Puppy and new baby?

Question

Is it hard to have a puppy and a newborn at the same time?
Some context, I’ve grown up around dogs, I’m trained and shown dogs for 12 years. I moved away for college and whatnot, after graduating, I took my personal dog away from my parents and retrained some of his bad behavior (thanks dad) and we lived happily together for 5 years. During this time I officially registered him as my ESA as I have chronic depression and anxiety. He’s already a volunteer service dog so had more training than most ESAs. 
He abruptly died in early February in a tragic accident, and I’ve never struggled so hard getting back on my feet. 
I’m currently 29 weeks pregnant, and really starting to struggle without an animal. I’m trying to talk my husband into getting another dog. Which obviously I would seriously train again. That being said, I’ve never experienced a puppy and a newborn at the same time, and I’m curious how much work/energy it would take and if someone can give advice?

Answer

We have had amazing luck rescuing dogs that are between 6 months and a year. Already house trained but young enough to be fun and be trained into what you want. Just another suggestion. We also foster a lot of dogs so are obviously pro rescue lol

Answer

I know babies and pets are two different things but I have twins and I’m up half of the time anyways always running around and doing stuff and I thought about getting another kitten as my kitten was also unexpectedly taken away from me at just 9 Months Old, and I think having to get up and down and train and such while taking care of my boys might be some work but I think I could do it. So id say if you have the energy and are up for it then go fir it! I just figure I take care of two at once, why can’t you take care of two too, just one being an animal? Lol

Answer

I personally feel like you should wait until baby is at least 4-6 months old and on a schedule. I tragically lost my dog of 14 years very unexpectedly  (spleen rupture) when my daughter was 2 months old. I got a puppy 6 months later and it was hard because to properly train them to go outside, they need to go frequently. If baby is nursing every 2-3 hours on demand, it's hard. Also, you'll need to leave the puppy with someone while you're in the hospital. If that's not an issue I'd get the puppy like NOW (though neither of my dogs were potty trained in just 8 or 9 weeks) otherwise wait until baby is on a good predictable schedule so you can juggle the 2.

Answer

For me, it would be very difficult, puppies are like toddlers and need constantly watched and let out and trained. But if you’ve been training dogs your whole life it may just be second nature to you.

Answer

Sooo here’s my situation... my husband had to leave for work overseas while I’ve been pregnant (still pregnant I’m 38+5). And so I really wanted a dog while he was gone because I don’t have much support here and I’ve grown up with depression. We ended up getting a puppy because we fell in love with him the second we saw him! My father used to do search and rescue and so I’ve grown up with dogs my entire life I helped train them as well so I knew I’d be able to train this one. Although puppy’s can be tough regardless of training—I’m so happy I have him. It’s been getting hard to move around in late pregnancy so I’ve been feeling guilty for not walking him as often but this pup  makes me laugh and has been the best companion while my husband is gone. He cuddles with me 24/7 and that saved me from depression. If your husband is around he can always help out with.. I don’t think it’ll be too much since you have the experience and you know what a dog can do for your mental health!

Answer

My husband got me a puppy for Christmas, (miniature schnauzer). I was due February 1st but had my daughter 1-27. Having a puppy while extremely pregnant has been harder than having a puppy + newborn. But he’s crate and potty trained, so when I need him to go to his cage he does that way I can get things done. But I remember waddling to take him outside and it was hectic 😂. After I had my daughter it was easy

Answer

Thanks everyone for all the advice!! I haven’t made a decision yet, but I definitely appreciate all the help.

Answer

I do not know how you could have time to seriously train a puppy while you have a newborn baby.
But if you can- more power to you!!
My suggestion would be to have the baby first- and then see how you feel with that reality fully in place.
Perhaps an older, calmer dog may suit you better!

Answer

Usually I say no to the idea,  but you sound like you know the work it takes and that you could really use the support. It's definitely hard work, but I think you can do it!

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If you want a puppy, better do so now because if you get one only a few weeks old, you're gonna be getting up often to feed and or take it to potty.. I kinda wish I would've waited til my son was a few months old to have a dog... I would've gotten a dog that was at least, a few months old.. it's hard dealing with really young pups, especially the deworming process.

Puppy and new baby?

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