Evening. for quite some time i've been thinking of getting a puppy (had dogs in the past) I was advised to do my research etc so i did but i think i've done too much and have totally over-thunk/thinked?? it to the extent that i feel quite panicky about it now! would anyone be willing for me to PM them with what's happened to see if they have any words of wisdom /magic wand available or even if they just then tell me it's best to forget the whole idea! i won't be offended! (well ok, maybe just a little bit but i'll get over it) thanks in advance
If the thought of a puppy scares you, could you look into rehoming an older dog? PS If "thunk" isn't a word, it should be
Ha yes it should be! Main reason for a puppy as opposed to an older dog.... I have grandchildren and while im aware all interaction must be supervised, there's more of an unknown quantity to an older dog. I'm not willing take the risk.
Puppies are hard work! I am on my third dog and had completely forgotten the amount of time and energy needed to raise a puppy properly. Have you thought about trying to rehome a guide dog that hasn’t made the grade. They have had a least a year of very good basic training. There are also several charities that rehome labradors. Going by your user name puppies and young grandchildren don’t always mix well either!
I think I totally under- thunk my decision to get my dog (grieving for old dog, totally naive about how bad behaviour could potentially be). It's worked out fine in the end, but was a very stressful first year. I like 5labs suggestion of getting an older dog - mine was 6 months old and at 'peak crazy' in terms of behaviour but was at least house trained and sleeping through the night. With patience and a bit of research you should be able to find a dog that fits in with your life and doesn't have insurmountable problems.
Thanks for the responses. I had thought aboit a slightly older dog but didn't want one much older than about 12-18 months and was unable to find any. Hadn't realised guide dogs may be an option so I'll check the site out. Thanks!
You did not say how old your grandchildren are, but IMHO very young children and puppies are not a very good mix. Lots of biting and chasing. Our 4 year old lab gets along very well with our 2 yr old Granddaughter, but it would not have worked so well when Cooper was less than 24 months. Our first Lab was a 4 year old rescue from a good situation, and she was great with kids. By going with an older dog you can see what they are really like when they grow up. With pups they will be a terror when they are young and you have only some control about how they will be when they grow up.
Thanks S-P. The youngest is 3 but tbh they aren't the issue, the anxiety had nothing to do with them. It's more me just having anxiety over any big life changes.
