Thinking about bringing home a puppy, but not sure how it’ll go with your kids?
You’re not alone! I get this question all the time: “Am i ready for a puppy?” And when kids are in the picture, the answer gets even more layered. In today’s episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know about the beautiful chaos of raising a puppy and kids under one roof.
I’ll help you assess whether your family is ready for the responsibility of a new puppy, how to prep your home and your kids, and most importantly—how to spot the signs a dog is uncomfortable with a child so you can keep everyone safe and happy. With a little planning and a lot of patience, bringing home a puppy with young children can be a joyful and rewarding experience.
In this episode, I cover:
- How to know if you’re truly ready to introduce a puppy and kids, and what signs to watch for if you’re not quite there yet.
- How to prepare your home before bringing home a puppy, including the overlooked hazards and stress triggers that could derail your first week.
- The truth about raising a puppy and kids together—from building a bond to creating structure and avoiding chaos (and chewed furniture).
- What every parent needs to teach their child about puppy body language, plus key signs a dog is uncomfortable with a child—this can make or break the relationship.
- Age-appropriate tasks for your kids, so they can help with care and training while building empathy and confidence (and learning some lifelong lessons along the way).
If you’ve been wondering “am i ready for a puppy?” and also navigating the whirlwind of parenting, this episode is for you.
Whether you’re already bringing home a puppy or just daydreaming about it, knowing how to manage puppy and kids together is key to making this journey fun, safe, and successful for everyone involved.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Staci Lemke:
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT:
Staci Lemke 00:00:00 Bringing home a new puppy is exciting. Adorable. And let’s be honest, a little chaotic. The soft paws, sweet puppy breath, and tiny tail wags are pure magic, but puppies are also little bundles of energy with sharp teeth, curious noses, and a whole lot to learn. Now add kids into the mix and you’ve got a whole new adventure. There’s the excitement of introducing your child to their new best friend, the giggles, as your puppy clumsily explores their new world, and the joy of watching a lifelong bond begin to form. But let’s not forget, puppies and kids both need guidance, structure, and a whole lot of patience between potty training, teething, and teaching safe interactions. It can feel like you’re managing a tiny, fluffy tornado alongside your energetic little humans. So how do we make the transition smooth? Keep your sanity intact and set your puppy and your kids up for success. Well, that’s exactly what I’m going to cover in today’s episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt Podcast. Bringing home a puppy.
Staci Lemke 00:01:05 When you have kids. Welcome to The Well-Mannered Mutt Podcast. I’m Stacey Lemke, a certified professional dog trainer, registered veterinary technician, and proud owner of Manners Formats Dog Training. With over 20 years of experience, I’ve helped countless dog owners just like you build stronger, happier relationships with their furry friends from private lessons to online courses. I’m here to help make life with your dog easier and more rewarding. I believe in training that is kind, fun, and scientifically proven. Positive reinforcement is at the core of everything I do, because it’s the most effective way to teach your dog while strengthening your bond. Whether you’re tackling basic training, solving behavior challenges, or just looking for tips to keep your pup thriving, you’re in the right place. So let’s dive into today’s episode and take the first step toward having the well-mannered mutt you’ve always dreamed of. Anyone who has ever raised children has likely been on the receiving end of the. Can we get a puppy conversation, especially near birthdays and holidays, when it would seem that adding a puppy to your household would make a really memorable gift? I read somewhere that the average child asks for a dog 1984 times before the age of 18, and I’m not sure how accurate this is, but after all my years as a vet, tech and dog trainer, it seems about right.
Staci Lemke 00:02:30 So how do you know when the time is right to bring home that new puppy? Good question. Let’s start here. So here are some questions you might want to ask yourself when considering bringing home a new puppy. When you have kids first, are your kids at the right age for a puppy? Age plays a huge role in whether kids are ready to live with and interact safely with a puppy. Puppies are adorable, but they’re also mouthy and energetic and need consistent training, which means kids must be able to respect boundaries and follow basic rules. Do your kids understand how to be gentle with animals? Young children often express their excitement through touch. They love hugs, squeezing and grabbing. However, puppies are not stuffed animals and can become scared or overwhelmed by rough handling. Can your kids follow simple rules about how to interact with the dog? Can they remember the following basic rules like no running and screaming around the puppy. No bothering the puppy when it’s eating, sleeping, or chewing on a toy. Are they emotionally mature enough to handle a puppy’s rough moments like nipping or jumping? There’s no magical perfect age, but in general, if you have children under the age of five, they may have a harder time understanding boundaries.
Staci Lemke 00:03:44 Puppies require constant supervision around toddlers who may accidentally hurt them, so extra supervision is the key. Kids ages 5 to 7 can start learning dog safety and simple tasks like filling the food or water bowl, but they still need lots of supervision. Older kids ages eight and up can take on more responsibility. They can help with training and understand a puppy’s needs better. Does your family have the time for a puppy? Can you commit to daily training and socialization, especially during those first few critical months? Do you have time for potty training, playtime, and exercise? Are you prepared for the extra workload of caring for a puppy? On top of raising kids, puppies need frequent potty breaks, including during the night, and training takes months. Are you up for the challenge? Having a puppy is very similar to having another infant or toddler. And can you afford a puppy? The initial cost of the puppy is only the tip of the iceberg. Have you budgeted for vet visits, vaccinations, food, grooming, and pet insurance? Can you afford unexpected medical expenses if your puppy gets sick or injured? And are you ready to invest in training, puppy classes, or hiring a professional if needed? The first year of puppy ownership can cost anywhere between 1500 and $4000, depending on the breed of your puppy.
Staci Lemke 00:05:09 The training and the medical needs. Does everybody in your family agree that they want a puppy? Well, it’s time for a family meeting. Is everybody on board with getting a puppy? Have you talked about who will handle feeding, potty breaks and training? Do your kids understand that a puppy is not a toy, but a living being with needs? And if one parent isn’t sure, it might be best to wait until everybody is ready. If you answered yes to most of these questions, you might be ready to bring a puppy into your family. If you had a lot of well, not yet. That’s okay. Waiting until the timing is right can lead to a much happier experience for everyone, including the puppy. But let’s assume you’ve answered yes to the majority of these questions, and you’ve decided that it’s the perfect time to bring home a puppy. Well, what’s next? Before you bring that new puppy home, you want to make sure your house and family are totally prepared before bringing the puppy home.
Staci Lemke 00:06:09 Talk to your kids about what to expect. Explain that puppies need a lot of attention, patience and care. Teach them about respecting the puppy’s space, handling it gently, and understanding its needs. You can also make it fun for them by involving them in preparing the home for the puppy. Assign them small tasks like setting up the puppy’s bed or picking out toys. This way they feel included and more invested in the puppy’s care. You’re going to need to puppy proof your home. What hazards do you have lurking in your home? Get down on the floor and look for things that a puppy might get into. You want to get a puppy’s eye view of your home. Secure wires. Puppies are naturally curious, and they’ll often chew on anything they can reach, including electrical cords and wires. Use cord covers or secure wires behind furniture or on high shelves to keep them out of reach. Remove choking hazards. Make sure to remove any small items or objects that could be swallowed, such as rubber bands, hair ties, or small toys.
Staci Lemke 00:07:10 Keep these in a separate area far away from the puppy. Set up gates. The puppy should not have free run of the house. Use baby gates to block off certain areas of the house or close doors, especially where there are stairs or places you don’t want the puppy to access. Like kids rooms for instance. This will help with safety and managing the environment. Pick up. Throw rugs. Puppies will be tempted to chew on corners and fringe, and possibly use the rugs as a potty pad if you can pick them up and store them away until the puppy is older. Create a safe puppy zone. You’ll need a crate, pen or other confinement option, a bed, food and water dishes, and a variety of toys and shoes. This will give your puppy a place to relax and take naps uninterrupted. Next, stock up on supplies. We’ve already talked about puppy proofing items such as crates, pens, and baby gates. Be aware that you may need more than one of each. You’ll need basics like a collar, a harness, a leash, ID tag, food and water bowls, bedding, lots of toys and shoes, training treats and puppy grooming supplies when it comes to food.
Staci Lemke 00:08:19 Start with what the puppy was eating at the breeder. You can change it later if you wish. Don’t spend a lot of money on fancy stuff right now. The puppy will either go out of it or chew it up. Once the puppy comes home, it’s important to allow a few days for the family and the puppy to adjust to the newness. Your puppy is entering a brand new world full of unfamiliar sights, sounds, smells, and people. Instead of overwhelming them with too much at once, allow them to explore their new environment at their own pace. Keep things calm and quiet to prevent sensory overload. You’ve already prepared a designated safe space, such as a crate, pan, or closed off room where they can retreat to if they feel overwhelmed. Always supervise young children around the puppy. Children and dogs should never be left alone together. Even the gentlest pup may react unpredictably with scared or overstimulated. Keep interactions short and positive by using treats and toys to create a positive Association and stepping in. If the puppy seems overwhelmed or the kids seem overwhelmed.
Staci Lemke 00:09:24 Involve your kids in the day to day care of the puppy. Giving children. Age appropriate responsibilities helps them bond with the puppy while teaching important lessons about empathy, patience, and consistency. Here’s a general guideline for how kids of different ages can participate in puppy care. Toddlers ages 1 to 3 years old. Supervision is key. Remember, toddlers don’t yet understand boundaries, so all interaction should be closely supervised. Gentle petting guided by an adult. Handing treats. Open palm to avoid fingers getting nipped. Watching the puppy play from a safe distance. No hugging, climbing or pulling on ears and tails. Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 years old. Kids can start understanding simple rules like learning dog basics. They can help to fill the food and water bowls with supervision. They can toss a toy for gentle fetch games. Learning to use a soft voice and soft hands around the dog. No rough play or chasing games. Young kids 6 to 9 years old can become great little helpers. Kids can start participating in simple training, helping with feeding and watering.
Staci Lemke 00:10:36 Practicing simple training cues like sit, stay and leave it with adult guidance. Gentle brushing if the dog enjoys it. No wrestling or tugging games that might encourage rough play. Tweens ages 10 to 12 can even take on more responsibility. They can start handling more tasks. They can help with leash walking with adult supervision. They can set up puzzle toys or enrichment activities. They can begin to understand dog body language and when to give space. No unsupervised handling of reactive or nervous dogs though. And teens 13 and up can take on more independence and build a stronger bond with the dog. They can walk the dog alone if the dog is well trained. They can teach new tricks or advanced training skills, and they can assist in socialization experiences like visiting new places and meeting other common dogs. One of the most important things to teach your kids is how to read dog body language, so they know when to give a dog space and when the dog is enjoying the interaction. Dogs communicate discomfort through body language before they escalate to growling or biting.
Staci Lemke 00:11:41 Teaching kids to recognize warning signs like a tucked tail, lip licking or Whaley helps them understand when dogs are uncomfortable and reduces the risks of bites. Dogs often experience stress when they’re misunderstood or forced into uncomfortable situations. If children can recognize when a dog is anxious or overwhelmed, they can adjust their behavior, helping the dog feel more comfortable and secure by recognizing signs of happiness like a loose body, a wiggling tail, or a play ball. Kids can learn the best ways to engage with a dog, making playtime and companionship more enjoyable for both. Bringing a puppy home is an exciting adventure, especially when you have kids with patience, guidance, and a little planning, you can create a home where both your puppy and your children thrive together. Remember to set clear expectations. Supervise their interaction. Make training fun for everyone by fostering a positive, respectful bond from the start. You’re setting the stage for a lifetime of love, learning, and companionship. And I’m wishing you and your family all the joy that comes with raising a puppy.
Staci Lemke 00:12:51 Thank you for joining me today and taking the time to help your dog become a more well mannered mutt. If you’ve got questions about today’s episode, or an idea for a topic you’d love to hear about, let’s connect. You can find me on Facebook and Instagram at Manners for mutts. Also, be sure to visit mannersformutts.com for links, resources and more. If this episode helped you and your pup, I’d be thrilled if you left a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps me create even more content to support you and your furry friend. Talk to you next time.
