Hmm just read the last thread so maybe already answered

[thankfulforeverything]

We had a lovely cocker spaniel for 14 years from a puppy no problems at all but my youngest child then was 10 years old when we got her
My husband desperately misses having a dog and I would like to get another.
Here's the issue we now have a grandchild who is only two and I look after him by myself at least two days a week.
Reading the other thread about the rescue dog I'm just wondering whether I'd be making a huge mistake?
I remember the puppy era very fondly but I guess it's a different kettle of fish with a young child
BUT I see people with dogs and children all the time so is it a definite no?
Also I'd like another cocker but perhaps a less active dog would be better?
Any advice suggestions very much appreciated

I wouldn’t get a puppy while you’re looking after such a young child so regularly.

Your main issue will be that no good breeder will sell a puppy to you with a child that young being around regularly. That means if you do press ahead, you'll likely be looking at a less than stellar breeding and all that entails (poor socialisation, poor health etc).

My instinct is to say give it a couple of years - once the grandchild is in school I assume you'll have him less - but I guess it depends on how long you have your grandchild over for those two days? Are we talking 9-5 and it's just you?

I'd also say that it's not just the puppy that will be an issue - but whilst you're looking at the puppy or cleaning up it's wee, the toddler could get into a whole world of trouble. When I had two toddlers and a puppy (plus three adults dogs), I once found DD2 splashing in a puddle of Dpuppies urine because I had turned my back to put DD1 into a high-chair. My back was turned literally thirty seconds. 😳

Yes I know you're right. I've retired and husband is semiretired so was an ideal time to get another dog but I guess it's not to be.
Just when you think you've got choices turns out you don't

Why not get a slightly more mature dog? Not all dogs in rescues are unsuitable to live with children. My mum looked after my children as babies and toddlers (and beyond!) with a dog in tow and I never gave it a thought. Obviously the two were never left alone together but otherwise they just fitted in with each other fine. If your husband is semi-retired presumably he could help with logistics too? Have you thought about a breed like a greyhound (total couch potatoes and easy on the exercise front)?

I will repeat what I said on a previous thread @LandSharksAnonymous you generally give excellent advise on buying breeding etc. When I questioned your stance on “I would never sell to families with small children/might have children at a later date etc” because I and my friends and my children and my children’s friends had all been brought up safely around dogs (and all other livestock) you said I had come from a different background to most of the people you meet looking to buy a puppy. And I agree I probably have but maybe the OP has come from a similar background to me?
OP I grew up with animals dogs cows sheep horses etc I dont ever remember them not being in my life as did most of my friends. My children (now adults) did the same as did most of their friends whose parents were either farmers horsey or owned and trained gun dogs. IME if you treat a dog like a dog and not a fur baby you have clear boundaries in place for both dog and child, and you are aware that an animal like a dog cow or even worse horse require training consistency repetition and lots of time and you able to to devote a large chunk of your life to it and then also buy a suitable breed of dog that has been bred for temperament then I think you can have dogs and young children together.
Personally I wouldn’t get a cocker spaniel (having been round gun dogs) the working ones are exactly that bred to work they have a high prey drive unlimited energy my friend has one and doesn’t work it, he has to be the centre of her attention at all times otherwise it barks it’s a lovely looking did but a total PITA it needs lots of exercise mind games etc so I dont think that is compatible with caring for small children.