Would it be a bad idea to get a puppy?

[ConfusedPupMama]

My family (and me!) really want a dog. There are 4 of us, 2 adults, 2 children and 2 cats (who would probably hate a dog!). There is someone home 5 out of 7 days a week so we would need a pet walker 2 days a week.

I would love to rescue a dog but with two nervous cats already I think we need a puppy that the cats could get used to gradually before it becomes bigger than them.

Please talk me out of it (or into it)!

They have not stopped and we've had the dog 10 months now. It's mainly playing games that encourage chasing and nipping, but yesterday the eldest pulled his tail while playing and I totally lost my shit. Also, they constantly feed him so he's a bit of a baleful-eyed beggar. If we had waited til the kids were older, would definitely been easier to train him BUT then I get to walk him twice a day, sometimes without small complaining children, and he sleeps beside me on the sofa in the evening and it's wonderful.

If you think an adult dog would suit you better, have a look at charities that foster the dogs with volunteers - they see the dogs in a home environment and so are often more confident in adopting to families with young children or other pets.
If your cats are nervous, I’d look for a dog who has actually lived with cats, rather than one who has just been briefly introduced to a cat.

I think if you have to ask, you alredy know the answer! We have always had dogs, normally rescues. Current rescue had terrible life and come alive with other dogs. Got a pup, never again. 10 months me till a riot!

the rescue centre i got mine from has got a cat friendly small dog in at the moment. Dont suppose youre close to Essex?

I'd wait until your DCs were a bit older and can be left on their own whilst you're walking the dog otherwise it will be tricky as you'll need to drag them out every time the dog needs a walk.

“I’ve only just come out of the very young children years and am starting to get my life back again.”

A puppy is very much like having a toddler, a small bitey toddler...

A small, bitey, farty toddler.

Worse than my toddlers. I've done it twice and I know I'll always have a dog but I don't think another pup!

Just want to echo that puppies are dickheads.

They look cute but are otherwise full time and rather exhausting job for about a year - give it take.

Just when they grow out in one thing you don't like, they start another phase.

It is only worth doing if you are 100% sure and have lots of free time. And don't mind pee and poop on the carpet.