jobs hours of work etc. I would wait until you have completed your training and have a job and then see if a puppy would fit into the new picture.

Sorry you did ask

[NuggetsForTeaAgain]

maybe your panicking is an indication that it is not the right thing to do. I'm not suggesting it isn't btw, but what specifically are you panicking about? The logistics? You are already committed with one dog so the commitment side won't alter once you are out of the puppy stage. what does your dp think?

[anchovies]

Well we pick her up on Monday! See what you're saying herbert but it's a 2 year course with a slow start and all online to begin with (should have made that a bit clearer.)

Think I was panicking about the commitment really, I have talked to my parents and they are happy(ish!!) about an extra dog and my dh is really up for it as he thinks our dog will love the company when the puppy grows up a bit. Dh does his fair share with our lab so no worries there.

Panic over - until next week where herbert is free to come back and say I told you so :o

[NuggetsForTeaAgain]

you have to keep us posted then anchovies!