There is a massive difference between a puppy and an adult dog. For a start an adult dog will generally be a lot calmer and considerably better trained than a new puppy. It should also be far more socialised and used to children. Obviously you should NEVER leave your dog unattended with a baby or young child, no matter how much trust you have in your four legged friend. In fact, it’s probably the dog I’d be most worried about- especially with a toddler! Dog’s will also tend to be much more placid- having grown out of the excitable puppy stage. Cooper for example is still very much in the puppy stage and he loves everyone and everything. My niece has just turned 2 and loves stroking him, but I have to keep hold of him at all times. He’s only doing what he would do to adults, i.e. giving his paw or jumping up. But obviously on a 2 year old, it could seriously hurt her.

 

Option 2, waiting a few years after having children to get a puppy. According to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, they recommend that you wait till your youngest turns five before getting a puppy. But added not to be delusional about them been able to help it’s upbringing in any way. Getting a puppy is basically adding another child into the house, so it makes sense to possibly wait until your children are more self sufficient before adding another dependent in the mix!

 

Personally, I feel more sorry for the puppy normally when I see young families with toddlers and a puppy. You literally have to watch them 24/7, even if the puppy doesn’t intentionally hurt them, they could easily knock a small child over. Also choosing an appropriate breed would be particularly important due to some breeds natural tendency to chase small animals- not calling your baby an animal, but in their eyes they’re the same thing!All of the trainers that I’ve spoken to have said that a pet peeve of theirs is when parents ring them up and go ‘my puppy bit my son on the nose!’… the answer been, ‘why was your sons nose anywhere near your puppy’s face?!’ 

 

Puppy’s are babies themselves and they’re going to get scared just as children do, so if your children are not at an age where they can understand the right and wrong way to act around a puppy, it maybe best to hold off until they can understand it a bit more.Puppy biting is also a big issue. I’ve seen kids even up to the age of 9 or 10 balling their eyes out where their puppy has bitten them while playing. Just like how puppy’s can’t understand that it’s wrong to bite, sometimes children don’t understand that they’re not biting to harm. I’m sure it works for some people to do both at the same time- a baby and a puppy. But I can’t help but wonder how many regret taking on both at the same time, although I’m sure they’d never admit it!

 

Personally I just think whether it’s raising children or a puppy, you want to be able to devote all your time and effort in to raising them right, and trying to do both at the same time may result in one (probably the puppy), not getting as much attention as it needs. Or if it was me, it would probably just result in me having a mental breakdown from sleep deprivation!If you are considering taking the plunge and doing the children & puppy combo, check out the article below on top 10 tips for raising children & a puppy.