How do I know if our "only" GSD can accept a puppy?

[Scarlettsmom]

I'm certain this has been asked before. My husband is really putting the squeeze on me to get another GSD...a puppy to boot. I am so not on board with this idea.

First, how do I know Scarlett could handle one? We've had puppies in the house before and other than being a little rough (owing to the tremendous size difference), she showed no aggression. But these were short, few hour visits...not a lifetime.

Scarlett is REALLY attached to us. Will she have "issues" with a puppy in the house?

Secondly, How do I juggle a puppy's needs AND a job and Scarlett's needs by myself? Did I mention my husband is about to deploy for 8 months?? It's like having babies all over again. I didn't like being left to care for them alone either. I realize a puppy will grow up faster, but I dread, D R E A D that landshark, chew up my stuff phase.

I REALLY don't want a puppy. I know I am the adult here and I can say no, but I want AMMUNITION to say NO with...does that make sense?

I have no time for training now, don't want Scarlett to hate us, I don't want to clean up after a puppy, don't want my stuff destroyed, don't want to deal with a crate...blah blah blah...

I know you guys have faced similar issues. Either help me say OK honey, let's do it...OR help me shut this off before we end up with one.

I'm not an evil person for not wanting a puppy...I just don't want one NOW.

[paulag1955]

Wouldn't he rather wait and get a puppy when he's back home to enjoy the puppy phase? If the timing is wrong for you, and you're the one who will bear the brunt of dealing with the puppy, that should be reason enough.

[LaRen616]

I think he should respect your decision to not get one at this time especially because he is going to be gone for 8 months. Tell him you dont want to be alone raising 2 dogs by yourself, ask him if he can wait until he gets back to get another puppy.

I enjoy having 2 dogs. Sinny is my baby and was spoiled rotten by me, but we both enjoy having Malice around. Yes she can be an annoying puppy but it's nice to have different personalities. She can play and run longer, she likes to cuddle more than he does and she seems like she will be the one to fear if ever there were an inturder. They play together and lay together, Sin loves me but he also loves his little sister.

[Bismarck]

getting a puppy now is just the wrong time. that can't be said any more simply.
he won't be there to assist you in the multiple issues that come with having a puppy.

just say no, not until you return.

[Emoore]

This isn't exactly the same thing, but in the rescue group, we absolutely will not adopt to homes where everyone is not 100% on board with adopting a dog. If you don't have a fence we can work with you, if you live in an apartment we can work with you, if you have small children at home we will work with you; having a family member who isn't into the idea of getting a dog is one of the very very few things that will 100% preclude you from qualifying for adoption. It's just a really bad idea to bring a dog or puppy into a home where someone doesn't want a dog or puppy. You shouldn't get a puppy unless you're both on board.

It is entirely possible that your older dog will sense your feelings about the puppy and mirror those feelings.

[BlackGSD]

Just say no!

You DON'T want to mess with a puppy. But you will be happy to discuss getting a puppy when he RETURNS.

[doggiedad]

1>>>> Scarlett was ok with the other pups so
she's probably ok with a pup.

2>>>> don't get a pup. you have ammunition and
a loaded gun with your feelings/reasons. wait
untill your husband comes home and then get
a pup so he can share in the responsibility.

Originally Posted by Scarlettsmom

1>>>> First, how do I know Scarlett could handle one?

2>>>> I REALLY don't want a puppy. I know I am the adult here and I can say no, but I want AMMUNITION to say NO with...does that make sense?

I have no time for training now, don't want Scarlett to hate us, I don't want to clean up after a puppy, don't want my stuff destroyed, don't want to deal with a crate...blah blah blah...

I