01/12/2024
Thinking About Getting a Puppy for Your Child? Here’s What You Need to Know
A puppy under the tree sounds like the perfect Christmas gift for your child, but before you bring one home, take a moment to think about the realities of raising a dog. While the excitement might be high at first, the long-term responsibility often falls on the parents, not the kids.
Here are some key questions to ask yourself before making the decision:
🎄1. How much training will I have to do?
Realistically, you’ll need to attend training classes with your puppy from about 10 weeks old up until they’re 18 months if you want a well-behaved adult dog. Training is not a short-term task—it’s a long-term commitment.
🎄2. How often will I have to train my puppy?
Training doesn’t just happen in a class once a week. You’ll need to reinforce what you’ve learned at home at least three to four times a week to see results and build consistent behavior.
🎄3. Do I need training classes?
Yes! Even if you think you’re good at training dogs, skipping classes is often a mistake. Professional dog trainers see the fallout from people trying to train on their own without proper guidance—it can lead to bad habits and behavior issues that are hard to fix
🎄4. What breed should I get?
If you’ve considered the warnings and still feel ready to commit, talk to a professional dog trainer before deciding on a breed. Most trainers are happy to offer advice for free and can guide you to a breed that matches your family’s lifestyle. They may even help you source a responsible breeder to ensure you make the right choice.
💪Important note: Avoid selecting a puppy bred from working lines (e.g., herding, guarding, or hunting dogs). These dogs are bred for high energy, intelligence, and drive, which makes them a terrible fit for a pet home. Without the constant stimulation and challenges they need, they can become destructive, unhappy, and difficult to manage.
🎄5. Will raising my puppy in a certain way guarantee they’ll be happy, obedient, and sociable?
No, it doesn’t guarantee anything. Genetics, breed, and puppy selection play a huge role in temperament and behavior. Consistency in training and socialization is critical, but even then, there’s no 100% guarantee.
🎄6. Will the puppy get along with my kids?
Maybe? This is why using a professional can help with selection…Some breeds are genetically predisposed to behaviors like resource guarding, which can lead to issues around children if not handled correctly. Without proper knowledge and training, this can result in a dog that isn’t safe around kids.
🎄7. Should I crate-train my puppy?
Yes, crate training is highly advisable. It makes vet visits and travel less stressful for your dog and provides a safe space for them to relax. A crate also gives the puppy an area where they can escape from children when they need downtime.
🎄8. Will my puppy want to be with my kids all the time?
Maybe at first, but that’s not always healthy. Puppies and dogs need space and rest just like humans do. Teaching your kids to respect the dog’s boundaries is essential for a happy, safe relationship.
Final Thoughts
Bringing a puppy into your home is a major, lifelong commitment. If you’re considering this step, make sure you’re fully prepared for the responsibility—not just in the short term but for the next 10–15 years. Remember, this isn’t just your child’s puppy—it’s your responsibility.
If you’ve carefully thought it through, consulted with a professional, and are ready to make the commitment, then great! But if there’s any hesitation, it’s okay to wait until the timing is right.
