Should we get another dog with a baby on the way?

Question

My wife and I are expecting (Late May due date). We currently have a 2.5 year old Healer Mix who loves walks and the dog park. With work and weather, some days we cannot get him to the dog park or out for a walk and he can be insufferable. My thought is to get another dog for him to play and interact with. My wife disagrees and thinks that getting another dog is a bad idea because when the baby comes, we will have two bored and neglected dogs instead of one.

Anyone have experience with this? Any advice would be helpful.

Answer 1

congrats on the new arrival!
i wouldnt get another dog at the mo
,i have a 3 year old toddler and a 6 month old wee boy and a very energetic 2 year old border collie and it is damn hard!.
i would never get rid of my collie,i just have to have a very strict schedule im lucky as my husband is home every evening and im home all day so my dog is never alone but simple tasks like picking the dog poo up from the garden is a mission the baby is crying the, 3 year old wants to help!kidz & dogs are hard work

Answer 2

First, congrats on your upcoming arrival!!!

I would completely disagree with the person who said to get a mini or a toy dog. These dogs are not well suited to small children. They are frequently VERY needy, territorial, and breakable. They WILL not handle being forgotten once the baby arrives and it could create major issues for them.

I'm torn about getting another dog. While it's true that it may be able to keep the other dog company, if it's a needy dog, it could create more problems for you. And two dogs are 3 times the work. Simply adding a dog won't fix the first dog's need to get out and play.

Personally, I'd recommend setting up a schedule that you can stick to with your current dog. Make it so that you always give your dog alone time. I know that you'll be stretched thin with the baby, but it's imperative. Or, go out for walks each and every night. Your baby can be put in a stroller and you can make it 'family' time. It will also be good for you to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors a little bit. If you need a break, hire a neighborhood kid (a responsible one) to walk the dog twice a week. You can do it the other 5 days, but paying a kid $5 to walk your dog will be a great deal for both of you. : )

I hope this helps! : )

Answer 3

As a breeder, this is the recommendation I give prospective puppy owners -

If you are expecting, & WANT to get a dog for the purpose of having a dog, it is best to bring the puppy home months in advance of the baby. This allows the dog a chance to settle in with the family, go through its housetraining & obediance work & become a member of the household before you are preoccupied with a baby

If you are looking to bring in another dog to be a playmate to an existing dog, it should be because you want another dog. Dogs are not the same as cats (many cat owners & shelters recommend using the buddy system and getting 2 to keep each other company).

While it is true that dogs are pack animals, & another dog is always a welcome companion, it doesnt guarantee they will exercise each other and keep each other out of trouble.

Dogs need attention & affection from their owners as well. (I have 3 Rhodesian Ridgebacks, & now that they are adults, when I let them out in our spacious backyard, they sit together & sleep, they don't wear each other out all the time)

If you are truly worried about the exercise that your current dog is receiving, look into bringing a dog-walker a few days a week, or readjusting your schedule to make sure the dog has a chance to get out.

Healers are very energetic dogs, so while he is inside (perhaps due to rain), set up some games, such as tossing a ball down the stairs for 15 min for him to fetch & bring back to you...

Good luck, may you have a wonderful baby, & if you decide that there are positive reasons for bringing in another dog to your household, please do so earlier than later to help the dog get adjusted before the baby arrives.

Answer 4

I dont think it's a good idea...
Firstly is the among of attention for the dogs and cares.
Another thing is, i have seen friend who's baby is allergies to the dog fur and stuff and in the end their dog have to give away...
So i will recommend that maybe when your baby have come and maybe after 1-2years then consider of another dog...if not it's not very fair to the dog at home and the new dog actually...do take it into consideration...
Dogs are like baby...need plenty of care and attention to...=)

Answer 5

your wife is right. you have to be able to give sufficient time to your dogs. with another baby on the way (congratulations!) and you already have a time crunch, i don't think getting another dog would solve that problem. take care of the one you do have.

enjoy the new baby. love your dog

Answer 6

OK both reasons are good.. great actually. It is a great idea for you to get another dog for him to keep ocupied with. But then, if you do you would have to get him very soon, if you wait for even a month longer, then the dog will not be settled in yet. I say get one within the next two weeks-they will keep eachother busy and play so they wont get boared. But make sure that you dont get a very small puppy-or else you will have to train, house brake etc.

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Answer 7

Your wife is right. Don't get another dog. The baby will change your life, especially if he/she will be your first child.

Answer 8

It can happen, depends on how much time you are willing to dedicate to your animals. your baby, of course, will come first. But remember, just as with a child, you brought the dog into your house by your choice, not theirs.

Answer 9

I wouldn't suggest getting another dog if you haven't the time to tend to the one you have,as you're going to to have less time then what you have now when the baby is born.

Answer 10

No, the dog will eat the baby