Kids are 2, 6 and 8.
Weve had a couple dogs in the past. One died years ago and the other passed last year. Ive been enjoying not having a dog. No shit to scoop, can shove the kids outside without worring about the stray lawn pickle.
My wifes worked at a vet clinic for the past 12+ years, hence the 4 cats and previous dogs.
The walk isn't just about using the bathroom. It's about bonding time, exercise, learning how to behave in the outside world and around strangers/other dogs. Kind of difficult to teach it these things at home unless you always have new people and pets coming over to your house. I don't want to hear any BS about the dog exercising itself, because it won't. I will accept that the OP might get a breed that doesn't need much exercise though.
Were you still talking about the wife, or did you switch back to the dog?
Having just gotten a puppy, I'll attest to this. You can't just "get and forget"... it requires CONSTANT attention, care, and training. It is indeed very stressful for me, and my only other commitment is to my girlfriend.