How do you know if you're making the right choice?

[Annette4]

As is always the way, an opportunity has possibly come up to have our dream puppy and while I've registered interest I'm second guessing myself now.

I know both parents personally and love both their temperament and drive. They are likely to be the only litter these two have (and the bitches last litter) but it would mean we have 5 dogs.

As horrible as I feel saying it, Jack won't be around forever, I'm starting to see small changes (no longer cocking his leg, going wobbly on his back legs more frequently etc) which make me wonder how much longer he'll be here. We've given him a bloody good home for the last 6 months and he's got to do more than he ever did in his last home. I'm not willing to keep him going for the sake of it if he's struggling physically and I've said from the beginning to OH that I won't drag anything out for him.

We can afford 5 and can definitely afford 4 although pulling together the initial outlay will be tight but I can't help wonder if its the right choice. I am an overthinker and do worry about every big decision but I can't help but worry if it's the right choice. Of course, I might be worrying over nothing if there's no dog in the litter

 

[Errin Paddywack]

I would go for it. Sounds as though you could well be down to three before too much longer and you would be regretting not getting the pup then.

 

[druid]

If you have a specific breeding in mind and it's unlikely to be available again, take the chance.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

What would be the cons?
I honestly can't see any from what you have put in your OP.

 

[splashgirl45]

It’s meant to be if there is a dog in the litter … you only live once which is why at 76 I got a lurcher puppy. If I had my sensible head on I wouldn’t have got him but he was similar breeding to my first lurcher who was an angel. I do have a sister who is 15 years younger than me so know my dogs will have a good home if I pop off early but hopefully I will be around

 

[conkers]

If you can afford it, go for it. Sounds like you've put a lot more thought into it than most folk would so I can't see the down side.

 

[fankino04]

Doesn't seem like it's an opportunity that's going to come again any time soon so I'd go for it x

 

[Katieg123]

Go for it




And post puppy pictures

 

[Jenko109]

Yay. You're getting a puppy.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

If you have a specific breeding in mind and it's unlikely to be available again, take the chance.

What she (he?) says. I hate looking back and regretting not getting something (gentleman’s hunter with slight stringhalt for free, superb show cob because it was a mare, fabulous carved bed). Do it.

 

[Clodagh]

I’ve got 5 and times like this week when I’ve spent a fortune at the vets I gulp a bit. I also have to make sure I still give them all one to one time and kick my own butt out the door if I’m feeling lazy, training wise.
But on the whole it’s absolutely fine. If you have four you probably don’t have a life already, .

 

[Annette4]

Thanks all for the reassurance. It's now a waiting game to see if there is a boy for us.

But on the whole it’s absolutely fine. If you have four you probably don’t have a life already, .

That made me chuckle....I have a life, it just revolves around 4 dog sports and training

 

[Aru]

Once you have hit the 3-4 dog mark the extras really dont make as much of an impact on the general lifestyle anymore, the additional costs are usually the main concern.as long as you know that you have the time to take on a puppy why not? But I would say that...we are heading into puppy 4 and 5 territory in my house. It was ment to be only be 4, but sometimes life hands you the opportunity to have a very nice pup and life is to short to have regrets imo.