Should we get a dog?

[Fixyourself]

Me and dh have been talking about getting a dog for a long time and I just don’t know whether we should take the plunge. We’ve just had one of our cats pts who would have hated a dog so that’s why we are now seriously considering it.
We thing about getting a cocker spaniel puppy but open to other breeds.

Here is our situation:
-I wfh and dh is wfh for half the week. I am self employed and have complete flexibility.
-Own our home with a garden
-Have a 5yo and a 7yo. The youngest absolutely adores dogs.
-Both our parents would be happy to look after a dog when needed
-The place we go on holiday allows dogs
-We live across the road from a large woodland area
-We have one large cat who doesn’t mind dogs, would have their area away from the dog and would also tell the dog off
-Have time for lots of walks
-Fully prepared to train etc

Why would you not?

What’s on your cons list? I think that’s the only way to navigate this one, really.

Sounds like the perfect time for a dog!

We don’t really have any cons apart from it being a huge decision.
We would maybe like to have another child sometime in the future but we don’t mind the house being a bit hectic.

It sounds like you could be in a good position to get a dog, just to point out some things you may not have considered.
you can never have an impromptu day out, there will always be some planning re the dog. There are more non dog friendly places to visit the older the children get.
We take our dog to dog friendly accommodation but they nearly always say you can’t leave your pet unattended so your dog has to come to every outing and every meal. This restricts you more than you might think.

One thing I would consider. Is that if you are on your own with kids then you would have to take all children with you ever time dog needs a walk. It can be hard to convince children to do that on a rainy Saturday morning when they just want to watch tv. If kids are a little older they could stay themselves while you go round the block quickly.

Just to warn you now, cockers are scent driven and if the woodland walk is a regular one it might be hell on earth trying to instill a good recall! My golden is a bit iffy in woodland because she gets overwhelmed with excitement (and muddy bogs).

Sounds like you'd be a great home for a dog. I recommend The Perfect Puppy or How to Train a Superpup, both by Gwen Bailey.

Aww you sound like a perfect owner 😀

Sounds pretty good but I might wait until the youngest child is 7 or 8
I would also consider the potential new baby aspect of things as well

Are you prepared for a major life change? That’s what getting a dog is

I'd get another cat

Absolutely. You sound like a perfect family for a puppy.

Prepare to fall head over heels in love.

However, get rid of any coffee tables with nice things on. Spaniels are very good at clearing coffee tables with one wag of their tails.

The only thing I’d add is that you need to be prepared that the dog might not be straightforward - you can’t always predict separation anxiety, travel sickness, resource guarding etc. you may end up with a dog who can’t be left alone at all.

Have a look at the show cocker breeds rather than working. They are rather less hyperactive. Mine sleep quite a lot.

You absolutely should but you should get a Labrador instead 😉.

It sounds like the ideal set up.

The only thing I would say is that cocker spaniels can be absolutely nuts - they require huge amounts of mental and physical stimulation and often don't like being left. They're also very bitey as puppies.

So while the set-up sounds amazing I would maybe reconsider the breed if you're first-time owners, just to make things a bit easier for you!

I reckon pyou sound well set up. We are similar, kids are 9 and 13 so can be left whilst I go round the corner for a leg stretch and this lad adores everyone.

He's a show/working cocker mix but is more Sprocker sized and an absolute sweetheart. Can be left for a few hours happily after a decent walk, easy going in the house. Gundog classes have been worth every penny on his training.

My friend convinced me with "if not now, when?"

Here's my 6 month cocker - he's luscious. We are first time dog owners with slightly older kids than you and we all adore him. Some weeks I could happily send him back to the breeder - his recall is shocking, he's chewed some of my favourite armchair and you have to watch him like a hawk in the garden or he'll dig up a plant - but he's so loveable and is happy on his own for a few hours once he's tired out. Was horribly bitey as a v young pup but much better now. Sleeps well in his crate and has been on holiday with us without any problems. Do it!