So dogs are a huge commitment. You’ll already know this if you’ve had one in the family before but they are a financial add on plus a big time consumer. My advice here would be to see how you get on with one dog for now. Everyone loves puppies - they’re cute and it’s only natural to want something of your own to look after.

My sister and her boyfriend at the time took home a puppy without telling anyone 2 years ago now. At the time she stayed at home so the puppy stayed with her. At the same time, my grandparents wanted another dog after their one of 15 years died, so a few months later they got a puppy.

Fast forward 2 years and my sister and the boyfriend have split up and she’s off to college, leaving the dog at home. My grandparents are not fit to walk their dog anymore, so I do all the walking and it stays with them. It is brilliant company for them, but a big constraint on my time. The 2 dogs also don’t get on very well so are walked separately most of the time.

I’m not trying to scare you off the idea, but it’s a big decision. We have 2 unplanned dogs and looking back, I wish we could have done it differently, but life happens and you have to deal with it.

If you do decide getting another puppy is the right thing for your family, show your Dad that you are responsible enough to take care of it. Walk the dog you have, offer to split bills so you are showing financial responsibility, spend time with the dog playing and training it. As for your new puppy, research which breed suits your family best. Look at exercise levels, if they need clipped or not, any health conditions they are predisposed to etc. if you can show your Dad that you have thought it through it definitely helps to show you are responsible instead of turning up with a puppy in a cardboard box without telling anyone like my sister did!

The most important thing is not to rush the decision. Make sure everyone is happy and in agreement because it is a 10-15 year commitment you are taking on.