Should I get a dog as a single mom?

I became a single mom when my daughter was 6 weeks and she is almost 7 months now. I had a dog prior to her being born. I find it very difficult juggling it all and I feel guilty when I can’t give all the Attention

@Lauren I’m also thinking of moving in with a friend in the next few months who offered to help out since she has also been wanting a dog. But idk I just feel off about getting one bc one minute I really want one then the next I’m stressed about it and feel guilty and tired

Are you financially stable? A typical round of shots is about $200 each year where I’m at plus $136-$200 in dog food each year.

@Lexi I am financially stable but I’m also a little stingy with my money just bc that’s how I grew up but definitely stable which I think is why I’m also a little uncomfortable bc making big life committing purchases are always a little nerve wrecking

I would look at adopting a retired dog, there is so many looking for homes you could even foster to adopt one to make sure it’s the right match? Puppies are a lot of work and a lot of senior dogs looking for homes are already trained and socialised with kids, don’t need a lot of exercise just somewhere warm to snuggle up and some attention! they’re just up for adoption due to owners passing away/ too old to do the job they had etc, retired greyhounds are also great pets :)

I’ve had 3 dogs in my adult life, one adopted as a adolescent (8 months) I don’t recommend this at all as it’s so hard to untrain bad habits and it’s taken a lot of work and a lot of time to get her where she is, one as a puppy, she’s great and trained to fit my lifestyle but still a LOT of work and one as a 10 year old who used to live on the streets with his homeless owner, best and easiest dog I’ve ever had, very well socialised, barely any work, actually helped me with my other dogs and just a little snug bug who wanted to chill by the heater, his lovely old owner adored him but knew living outside at that age wasn’t good for him and wanted him to retire in comfort :)

Honestly I have a dog and an 8 month old! I had the dog long before I has my son and I feel bad that I don't give my dog as much attention as I used to. Sometimes I'm busy with my son that I forget to feed my dog until the end of the night when he's licking his empty food bowl. I'm terrible dog mom! If you get a dog seriously think about it from both sides.

@francesca no you are not. You are trying your best!🩷🩷🩷🩷

I really want a dog but I remind myself of the walking, attention needed, and expenses to make sure it has a good life. With all of that, considered ive made it my goal to buy a house with a big yard and be in a position financially to have it be in doggy daycare while I work and get it professionally trained to work well with my son and I. I also would want them to grow up together and my son to be able to be involved in the responsibilities. My son is 3 now so realistically it probably wont be able to happen until hes around 7 which is a great age! I envision looking out of the window and watching my son play with my future partner and the two dobermans we have outside. Make it a goal, not a mission for now ❤️

I say if you do decide to get one, adopt an older dog. Not only are there’s so many looking for homes, but i like to say they’re typically better especially in a new home with a newborn. Just make sure the dog can do well with kids. I had rescued 2 dogs who were 8+ years and they were the best, if not, my favorite dogs ever. They wanted so badly to stay with me and my family that they were perfect angels. They had their trauma which I was patient with. At that time I had a partner who had a 5 y.o girl and we all lived happy tg for almost 3 years. They stayed w my ex when I left him for personal reasons and since got 2 other dogs of my own but my dogs are 4(already trained). I feel like bringing a new dog(under 3/4 years) is a lot of work in addition to a LO, not to mention the financial strain if you’re not stable. Because of the attention, training and balance of caring for both. But this is just my input. I’m happy that the dogs who healed me will be my child’s childhood pets.

@Brianna wow that’s some strength you have😅😅 I’ve been trying so hard but everyone around me is telling me to get a dog but also they are either not parents or bit single parents so no one understands my what it feels like and how hard it is to be a single mom besides everyone on here

Thats exactly how it is for me - people that dont understand well.. dont understand 😂 at the end of the day, just like with having children, dont allow people to influence your decisions that wont have to deal with the physical or financial demands of it!

I have one. It’s so hard

I think a dog could be good, but my advice is don’t get a puppy. If you can get a dog that’s 2+ they will be a lot less destructive (especially if they are potty trained, but even if not you don’t have to deal with torn up literally everything and a 7 month old at the same time).

I have a 1 year old and a dog who is 3, and totally understand the urge to have a dog! However as others have said, its so hard juggling all of the responsibilities and time- especially with a new dog who will need extra patience as they settle in. My daughter loves tipping over his water bowl, eating his food and tries to pull his ears (which I always try to catch before it happens). Its honestly just hard work in an already challenging situation, hard to give them all attention. Why not try dog sharing to start with? Or borrowmydoggy? Could see how it goes and make up your mind?

You could always try fostering an older dog, that has back history of being good with kids. Play it by ear !

I have a 20 month old son and 2 dogs. One of my dogs is 4, so was here before my son was born and the other is a puppy that’s now only 5 months. It’s hard juggling it all by myself, but I prioritise time for them all. The two dogs play with each other in the day and when my son goes to bed, I get to play and cuddle them in the evenings. They helped me through so much loneliness and hard times that I couldn’t picture my life without them. My son also absolutely adores them and it’s incredible watching them all grow up together! I know I don’t give them all of my attention all the time because of my son, I’m not perfect but they seem to understand. They are patient with me and honestly it’s the best decision I have ever made in my life getting them. It’s not easy, but I never thought it would be. I make time to still make sure I do things with/for them. The puppy is harder than the older one, she still pees in the house, chews things etc. but it’s still the best decision I made x