LAST EDITED ON 04-30-13 AT 08:54 AM (EST)

A lot depends on the puppy, and a labeagle may not be the fastest to train. Labs can be high energy and beagles tend to be independent so it really depends on how much effort goes into things from day one. Do you have puppy classes in the area you can make them go to and take the puppy to?

My question. In terms of percentage how much of puppy care will husband do, kid 1, kid 2, kid 3, and kid some of the time?

See, if they will be in total responsible for 150-200% of the care I would let them get the puppy. I hate the over 100% but basically you want each one responsible for enough that they are back ups for each other. so if kid 1 can't feed the puppy on Weds someone other than you is the 1st back up and 2nd back up.

If they expect you to do all the feeding, cleaning up and training I would say no way in heck, you don't need one more responsibility dumped on you.

The problem is putting your foot down when they don't do anything that the puppy must be re-homed. If it is extremely clear up front and maybe even make them find someone who would be the back up home it would go to before it ever gets in the house...but there will be a fuss when the dog goes.

A lot depends on the family dynamics. If they will really be the primary care it likely would be OK. If they are clear we get the fun and Mom is the only one that gets all the work, then NO.

And you know they are getting that puppy anyway, don't you? But if you can mitigate the damage before they just bring it home it may save you some grief later on.

ETA: Time frame. Either right now so a lot of work can be set up and put in place before the baby comes, or when the new baby is old enough to be part of the puppy care in some real way.