Puppy doubts!

[rikakno]

We have just left our deposit on a beautiful cockerpoo puppy the breeder is absolutely spot on and we have really took our time to find a reputable breeder who cares more about the puppy's than making money!
Anyway I feel so nervous now thinking are we doing the right thing I have 3 children (9,8,4) and we have wanted to add a pet to our family since the youngest was 1.
I think it's a mixture of the unknown nervousness and knowing we won't be able to venture far know that restrictions are being lifted.
Has anyone felt the same is this a normal feeling?
Thanks xx

“Lower your expectations treat them like dogs”

People say things like puppies are little shits though, because all too often people get puppies and expect them to behave like adult dogs and don’t realise they’re more work.

I'm finding this really helpful. We are getting ours from a breeder who is also a long standing friend of the family and has bred them for years.

"People say things like puppies are little shits though, because all too often people get puppies and expect them to behave like adult dogs and don’t realise they’re more work."
To quote the immortal John Wayne "Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid."

Think of a dog as a baby that never grow up. Always taking care of his needs food, walks, vet, etc..

I love mine and I would never regret the joy of having a dog but yes is a big commitment.

Not a baby - they stay put when you put them down.

A toddler - mobile,fast, potential to escape, no understanding of danger. And with sharp teeth, that can bite you and destroy your home

Good job they're so lovely!!

"Think of a dog as a baby that never grow up. Always taking care of his needs food, walks, vet, etc.."
I genuinely don't think dogs are that much work. Unlike babies taking care of a dogs needs shouldn't be all encompassing. Today I've spent max 1 minute feeding my dog; chucking a bit of dried dog food in his bowl, he's had two walks just over an hour Ive let him into the garden to do a pee x4. In between he's slept happily either on the sofa or in his bed. I've effortlessly showered and dressed eaten breakfast cooked a light lunch and a main meal, loaded the dish washer and washing machine hung up the washing, weeded the garden, contacted my pension provider, had a conversation with one of grown up DC about saving money (we can all dream) posted on here, completed some on on training for work, had a WhatsApp conversation with a couple of friends and done shopping in our village shop. With a baby all these things would have been a massive effort.

What @wetotter said. It's definitely harder than a baby, but easier than a teenage kid

"A toddler - mobile,fast, potential to escape, no understanding of danger. And with sharp teeth, that can bite you and destroy your home"
Do yourself and your dog a favour get a crate.

I have a cavalier, first month or so hard. I def had the puppy blues.

Now in month 5 and he is like my second child - I adore him. No regrets - although would love another!

Good luck.

OP the best bit of advice I can give you is to stay off mumsnet.

You will get so much contradictory advice!

You will also convince yourself that a puppy should never be left...EVER!! which is nonsense.

Make sure the puppy has had plenty of stimulation and is tired, then pop it in its crate and go enjoy your outings. There's a bit more to it than that but I got myself in such a tangle worrying about my last puppy after reading what people wrote on here that my depression came back and I cried for 2 weeks. I felt like I was trapped in my house.

This is despite having had dogs all my life.

Other advice would be to use a crate/cage. It's not cruel and gives you peace of mind about their safety when you are out. Also stops your house being eaten by tiny puppy teeth. Some people don't use them and that's fine too of course.

Also don't use puppy pads. A silly invention designed to make money.

I don't think your children are too young at all. Put boundaries in place (crate is very useful for this too)

I hope you enjoy your new puppy

Oh and not all puppies are bitey. Neither of my last 2 were