So my OH wants to get a puppy.

Tyler_Du

Some background, we've always had cats (4 at one point) we live in a semi rural area (woods , fields local for walking etc). We have a 2 year old daughter. Recently one of our cats was killed by a car, that leaves us with one cat left (hes about 12 years old and hardly leaves the house)

We have talked about getting a dog at some point and my OH wants us to get one now, I think she is still grieving the death of the cat. We are considering a labrador (good with children), what other breeds / considerations should be thinking about before actually getting a dog. I'm a bit concerned regarding the walking a dog might need, I'm out of the house weekdays from 08:00 - 18.00. My OH has said it would be her dog and that she would do the walking, I don't see how this would be feasible (I would do my far share anyway) when she looks after our daughter during the day.

gettingready

How is your 12 yo cat going to feel when you bring a dog into the house?

Are you thinking puppy or a grown up dog?

Breeder or a rescue?

Small child - not sure your OH will be able to look after small child and a dog at the same time by herself...

Have you/has she ever had a dog before?

mummyroysof3

Is she home all the time? Walking would be ok as just put your child in pushchair and off you go. I'm. A Sahm and would love a dog but I'm worried about all the mess and I don't like going out in cold and rain and the cost etc. My advice would be to think carefully about it... I'm happy with 3 cats and my tropical fish for now lol

mummyroysof3

Getting ready just out of interest why do you think it would be difficult to look after a child and a dog by herself?

gettingready

Depends what dog - size/age/temperament

With a puppy it may be like having 2 small kids at once

Imagine - rain/cold, child does not want to go out but you have to take the child to walk the dog as can not leave the child home alone - etc etc

~Chameleon~

Labradors are not particularly good around young children so you may want to think about a different breed. I think you need to spend some time researching this. Have either of you owned dog before? Do you have family/friends that own dogs? Is there a dog you could "borrow" so your wife could see how she gets on looking after and walking a young child and dog at the same time? Puppies in particular are extremely hard work, just like having another baby/young child in the household. You need to ensure you're both well prepared for this.

ariba10

gettingready wrote: »

How is your 12 yo cat going to feel when you bring a dog into the house?

Are you thinking puppy or a grown up dog?

Breeder or a rescue?

Small child - not sure your OH will be able to look after small child and a dog at the same time by herself...

Have you/has she ever had a dog before?

We introduced a New Lab to an established cat, and the cat soon established who was boss.

DKLS

I could pick the breed best suited to your lifestyle and family setup.


Personally I wouldn't pick a lab, but I was brought up with working labs which made brilliant working dogs but not great pets.

mummyroysof3

Nothing I hadn't thought of then. I had 3 children under 4 so if I survived that then there is hope yet lol the mud thread has put me off idea off having a dog ATM anyway

Katiehound

Training a puppy is a huge commitment- of course it reaps rewards as the pup ages- and is well behaved- then. House training alone can be time consuming- dog out every couple of hours in whatever the weather not to mention little things like "accidents", chewed things etc.
Absolutely think "another baby" in the house.Dogs are not like cats, they do not go off and do their own thing. They need human companionship, generally don't like being left etc. And of course there is no way that a dog of any age should be left alone with a young child.

bouncydog1

And has your wife thought about what will happen as your D D gets older and you can go on holidays, days out etc. Much harder when you have a dog to think about. A 12 year old cat will be very independent. Dogs are a huge commitment and IMHO need very careful thought. Your cat has been run over - how can you ensure your dog will be safe? We had dogs as children and my DH and I had dogs 20 plus years but do not underestimate the commitment needed particularly with a small child.