New puppy and TTC

[EastDulwichWife]

We're in love with a dog whose litter is due in October. We've done a lot of research and, between us, one is always at home during the day so we're in a good place to bite the bullet.

We have no children, but I'm due to have my IUD removed in September.

Be honest - is this timing ridiculous? Or will TTC take so long that there's no point panicking and we should just do it? Supposing it takes a few months TC, we'd have a 10-12 month old pup and a newborn.

Views please?!

Also YY to needing all health tests for both breeds.

I got my puppy just before I got pregnant. I love dogs and had wanted one for years. The baby wasn't totally planned but we were pleased. In hindsight I think I was lucky it all went well, I had a fairly healthy pregnancy and even though ddog was a typical bouncy lab puppy she was quite a good easy lab and with lots of walks and training she did ok. Dh absolutely loved her too and did lots to help. Dh and I are both very laid back about housework standards and never freak out over a bit of chewed carpet or something so that helps.

When the baby came along it was hard work having the pup you have to be committed to get out there walking with the baby and dog every day and this obviously depends on your health and your baby, so you really need a back up plan for if you can't do this. On the positive side I think its really good if you like dog walking as it is good exercise and gets you out the house regularly. You often meet friendly dog walkers and the babies often enjoy going along.
Around the house you need to be able to keep your dog and baby separated if necessary and a great idea to create train your puppy and train your dc not to disturb the dog in its crate. I didn't do that though just watched them carefully. Ddog was very placid and not that interested in the . You need to put the time in to training and playing with the dog alongside the baby. On the other hand this can be interesting and fun so if you enjoy it too its not just a chore.

I must say it was hard work but in general I enjoyed having them both. Ddog was company when I was alone with the baby and going out walking the dog was great.
So I would say it is doable if you really love dogs and are willing to put in the hard work and have lots of support from your Dh and a back up plan in case you have health problems or something.

One of my dogs was regimes from a rescue centre to a couple and was dumped taken back there when they decided a young dog and a 10 month old was too much like hard work.

Poor dog had major issues, such as not being able to be in a room with a door shut, we think due to having been shit away for long periods. Fortunately, their idiocy was our again and we have a beautiful boy now who has mostly gotten over his issues and neuroses. It took a long time and lots of patience though.

My neighbours got a dog and then got pregnant. Poor dog was shut in their house for 3 days straight when she ended up having baby early (neighbours refused our offer of help because "the dog is wild"). Poor dog now gets shut outside barking and howling for anything up to an hour and a half because they can't handle her and a young baby. It's unfair on the dog.

@Invisable @Whippet - thanks so much for your insightful comments. Glad to hear things have worked out for you! Whippets are gorgeous! x

So you thank the poster who says it will all be fine. Not the detailed response regarding all the health tests etc.

I would completely recommend doing it!
We did and was the best decision. I would never have gotten a pup with a baby/toddler too much of a disk of accidents.
My two are best of friends and keep each other happy! Having the dog is a great reason to get out and about it baby too!
Do it no less or you might never!

I had three dogs and added another two (pups) to the pack when I was 3 months pregnant. Madness really.

I'm an experienced dog owner but I won't lie, it was a shit load of work and I was completely exhausted during pregnancy and pushed myself too hard with two pups to train.

All worked out fine in the end though. I manage, work from home, have my 2.5 yr to look after and all the dogs. Still knackered but it's doable, you just have to be very committed.

@Rise wow! You must love a busy home..! Sounds glorious.

@Wolfie - I've thanked all posters multiple times on this thread. I'm very grateful to everyone who has responded. My question was also quite specific as to the nature of raising a pup and a baby at the same time. You can rest assured we've done all our homework on the numerous tests that need to be carried out, the breeder and the environment the puppies will be raised in. In my previous post I did mention that the parents have been health tested to alleviate your concerns, but I didn't think it necessary to list out each of those tests.

Thanks again to all those who have posted with their experiences of raising pups, multiple pups and babies! Very insightful and given us a lot to think about.

I got my bfp the week we picked up our puppy, so she was 10 months when DC1 was born. It hasn't been that bad, however if given the choice again we probably wouldn't have gotten the puppy. Having young children is so much more tiring than I thought, and a dog is a daily chore you can't escape. We are shortly expecting DC2 and DH does all the dog care now because I just dont have the energy.