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Thinking about getting a new puppy? Puppies are so much like toddlers!

So, for those of you with toddles who are thinking about getting a puppy, here is a little something for you to think about…

I have many parents of young kids telling me how badly they want to get a puppy. But as soon as I tell them that looking after a puppy is like having another toddler in the house, they often think twice. I don’t want to scare people off from getting a dog, that’s the last thing I want to do. However, I am very mindful of being open and honest about the amount of work a new puppy takes. People need to be aware of this before making the commitment, rather than realising they can’t manage and then the puppy ends up in a shelter. So before making the big decision have a read below and make sure to ask yourself – I have young kids, is now the right time to get a puppy?

My general recommendation is to wait until your youngest child is around 4.5-5 years old before getting a puppy. This way, the whole family can get on board with training the puppy and the responsibilities that come with owning a new dog. Plus a child of this age, is more predictable and able to listen to instructions and therefore engage safely with the new puppy/dog. For more in this – check out this article –When is the right time to get your family dog?

A couple of months ago, I was seriously contemplating another puppy. My daughter Harper was just on 3, my little boy Paxton was 18 months and our dog Cooper is 5, so I thought it could be a good time. As a little test, I borrowed a family member’s new puppy while I had the kids at home to see how I’d go. I really thought I would be able to manage – boy was I wrong!  Like most puppies she was overly excitable, loved to chase the kids and nip them (puppies have razor blade sharp teeth), jump on them, steel their toys and their food. She was also toilet training, so I constantly had to take her outside to avoid accidents in the house. Plus, her and Cooper were playing like mad, to the point where they could have knocked over one of the kids and hurt them quite badly. Very quickly, I changed my mind and realised that now is definitely not the right time, in my chaotic world, to add another puppy in the mix.

I have young kids, is now the right time to get a puppy?
Cooper with puppy Sadie
I have young kids, is now the right time to get a puppy?
Harper with puppy Sadie

As I mentioned, a new puppy is much like a toddler, in fact the similarities are quite amazing and the combination of the two can be quite a handful. So, for those of you with toddles who are thinking about getting a puppy, here is a little something for you to think about…

TODDLER

PUPPY

Curious of everything, exploring the world, want to touch and feel everything and constantly putting things in their mouths Exactly the same! They especially love to put things in their mouths! You literally can’t leave anything lying around the house without the puppy wanting to play with it/chew it
Need to be toilet trained Also need to be toilet trained
Need to learn how to sleep through the night (well hopefully by toddler stage they are doing this, but not always) Just as you think you’ve gotten there with your toddler, your puppy might cry out throughout the night – especially on their first few nights. Be prepared
Teaching teaching teaching – as a parent, you are constantly teaching your toddler Training Training Training – from the second you bring them home the training must begin if you want a well-behaved dog. At times, having very young kids in the house can make this quite challenging and frustrating
Learning to walk Learning to walk on the lead – this doesn’t always come easy
Getting them to listen to you when you call them. Sometimes I wish my kids were as well trained as my dog at this Teaching them Recall (to come when called), also takes a lot of practice and is very important
Positive reinforcement works better than punishment Positive reinforcement also works better than punishment
The best company, endless love and affection (hmmmm not always) Also, the best company, endless love and affection and always happy to see you
Love to run around the house with food Love to steel food from small children
Will often run away if a puppy/dog tries to chase them They love to chase things that are moving
Constantly leaving toys and things all over the floor of the house Want to play with literally anything that is left on the floor. My tip for preventing your puppy destroying household items (shoes, socks, kids toys, etc) is to not leave them lying around…. Hmmmm not so easy with young kids
You are often housebound for toddler sleeps and having children does mean you are home more Puppies love company
Whinging, wining, tantrums! They don’t whinge and throw tantrums but barking can sometimes be a problem
You can’t leave them home alone You can leave them home alone
You should deal with them when they’re pissing you off You can put them outside if they’re annoying you
Whether your toddler is still in nappies or going to the toilet, you’re still most likely constantly cleaning poo! Someone needs to pick up the dog poo – and I’m guessing, it’s going to be you!

So, you’ve read everything over and even though you’re busting for a puppy you feel that it might not be the right time, don’t feel bad to wait it out a little longer. Give it one more year maybe. It’s hard work, and putting in the time for training is key in those early puppy days. Having your kids that little bit older so they can be involved and on board in the training process will make it that much easier. In the meantime, if you know which breed you want, you could put your name down on a few reputable breeders lists and just wait it out. It took us a year before we got Cooper after putting our name down on a few lists. Or start visiting some shelters and seeing if you would like to rescue an older dog perhaps and skip the puppy phase. But if you go down the rescue path, please make sure that you choose a dog that is great with children.

 

If you have decided that you’re up for the challenge, ready to put in the hard work then go for it. Along with the chaos, a new puppy is guaranteed to bring absolute pleasure and joy into your lives. Just remember that when bringing a puppy into the house, it is so important that all family members are on board with the training. Everyone needs to be consistent and doing the same thing so the puppy doesn’t get confused or get mixed messages which can lead to behavioural issues down the track.

I have young kids, is now the right time to get a puppy?
Hmmmm do i love puppies or my kids more??!!!

Whatever you decide, puppies are the best things ever. Puppies over babies, any day for me. I love them and honestly wish I could play with them all day long! Along with endless cuteness, they are hard work so hopefully this post has armed you with the information to make the best decision for you. 

If I have totally confused you now and you’re still unsure of what to do now, please send me an email or a message and I’d be happy to schedule a phone conversation and try and help you out with making the right decision for you and your family.

With Christmas just around the corner, I thought now was the perfect time for a post like this. Just remember, a puppy turns into a dog and a dog is for life (hopefully you will have your dog for 7-16 years depending on the breed). They should not just be a fun gift.

Mel xox

PS. Make sure to head to our SHOP if you haven’t already! Spoil yourself and your dog!!

Disclaimer: Cooper and Kids will not be liable for anything that happens to you, your dog or children by following the advice and tips in this article. If you have real concerns or worries about your dog and/or safety of your children, please seek out a professional to come and assess the situation asap.

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