New Owner...Need some advice

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

We took the plunge three weeks ago and got an 8 week (now 11 week) golden doodle puppy. 

We are at the stage of OMG what did we do.

With kids at home and one still in diapers, we may have jumped into this too soon. I understand that its a puppy. and after 11 weeks, it will pretty much do anything for treats, but nevertheless I am having some anxiety over what kind of commitment this will be and the toll it will take on our family.

The problem is I am thinking about the negative and not the positive and that alone tells me we may have made the wrong decision.

I have imagined our life without the dog, and I would feel bad but would get over it. With the dog I only worry about what that means for the future, boarding it while on vacation, having friends and family over who are afraid of dogs and don't want to see it, the barking, all the negative stuff.

We always said we wanted a dog but now I am the only one who really thinks, this is too much and maybe theres a family better equipped for this.

I am crazy? Is this just a puppy stage thing? How do we know when we need to cut our losses and move on. 

[Amy and Annabelle]

Yes, you did the right thing. I'm glad you found the puppy a good home.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

You seemed a bit overwhelmed by the puppy stage and having young children. How many are there?  Are they old enough to help with the puppy chores.If you are having to handle yet another thing to take care of and the children are young, then it just might be too much too soon and either an older dog as suggested or waiting until the children are older and can participate in taking him out, feeding, clean up, etc.

But there is still the vacations, and barking and guests. All very real concerns and something we deal with all the time. Dogs are a life changer, as are children.  But they are also a part of the family and just like you adjust to accomodating children on vacations, the noise they make and certainly having them around when guests are in their home, then you will have to adjust to the dogs needs as well.  If this is just too much to deal with and you are certain this will only get worse, not better, for your family, then he needs to go back to the breeder soon.   Tough choice, but only you and your family can make it. Just know the "OMG, WHAT HAVE WE DONE?" feeling goes away. But that may take several more months.  Good luck

[Nancy]

Although I'm certain it was a very difficult decision for you to make, I believe you did the right thing and I commend you for that.  Thank you for listening and wishing the best for your family