https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 17 May 2026 03:39:05 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-696151 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 11:23:43 +0000 Emsmems 696151@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I saw your update but was also going to say don't do it. I only have a dog (no kids) but when we got her as a 9 week old (I am also a sucker for puppies) a few friends told us they would rather have another newborn than a puppy. </p> <p>Also, labs are NOTORIOUS for eating EVERYTHING! My brother's ate his glasses, my friend's ate through their drywall.</p> <p>It's so hard to say no to them, but I think it's for the best he found his home! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-695995 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 09:48:47 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 695995@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Pink Champagne: DH and I would love a kitten but it would alienate my parents from visiting since my dad is allergic to cats. Not deathly but highly allergic. Besides, DH has a lot of antique furniture for little claws to shred. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-695957 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 09:32:40 +0000 Pink Champagne 695957@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was going to comment to encourage you to NOT adopt the puppy, but then I read your update. It is probably for the best. You can ALWAYS get a puppy. Plus, dogs are so high maintenance. Even the low maintenance ones are high maintenance. You have to constantly worry about whether they need to go out, which to me would be like having to worry about nursing another child- you can only leave it for so long, and then you have to let the dog out. And walk the dog. And play with the dog. And who will be doing that? Not your DH, since he will be working, and definitely not your children (yet). You. You, who is already running around after two kids, cleaning your house, making sure everyone is fed. You are already Superwoman! I know you say, "What's just one more thing?" But it's one more thing that I think would eventually drive you crazy. This isn't the same as something you could quit if it got to hard.<br /> You're stuck with the dog forever.<br /> This may be hard to hear, but I would wait until at least your older child is old enough to care for the dog, like 7-8? Until then, maybe get a kitten- they are way easy, they usually come litter box trained, and then you get your baby animal fix without much less added stress to your life :). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-695871 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 08:30:15 +0000 regberadaisy 695871@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NaturallyCathy: awe I'm so sorry! But perhaps it was for the best. Labs are a great family breed but they are so physical. My good friend has a almost 2 year old lab and he walks him 2-3 times a day, they rough house all the time and the dog still has tons of energy!!! I'm not sure at this point in your life you will have that kind of time. Dogs are so great for kids but its not like you don't have dogs.</p> <p>And I don't agree with the all x breeds have x traits etc. there was just a post on here where someone's dog got attacked by a lab who was normally very friendly and sweet natured.</p> <p>You wanted to make sure the lab went to a good home and now it did! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-695458 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 21:04:51 +0000 ninja 695458@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oops. Didn't see your update. Perhaps when the time is right, another puppy opportunity will come along! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-695456 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 21:03:21 +0000 ninja 695456@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have to agree with @MamaMoose: we have an old dog and a 5 month old, and it is exhausting to try to take care of both of them. The dog is like a puppy all over because she no longer alerts us that she has to pee, just finds a convenient rug. I know it tugs at your heart strings, but it's gotta be tough enough with two LOs without throwing a puppy in the mix right now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-695390 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:06:01 +0000 Dandelion 695390@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NaturallyCathy: aw well at least the decision was made for you. Once you're settled in you can do your research and figure out the best type of dog for your family :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-695381 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:03:06 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 695381@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Update: When DH got home, he informed me that the puppy had found its forever home. Call it hormones but this saddened me beyond measure. We sat on the couch and talked about it. To his credit, he had thought it would be a good idea for Henry's sake too and while he knew I could take care of all three, he said I shouldn't have to at this point. We aren't fully moved in yet, we're still settling in. If we were better established and the babies a bit older, he wouldn't have hesitated as much.</p> <p>At least he's warming up to the idea of a dog in the future... But I'm still a little sad. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694824 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:15:47 +0000 LovelyPlum 694824@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have a newborn, but if you have a fenced in yard, I'd be ALL IN. We've got a pointer, and she is amazing. She is in love with children, and labs are very similar in this way. Besides, they are smart, and they learn very quickly. With a little work, you can train the dog to respect baby's (or anyone's) space...it's much easier when they're young.</p> <p>Plus, it's spring! More excuse to go outside. If he found the puppy in November, that would be one thing. But with the nice weather, I think this is a huge check in the "plus" category.</p> <p>I'm def. on your side, but kudos to DH for being thoughtful :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694797 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:07:27 +0000 MrsH 694797@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd get the puppy. your are going to be up feeding anyways may as well let the puppy out at the same time :). Plus little guy needs a home and I'm a sucker for animals.</p> <p>Eta: we have two labs and they are great with little kids. Only one was hyper and grew out of it at 12 months. I'm happy to answer any puppy questions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694776 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:04:18 +0000 MrsBrewer 694776@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I personally would say no. We just got a chocolate lab puppy 2 months ago, and.....to be honest....it's been hell! I love our puppy to death and I would never dream of giving him up, he's very very active and needs soooo much attention. He's 5 months old right now, and is still soooo hyper! He jumps all over the place, and mouths/bites a lot still. We've been taking him to the trainer weekly, and it's helping very much, but it's a slow process!</p> <p>I could never imagine doing this with 2 little ones! (this is actually why we got our puppy now before we are TTC)</p> <p>This is just my opinion.....go back and read some of my posts about my puppy! Feel free to write on my wall! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694743 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:50:51 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 694743@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bump. I need more people trying to talk me out of this madness before DH gets home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694582 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:57:51 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 694582@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@katiew92081: Oh I was a yes from the start but I still needed to think about it from all angles. Just to be sure I was a yes.</p> <p>@Mrs. Champagne: Strangely enough, the barking would probably bother DH more than it would anyone else. DS is used to DD crying all the time, DD only notices other people's noise when it suits her (which isn't often, since DS cries a lot while she's crying), and I'm used to a lot of noise from both of them crying. That and my parent's last dog barked - and I mean deep bark - all the time when I was home living with them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694542 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:45:48 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 694542@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No kids and just got a puppy. It is wayyyy hard and actually slowed my baby fever a bit. He barked all night at first and they literally have to be watched 24/7 in order to be properly house trained.. Unless they are in their crate which usually equals barking! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694531 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:43:37 +0000 Dandelion 694531@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NaturallyCathy: Kinda sounds like you already are thinking yes on this, lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694521 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:42:02 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 694521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaMoose: If he chased the puppy all day, that would mean I wouldn't have to... right? It would be great exercise and experience in cause and effect! I'm sure of it!</p> <p>@Mrs. Cowgirl: Love? Covered. Haven't even seen it or met it and my heart cries out for it. Room? Definitely. We've got 2,500 plus square feet of house and a fenced in back yard, a park nearby, etc. Just have to convince my husband... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694504 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:38:44 +0000 Mrs. Cowgirl 694504@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>dooooo it!!! :) especially if you have a fenced in backyard! of course, i type this as my black lab mix is at my feet, so no bias or anything...;)</p> <p>no, but really, a dog is a lot a lot A LOT of work at times, but if you've got the space and love for it, i say go for it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694503 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:38:41 +0000 MamaMoose 694503@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NaturallyCathy: Nope. Don't do it! You know how curious your little guy is. You don't want to chase him chasing a puppy all day!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694488 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:35:04 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 694488@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaMoose: But but but... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694475 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:32:05 +0000 MamaMoose 694475@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do NOT, I repeat, Do NOT get the puppy!! For personal experience having a non-puppy dog and one newborn is exhausting enough!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694448 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:27:21 +0000 regberadaisy 694448@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Don't have time to elaborate now but we, too, come from a pet loving family. But I personally would not take on a puppy right now with ONE child turning 1 and our pup who is almost 6 years old. And my husband who grew up with animals all his life agrees. And for the record M absolutely LOVES her doggie, easily her 3rd favorite being in the universe. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694430 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:23:20 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 694430@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Meridian: I'm a SAHM. Yes, I have two babies and yes, it's been rough just adjusting to that but we're hitting a stride a month down the line and I think having a pet is a great thing for most families. Further down the line, besides being a companion for my kids, the dog can also act as an alarm system. A burglar deterrent. And were we to get the dog, I understand it would mostly be my responsibility. DH has never trained a puppy, let alone lived with a dog.</p> <p>@katiew92081: I think that's my mentality. Pack mentality. I already have two 'puppies', what's one more? What's one more screaming/howling mouth to feed? I mean, I already clean up poop and pee on a regular basis - what's another puddle or pile? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694414 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:18:26 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 694414@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Chillybear: The toddler is having the same problem - he doesn't understand boundaries or his own strength, especially when dealing with little sister. I worry more about bringing the puppy into that situation than I do the other way around. I know how fast dogs grow, although not a lab specifically. My father tended toward the German Shepherds because that was what he was used to on military bases. The last puppy he trained was a pound puppy, a few months old, and was a German Shepherd/Chow mix and -that- was a lot of work. So I've been there. </p> <p>Good idea with the crate training, I hadn't thought of that aspect. With our other dogs, we let them have free reign but with little ones, you're right, the dog needs its own safe place. </p> <p>@Amelieisme: Yeah, there would be some of that I know, especially at a puppy age but it's something that can be broken. And at least if we were to introduce the puppy, the kids are already established instead of the other way around - dog established, new LO. </p> <p>We probably will end up waiting but that's why I wanted to get some secondary feedback from others - really really think this out instead of just going with one decision or the other. It would be hard but no harder than raising a kid. At least for the most part, the dog won't talk back. Sure it'll be just as vengeful as a toddler when they aren't getting their way but that's to be expected. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694408 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:16:49 +0000 Dandelion 694408@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I totally would take the puppy...but we're a very animal oriented family, so another puppy for us wouldn't be a big deal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694397 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:13:19 +0000 Meridian 694397@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another vote for no... I can't imagine handling a puppy AND two babies!!</p> <p>My office-mate just got a brand new puppy, and I never see her anymore because she is totally living by the puppy's schedule. She is like, "what did I get myself intoooo...!!!" Luckily, we are both self-employed, so she doesn't have a 9 - 5 job, but she is like chained to the dog (which is really cute, of course!) And she also has 2 kids (ages 8 and 11) who technically are supposed to "help" with the puppy. but in the end, it's just all on my friend's shoulders. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694387 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:11:34 +0000 Amelieisme 694387@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm with @regberadaisy: No way! A puppy can be a LOT of trouble. I'm currently battling my 9 yo dog who has decided he must pee on all of LO's things though so consider your source of advice here. I'd wait until my babes were older. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694385 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:11:15 +0000 Chillybear 694385@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>make sure you research the breed and decide if a very active lab puppy is a good addition to your house hold. they grow big and they grow fast. theyre a fun loving breed and in adolescence have a hard time with boundaries and knowing they're own strength they can easily overwhelm a youngster if not carefully monitered and trained. Crate training is a great tool for houses with little ones it gives a safe place for dog to be if you cant keep 100% attention on them or if they need to retreat from a busy household. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694370 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:05:58 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 694370@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: I knew there would be a voice of reason out there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694366 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:05:29 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 694366@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@fussygal: I'm up every two hours at night, I think I can handle puppy training at night too. I mean, I already sleep in the guest room with DD or on the couch in the living room. It isn't as if the puppy would be lonely...</p> <p>Mine works on International and Cummins engines, although he sees the occasional x, y, or z. For example, he's been working on a motor coach on and off all week because before he switched to this job, he was a mechanic for tour buses. Prevosts mostly. He loves his job but it's funny to think of him as a mechanic - he's 5' 7" and weighs less than I do but is infinitely stronger than I will ever be! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/so-theres-this-puppy#post-694364 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:05:06 +0000 regberadaisy 694364@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hells to the no. I do not advise on taking on a puppy with a child + newborn. Wait until they're a bit older. </p>