Should we.....

[rhoward]

get another pooch? Would it benefit Sadie to have a playmate? What breed would be ideal for her? What breed would not?

With the baby arriving in October, my school, the kid's school and life in general, I was thinking it might be a good idea to add one more to the mix and call it a day.

What say you?

 

[Jeannie]

Another newf? You cannot have just one!!

I know my saints mix well with the newfs if you want a different breed.

 

[lotus]

get another pooch? Would it benefit Sadie to have a playmate? What breed would be ideal for her? What breed would not?

With the baby arriving in October, my school, the kid's school and life in general, I was thinking it might be a good idea to add one more to the mix and call it a day.

What say you?

Id say wait til after the baby arrives....wait a few more months for your lives to settle into the routine of adding a new baby and hormones to balance out....THEN ASK YOUR WIFE if she is ready...if she says yeah...go for it..Happy wife..happy life.CONGRATULATIONS ON THE NEW BABY..I miss that smell

 

[rhoward]

I like the idea of another newf. Perhaps a male from a breeder in the area would do the trick. Or, a pooch that doesn't drool as much! As far as Rosa goes she is game for anything. We are not in a rush so we will be taking our time to make this decision.

 

[sara722003]

Yes, I agree with the poster above. Always best to get into the rhythm with your kids, and that can indeed take quite awhile. Just to be fair to dogs. You will be totally preoccupied...as well you must. Give it a couple of years. Your love for dogs will NOT die. It will grow as you get older, and you will be MORE committed to them. Trust me.

 

[BoundlessNewfs]

Honestly, I think you'd do better to wait until after the baby arrives....and maybe consider getting an adult rescue, so you aren't so taxed, time-wise, with TWO babies in the house. Proper puppy training takes a lot of time, patience, and energy. If you're already sleep-deprived with a new human baby, I don't see how you can give enough of yourself to the new pup. Just my opinion, though. You guys know what you can handle.

 

[ardeagold]

I agree...wait for the baby. Puppies and babies are a handful at one time. And then consider a Newf, or a Golden. However, I honestly don't recommend "some" Goldens around toddlers. I think they're best for children over the age of 6. But they're GREAT with Newfs.

 

[DAWNMERIE]

All I'm saying is life changes, with a child on the way do you really think you have the time for 2 Newfs? With Vin's daughter and the grandson moved out, I've actually started getting back into things....I feel bad that I haven't taken the time I think I needed with them and I look forward to getting back into the swing of things but I do feel like I have neglected my responsibilities. (maybe I'm crazy, cause I certainly feel like I am at this point in my life) But honestly, think about it....do/will you have the time?

You are the judge of what time you have, my thoughts are really think about it and make sure you can give your all, to any choice you make. Don't get me wrong....I grew up with 5 dogs in my house and no major issues but think of what you can give and if you feel you can give more of yourself...then go for it!

 

[rayt]

We lost 2 dogs while I was pregnant, got Haley when I was 9 months pregnant and then lost our Simone shortly after my baby was born. When we first thought about getting another dog, Haley seemed somewhat spooked (she kept her distance (which was odd) and moped around after we met another dog that we considered adopting). I think she was adjusting to life with us and the new baby (as we also were). She was and remains very protective of the kids. The new baby is also a HUGE change for our furkids (maybe even more so with our newfs who seem to take on a certain responsibility). Now (2 plus years later) that she has taken on the role of "Queen Nanny," she seems much more confident and excited to add another (furry) member to our family. I'm really glad that I gave her the time to establish that role. Good luck with your decision and the arrival of your baby. I imagine you will enjoy watching Sadie bond with your baby (and maybe even more so without the distraction of a new puppy). We are looking forward to the many pictures and movies!

 

[rhoward]

All good points. I am just worried that Sadie may not get enough attention when the baby arrives. Her and I have formed such an incredible bond. Sadie looks at me with those big brown eyes with such adoration. Once she has been spayed can participate in doggy camp at The Barkley. She loves that place. Thanks for all the feedback.

 

[rayt]

All good points. I am just worried that Sadie may not get enough attention when the baby arrives. Her and I have formed such an incredible bond. Sadie looks at me with those big brown eyes with such adoration. Once she has been spayed can participate in doggy camp at The Barkley. She loves that place. Thanks for all the feedback.

She won't get the same amount of attention, but if you get another pooch, she may get even less. She'll still adore you and you and Rosa can figure out how to incorporate her in your new activities. There is NOTHING like a newf and a new baby!

 

[YorkvilleNewfie]

Having gone through having a young puppy Newf and a newborn at the same time, I wouldn't recommend it. Don't get me wrong, I don't regret getting Mila; but it was extremely difficult (though Mila is my first dog and Rowan my first child) and I wouldn't do it again. Mila did get less attention, without a doubt, and as a result was never where she *should* have been with regards to socialization and training. (I was going to try to play catch up in that department this spring/summer, but Mila's TPLO kind of threw a monkey wrench in that plan.)

Sadie is at a good place. She's maturing nicely, she's excelling in her training. With your support and the support of your son, she will weather the coming storm just fine! Also, if my experience is any indicator, the baby will enthrall Sadie and become a friend to her from day one. Really. Also, doggy daycare and dog walkers are a godsend!!!

 

[hemingway]

whatever you do...don't have a puppy and a baby at the same time. the puppy will inevitably get the short end of the stick and you'll have to deal with behavioral issues as result. i see it all the time!

 

[Blacknewfs]

I think you already know the answer, otherwise you would not have asked.

Edited to add, since this comment may need clarification: From a rescue perspective, if you applied to adopt from us, I would not approve you at this time. Revisit the idea in 5 years.
Congratulations on your upcoming baby!

 

[Windancer]

When you are ready...another newf for sure !

 

[OurnewfDarwin]

Not dogs... but when I was 6 months pregnant we lost our cat to feline leukemia that didn't even show up in the autopsy until they removed her liver. It was absolutely heartbreaking. I went to a no-kill shelter and started looking at new kitties to keep Mr. Kitty company. The lady there told me it was a bad idea, and implored me to come back once the baby was born and things had settled down. I didn't listen.

The cat was high high high energy. He was destructive and he was a biter. When Arden was 5 days old, he kept everyone up all night destroying the house, tearing up paper towels, and toilet paper, pulling speakers off shelves--and tearing up my husband's hand (blood everywhere!). I was in tears, trying to deal with all of this--with a newborn. I tried to convince myself that I could play with him more, find a way to discourage the biting. In the end, though, we took him back. It wasn't fair to anyone. Luckily it was a no-kill shelter that keeps cats for life if they're not adopted.

Wait until the baby comes, find some balance in your new, larger family--then get another pet.

 

[rhoward]

I think you already know the answer, otherwise you would not have asked.

Edited to add, since this comment may need clarification: From a rescue perspective, if you applied to adopt from us, I would not approve you at this time. Revisit the idea in 5 years.
Congratulations on your upcoming baby!

Yikes! And the gloves come off. LOL

Just to clarify, I only asked the opinion of this forum, like many do, for feedback on a decision I am contemplating. Telling me that I already know the answer is naive and presumptuous. If I were looking for a rescue I would have so stated. I am not. That is a personal choice. If everybody only had rescues that would mean no more newfies were being born. A bit dramatic I understand but perhaps some merit can be taken from the point. Since I have not considered adopting from you I can only hope you take comfort in filling out less paperwork, knowing that you might have missed out on an opportunity in giving one of your pooches a fantastic, loving home where it's wellbeing would have been well worth the attempt to practice a little more understanding.

Thanks for the congratulations on the baby. We are extremely excited to see the interaction of Sadie and our new family member in October.

Cheers!

 

[rhoward]

Thanks everyone for your feedback. It was good to hear your experiences. I have talked to Rosa and we both feel it is in everyone's interest to wait a 4-6 months after the baby before we add another newfie. Could we do it now, absolutely. This gives us time to find reputable breeders and enjoy that process. We owe it to ourselves and we owe it to Sadie. She is so bitch'n! We love her so much.

 

[DAWNMERIE]

If/when your going to add, you know I think 2 Newfs would be a perfect fit. Do it when your ready!

 

[Murphy]

Yikes! And the gloves come off. LOL

Just to clarify, I only asked the opinion of this forum, like many do, for feedback on a decision I am contemplating. Telling me that I already know the answer is naive and presumptuous. If I were looking for a rescue I would have so stated. I am not. That is a personal choice. If everybody only had rescues that would mean no more newfies were being born. A bit dramatic I understand but perhaps some merit can be taken from the point. Since I have not considered adopting from you I can only hope you take comfort in filling out less paperwork, knowing that you might have missed out on an opportunity in giving one of your pooches a fantastic, loving home where it's wellbeing would have been well worth the attempt to practice a little more understanding.

Thanks for the congratulations on the baby. We are extremely excited to see the interaction of Sadie and our new family member in October.

Cheers!

You may be interested in knowing that many dogs surrendered to rescue come from families that introduced pups into their home at the same time as a baby. When they don't have time for both the pup gets the boot. Rescue see's this all the time which is why Blacknewfs responded you your post.

You have been given good advise and no matter what your reasons were to ask the question, your response to Blacknewfs is totally inappropriate. If you had any idea of the immeasurable sacrifices she has made for our beloved rescues, you would apologize for your remarks.