Possible new dog

[Phillipa12]

Im excited, but christ I'm nervous. I've owned dogs for 20 years but took a break from them for the last 5 years due to a divorce and 3 very young dc. My dc are now old enough to not have to come on a walk if they don't want too and my work is part time spread throughout the morning so the dog would be left for a max of 2 hours. He's a 7 month old black lab from working parents, my old dogs were working labs and cockers, I trained them myself, went out with various small children/pregnant in all weather's, my exh was useless with the dogs, they were mine, I did everything for them.......so why am I so nervous about this possible new edition?. I've been casually looking for the past 3 months as have been very particular in what I'm looking for and now Im pretty sure I've found him. I love dogs and have really missed hoovering up after one, but the butterflies. Sorry, I just needed to write all of that down.

Well , labs are the best dogs and you have waited patiently for the right time.

I think it's normal to be anxious about a change and as you've been dogless for while its harder to reassure yourself. Often excitement overides the anxiety until the dog arrives. Where is the dog coming from?

Presumably you’re anxious because there’s more to temperament than breed, and because you only have to spend five mins on this board to realise that having a puppy can be an absolute nightmare You’re right to consider these things and that it might not all be cuddles and rainbows because rescues are full of lockdown dogs from families that couldn’t cope with the reality.

You’ll be fine, I think the nerves are probably a mixture of excitement and knowing your routine is going to drastically change.

Don’t doubt yourself, you’ve had Labs before and know how demanding a Lab puppy can be.I must admit it was a shock to my system I’d forgotten what having a pup was like.My working line bitch is approaching 2 and still keeps me on my toes, but she is a wonderful dog who we all adore.I’m sure your new addition will bring you lots of pleasure too.

Keep us updated, lots of pictures please.

The dog is coming from the breeder, he decided to keep too many from the litter and has over stretched himself. Did tell him that I never wanted a 12 week old pup again as i found a newborn baby easier to look after.

If you weren't nervous, THAT would be the moment to be concerned.

I'm sure you'll do great, OP – you certainly sound like you know what you're doing. Do you have some help / company / other doggy types in your social circles to support you?