We have been contemplating getting a puppy for a long while now and are toying with taking the plunge in the next few months.
We have decided on a Labrador as I would like a dog that is family friendly and relatively obedient, we are of course planning on training the new addition when he/she arrives.
My question is about what your puppy gets up to on a daily basis, ie, how much they sleep or cause havoc around the house?
We have two DC, 3.5 and 6 months, so there is a slight concern about the baby and the puppy getting in each others way, but we have a big garden so can take the puppy our regularly and easily, and my husband works from home so we will take the dog out at least twice a day for walks or a play in the garden. We're very willing and happy to get out and about (luckily we have a dog friendly park and beach a stone's throw from our gaff!)
My thinking is that in the day time someone will generally always be around to keep the dog company and if under my supervision the baby/puppy combination doesn't work then the dog can easily be contained to one end of the house where my husbands office is, so will have him for company and can cause mischief down that end of the house so the baby is safe.
So just curious, if your puppy is well exercised how much time are they awake and requiring your attention during the day? I'm not expecting his to sit quietly in the corner but would like to gauge an understanding of the kind of 'routine' puppy's have!
We're keen for a puppy as I would be concerned about a rescue dogs history and breed with the children, and feel that a pure breed lab would be a good solid family dog.