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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

Dog and baby

40 replies

LoopsD82 · 18/12/2018 11:16

Hi
Advice please So we are due to get a puppy in January. I have just found out though i'm pregnant. So the dog will be 9 months old by the baby comes along. Is this at all doable? I've heard dogs training tend to get out of the puppy stage at 6 months with good training. My husband works from home so he will be there for support.
Thank you x

OP posts:

adaline · 23/12/2018 20:40

I would put a hold on the puppy - honestly.

I love mine but he was very demanding in the early months. He needed 24 hour supervision and even now at 11 months he still chews and gets into things he shouldn't do. I really wouldn't have wanted to cope with him and a newborn at the same time.

Your puppy will be nine months when the baby gets here, that's full on teenage mode - when all their training goes completely out of the window and they turn deaf to any and all commands. Mine is right in the middle of it now - tons of energy and reverting back to mouthy pup - but he's older and bigger and much stronger now!

Wolfiefan · 23/12/2018 21:15

I understand wanting a dog. I really do.
I walked with a 10 month old ridgeback today. Ok not the same breed but perhaps comparable. I thought she might pull over her strong male owner at one point. Sometimes they can’t let her off as some people are concerned by her bouncy behaviour. She’s gorgeous. But that tanking round the house or office could be a disaster.

rookiemere · 23/12/2018 21:47

Seriously do not do it. We have a pretty low maintenance puppy - DH is the primary carer, DS is 12 so theoretically can help, and it's still a reasonable amount of work. With a baby on the way, it's simply bad timing. Puppies can't be left on their own for more than a few hours for example so what happens when you go into labour.

rookiemere · 23/12/2018 21:49

Also with a baby you'll likely be sleep deprived for the first few weeks, if not months. Adding the need to walk dog in the morning is an extra burden both of you could do without.

Booboostwo · 23/12/2018 22:00

I am dog crazy, had four when DD was born, but even I didn’t have a puppy at the same time as a baby. You might cope OK but the odds are stacked against you and since you haven’t got the puppy yet why do this to yourselves and the dog?

Hoppinggreen · 23/12/2018 22:05

I’ve had 2 babies and 1 puppy but not at the same time
Both were so hard and exhausting that i couldn’t have coped with both. Post puppy depression is a thing and add a newborn in and it wouid have broken me
I’m really sorry OP I wouldn’t do it

Original poster

LoopsD82 · 24/12/2018 10:45

Are they still very much puppies at 9 months old then?

OP posts:

WitcheryNights · 24/12/2018 10:56

Yes very much so! I work with puppies and unfortunately they don't mentally mature until they are around 2 years old. I have some pups at 9 months old who think they are 5 months but unfortunately weigh 30kg and that is a big puppy to have jumping all over you and pulling. I would personally hold off getting a dog until the baby is a bit older as you will have your hands full with a new born as it is. It is easier to introduce a puppy to a young baby then it is for a dog to adjust to a new born in the home. This can stress the dog out and lead to behavioural problems such as barking and destructive behaviour, would you be able to handle this as well as juggling a new born?

BiteyShark · 24/12/2018 11:45

Are they still very much puppies at 9 months old then?

Mine at 9 months of age was fully grown but has the temperament of a stroppy teenage who regressed into puppy behaviour at random times.

Original poster

LoopsD82 · 24/12/2018 11:55

Thanks everyone I think if it was a split vote would maybe go for it. But everyone is off the same opinion and wait until baby is older. Just have to break it to my husband which will be hard. x

OP posts:

CountessVonBoobs · 24/12/2018 12:00

Honestly, I think that is a bad idea, born of some serious naiveté about both puppies and babies.

Put a hold on the dog for AT LEAST 2 years. Does your DP actually have much experience with dogs, particularly viszlas?

Original poster

LoopsD82 · 24/12/2018 12:07

I dont think I have "serious naiveté" which is why I am asking if I didnt think it was a big deal I wouldnt be worried.

Yes my husband has had dogs but not a Vizsla. Hes never had a baby though so I think that will a shock for him.

OP posts:

CountessVonBoobs · 24/12/2018 12:54

I'm not referring to your naivete, but your husband's.

Original poster

LoopsD82 · 24/12/2018 13:04

True. He thinks maternity leave is a holiday haha!

OP posts:

Booboostwo · 24/12/2018 20:26

They get better when they are about 2yo, but until then they can demand a lot of attention which is difficult with a baby. It’s not so much that the puppy needs to be walked but that the puppy needs to be walked now, exactly when the baby is feeding which makes things unnecessarily stressful.

Do you like cats? Two kittens would be a good compromise and much easier to fit around pregnancy/baby.

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