Getting a puppy, very nervous!

[Crazeeladee]

After two years of thinking about a dog, we've decided to get a cavachon, and put a deposit on one at a breeder yesterday. He'll be 12 weeks old when we get him next week.
I'm really nervous about this now we are actually doing it, and after threading some of the posts on here, I really don't know if I can handle it. The dc's would be devastated,they are so excited.
Is this what everyone feels,is it just nerves?

You have made the right decision, honestly you have.

Yes your DC's will be upset, better now than upset a few weeks/months down the line when you realise you shouldn't have bought the puppy in the first place.

Dc's are 11&5. THE Pill have a greyhound, it knocks my youngest over a lot!

Aaaaaaaah :) they can be giddy! Whippets might be a good option check out Scruples :) www.scrupleswhippetrescue.co.uk/

Or ... www.wolfwood.co.uk/louie.html

Louie from wolfwood looks wonderful!

Looksee

And I child mind, she is around kids age 8 months to 10 years and is a dream

If you're after a puppy particularly, Evesham Greyhound and Lurcher Rescue have some gorgeous pups at the moment. I was at a Hope Rescue event on Saturday (who are happy to do adoptions to families) and they have some adorable pups at the moment. The pups are in experienced foster homes so are getting quality care and socialisation.

Hounds First Rescue is another rescue that is worth checking out.

Don't write off greyhounds, lots of them are trained as PAT dogs and one from my local rescue goes into schools regularly to help with reading - hugely popular.

Bugger, I'd written a lovely post and then it disappeared just as I was about to post! Anyway, I think you've made a good decision. There are loads of pups in rescue. Google some local ones, have a chat with them about what you want from a dog, time you've got to devote to looking after one etc. Get on their FB pages (often more up to date than rescue websites). Be prepared to be patient. You will be homechecked by a rescue (not a fault-finding exercise) just to check your garden, that you've thought the process through...

Pups/dogs in rescue are often in foster homes with other dogs, children, cats etc. So you can get a good assessment about how they are in a home situation. A slightly older dog may be a lot easier to take on, rather than a very demanding puppy. Also, puppies have very sharp teeth and younger children often get rather scared of the "land shark" puppy and go off them.

Just for an example, here are two dogs in rescue looking for homes. Just as beautiful as any cavachon or shipoo or any other "designer" mutt and a hell of a lot cheaper too! Snoopy is all black one (about 6mths old) and Sweep is shaggier one who is a year old.

Ok, I'm the worst mum ever, she can't believe I've done this to her on her birthday. She will never forgive me.

DO NOT change your mind - yes, it's hard for your daughter. But just say that you found out that it wasn't the best place to get a dog from and you will be looking for another one as soon as possible.

A hard lesson for a 5 year old but do not be swayed by it!! I have a daughter too and they know what to say to get the guilt going!!

You are the adult and you are doing the RIGHT thing - doesn't make it easy for you, but it is RIGHT.

She will when she gets her hands on the right dog :-) show her some pictures of dogs in rescues and explain that you're all going to do your best to help all dogs by getting a dog from a good place.

You have done an amazing thing today, if the volunteers in dog rescues all over the country knew what you did today they would be applauding you right now. I wish more people were like you.

Yes, absolutely true, Time

Trust me, kids will wax and wane in their enthusiasm for a dog. Yes, it's natural to feel nervous, of course it is, but be as sure as you can be, BEFORE you get the dog, that it's something you want to do.

They are lovely companions, but they do create work. However much the kids say they will do things, it will be you taking the dog for walks, to the vet, sorting out kennels/friends to have the dog when you want to go for a long day out/hols. It is a constraint as well as a joy. You have to think whether you want that in your life.

Oh Op I feel do sorry for you, you're obviously trying to do the right thing!

Whereabouts are you? What about this puppy?

lab x retriever

Oh dear OP I really do feel sorry for you, you probably came on here hoping that everyone would share your excitement and instead you end up having to let your DD down.
You have had some good advice though and you have made the right decision, I hope your DD is ok and you find your ideal puppy soon.

I'm in Cumbria. That lab is lovely, but I really want a dog that doesn't shed as much, and a smaller one.
If/when I do get a dog, is it normal to worry about training them and getting them used to you? I'm in most days a week as I work nights and only usually sleep for about two hours at a time.

Hi OP. Really interesting thread which must have been tough for you. I've had a quick look on the Many Tears website which I often frequent! There are some lovely pups on there. Two in particular caught my eye. The first is a retriever/lab cross, which is a winning combination. The second is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel pup who I believe came directly from the breeder. I can't do the links unfortunately but maybe someone will oblige. Good luck with things.

Oops. Just seen the lab x has already been suggested!

Thanks, been a horrible day. Dc's just cry when they look at me :-(

Oh OP
You did the right thing though.

You really have done the right thing Op. The hurt will be forgotten when you find the right pup. Do you want help in finding a rescue dog or good breeder? Just say what you're looking or and I'm sure there are plenty of knowledgeable folk around who'll help do the sifting for you :-)

Thanks, it needs to be calm, hypoallergenic , non shedding and small x

Calm and puppy don't go together I'm afraid. By 2/3 most dogs are beginning to calm down. But adolescence is a bastard!

I'd still recommend a whippy. Will do some digging for you now.

Our mini schnauzer ticks three of the four boxes... And he's very calm with DD (7 months) just not with things like his own reflection in the mirror ...

He was £750 from a reputable breeder though (from a list of recommended breeders from the breed club) to give you an idea.

Pugs are bloody fab - do shed though. I am a clean freak and really anal about stuff but still manage to keep hair coverage to a bare minimum.

Mini poodle? Best chance to get 3 out of 4?

Just remember that even if the puppy you meet is calm at 8 weeks it will not stay that way! Most puppies go through silly bitey phases, some worse than others.

I have a Mini Schnauzer, who is small ish and doesn't shed, I have no clue whether she is hypoallergenic and she is the definition of not-calm! She does, however, have a very sweet temperament and is good with children.

Wild card - what about an Affenpinscher? Watch this! And I defy you not to want one! (I have 2!)

There is no such thing as a guaranteed hypoallergenic dog.