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.
2006-11-04 07:12:20 · 9 answers · asked by Kirk H 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Your wife is TOTALLY right. My husband and I doted on our pet before our daughter was born...the instant she was born, we no longer had time for our pet...puppies need so much attention and love, you guys will be SO drained physically and emotionally from the baby that you will have absolutely NOTHING left over for a puppy, let alone the older dog that you already have. Wait until after the baby is a bit older (maybe after the first six months), if you still want another dog, then get one then. You don't want to bite more off than you can chew. Having a newborn is a very stressful and exhausting time. I wouldnt bring a new puppy into the mix to complicate the transition further. Good luck and congrats on the new baby!
2006-11-04 11:23:21 · answer #1 · answered by dixiechic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well first having 2 dogs is a lot harder than one. I have 2 rotts and they love to jump and play. I don't know what kind (or size) dogs you have but keep in mind they can act differently to a new person in the family. Personally I would wait till after the baby is born to get another dog especially if you don't have enough time to play with the one you already have. This cuts out having resentment from the dog and possible attacks.
2006-11-04 08:09:33 · answer #2 · answered by klickie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband and I had the same problem. we have a spoiled rotton dog, Zoe, who was our child. When I found out we were having a baby I was concerned that she would be lonely. We decided to get another dog. They are both girls and the 2nd dog is smaller than her. I still wanted her to feel like she was head of the house..lol It couldn't of been a better idea!! Zoe and Lil' Bit couldn't get along better. We got Lil' Bit at 6 weeks when Zoe was a year. Zoe acted like she was her own baby and looks out for her. Just make sure when the baby comes that you still give some attention to the dogs.
My advice to you tho.. Puppies tend to tear things up, so if you decide to get another dog get it early in the pregnancy so you're not dealing with potty training and cleaning up after a puppy and a baby at the same time!!!
Good luck!
2006-11-04 12:06:32 · answer #3 · answered by bunnyt1604 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with your wife. My fiance and I finally agreed that it would be better for our English Bulldog to give him a better home. He doesn't get as much attention as he deserves now because of our hectic schedule. We found him a good home. I know it seems hard but you must realize that your dog is going to be neglected even more once your new child arrives because all your attention is going to be on your child and your wife. Make sure you spend time with your dog and make time for him after the baby arrives because he'll probably become jealous and might even start doing some bad habits that you wouldn't like(pottying in the house, chewing up things, barking, etc.). Congratulations!
2006-11-04 07:27:27 · answer #4 · answered by a1dermommy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We got a pup when my son was about 4mo old. The puppy chewed toys, the baby could never be on the floor for tummy time, it whined at night and was such a huge hassle. Not to mention accidents on the floor.
I suggest you wait until your child is at least WALKING before adding a puppy to the mix. Your wife will be home alone with two kids having to take two dogs out constantly. It will a huge burden on her.
2006-11-04 08:50:18 · answer #5 · answered by iampatsajak 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your wife is right, another dog wont make your dog feel like he's being loved by you. What if your current dog doesn't get along with the new dog? What if the new dog isn't trained well and harms the baby? you have to think about this stuff.
2006-11-04 07:16:39 · answer #6 · answered by Ally 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your wife is right, however when the baby comes she can put the baby in the stroller and take both the baby AND the dog for walks, dogs LOVE showing off their kids and the fresh air/exercise will benefit both her and the dog
2006-11-04 07:26:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have the budget for hired help ? Another dog and a newborn ? As long as you can afford the help so the neglect issue isn't . . . go for it !
ps: wife will be on overload with the baby and need extra help from you, wife does NOT count as hired help.
2006-11-04 07:16:56 · answer #8 · answered by kate 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would say defiantly not. by the time the baby comes along, you puppy will still be very young and neither you or your wife need the stress of a puppy and a newborn
2006-11-04 07:41:32 · answer #9 · answered by ♥sweet♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋