Each holiday season is all about making memories, and what could be more memorable than surprising your kids with a new puppy? Gifting a puppy to your kids this holiday season can bring a lot of joy, excitement, and companionship for years to come. However, adding a puppy to the family is a big responsibility, and far too often, we hear of shelters that are overflowing after people realize that their holiday surprise wound up being the wrong fit for their family. Before adding a puppy to the family this holiday season, you’ll want to ensure that your children and the puppy are set up for success. Consider a few tips on how to introduce a puppy to your children, suggest some of the best breeds for families with kids, discuss how to set boundaries, and guide you on preparing your home for your new furry family member.
1. Choosing the Right Breed for Families with Children
All dog breeds are different, and some have traits that make them more suited to parents with kids. When selecting a breed, consider factors such as size, activity level, and temperament.
Best Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds:
- Labrador Retrievers: Labs are known for their friendly and patient natures. They are typically great with children and love being part of family activities. They are also highly trainable, which makes them ideal for first-time dog owners.
- Golden Retrievers: Golden Retrievers are generally gentle, affectionate, and highly social. They often enjoy interacting with children and tend to be calm and tolerant around little ones.
- Beagles: Great for active families, Beagles are friendly, energetic, and quite loving. Their playful natures makes them a good fit for children, although they do need plenty of exercise and space to run.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Known for its gentle, affectionate nature, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a great companion that often loves to cuddle. The breed often gets along well with others and tends to make a great companion.
- Boxers: Although a larger breed, boxers are known for being playful and loyal. They’re high-energy, and enjoy being around people, provided that they receive proper socialization training while they are young.
- Pugs: With their flat noses and pot bellies, pugs are affectionate dogs that often love being pampered. While they can have some special health needs, they are generally low maintenance and quite friendly.
Remember, the dog’s individual personality is just as important as the breed. Regardless of breed, always take time to meet the puppy and assess its temperament before making a decision. Also, don’t forget to enroll your new best friend in puppy training, which will teach them valuable behaviors to set them up for a lifetime of good behavior and confidence.
2. Introducing the Puppy to Your Children
When introducing your puppy to your kids, you want to set everyone up for success. Puppies are very much like babies, and it’s important to integrate them into your home like you would any new family member. By making the first introductions a safe, supportive environment for both puppy and kids will start building the bonds of trust that will hopefully last a lifetime. Keep the following tips in mind:
- Supervise the First Meeting: Let your puppy approach your children on its own terms, so that it doesn’t feel overwhelmed. Encourage your children to be calm, quiet and gentle around puppy, especially during the first introductions. Explain to them that the puppy is not a toy, and that they need to treat the puppy with respect.
- Encourage Gentle Touches: Puppies are often a bit shy and timid around new people, so it’s important to your children to approach them gently and avoid handling them roughly. Show them the appropriate places to gently pet the puppy, such as round its head, back, and side. Explain that the puppy is not a toy and should be treated with respect.
- Allow the Puppy to Explore: Give the puppy time to adjust to its new home and surroundings before expecting it to interact with the children. The first day or two should be a quiet period for the puppy to become familiar with its new environment.
3. Setting Boundaries for the Puppy and Children
Before you bring a puppy home, it’s important to set clear boundaries for your children. It’s important to make sure that everyone, including your puppy, feels safe and secure, and by establishing guidelines and ground rules, you’ll help set everyone up for success. Here are a few pointers:
- Respect the Puppy’s Space: Teach children that the puppy needs a place to rest and recharge. They should not disturb the dog when it’s in its crate, bed, or designated space.
- No Overwhelming the Puppy: Remind children that puppies are not toys and should not be picked up or handled roughly. They should also refrain from roughhousing with, chasing, or making loud noises around the puppy. Young children, in particular, might unintentionally overwhelm a puppy with excessive cuddling or playtime.
- Supervise Playtime: Always supervise interactions between your children and the puppy, especially in the beginning. While some dogs are naturally tolerant, others may become agitated with overzealous handling or play. Make sure that children understand the importance of being gentle, calm, and respectful.
- Teach Boundaries Around Food and Toys: Dogs can become protective of their food, toys, or treats. Teach your children never to approach the puppy while it’s eating or chewing on a toy. This reduces the risk of resource-guarding behaviors and teaches children how to respect the dog’s personal space.
When it comes to the puppy themselves, it’s important to set household rules and begin basic training early. If the puppy learns good habits early on, it will help prevent unwanted behavior in the future. Start with the basics, such as by teaching your puppy basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “leave it,” and “come.” Also begin to teach basic boundary rules, such as no jumping on furniture or no biting and nipping. Additionally, gently expose your puppy to new situations and people regularly. Early socialization can help your puppy begin to develop skills to help them feel comfortable situations.
4. Preparing Your Home for the New Puppy
Puppies are curious and like to explore their new surroundings, so it’s essential to ready your home for their arrival. The better you prepare, the better you can create a safe environment and lower your pup’s risk of accidents in their new home. When preparing your home for a puppy:
- Stock Up on Supplies: You’ll need a few key items to get started, including food and water bowls, a collar, leash, puppy food, chew toys, and grooming tools. Remember, you may have to try out a few of these options before you find the brands and products that work for your pup, in particular.
- Create a Puppy-Proofed Space: Just as you would baby-proof a home for young children, make sure the puppy has a designated space, too. Place their bed, food, and favorite toys in this area. Remove any choking hazards (like small toys or household items) and ensure that any cleaning products or medications are safely stored out of reach.
- Set Up a Crate or Bed: Establish a comfortable, cozy spot for your puppy to sleep, whether it’s a crate, dog bed, or other designated area. A crate is especially useful for housebreaking and giving the puppy its own space when needed. This area can essentially become the puppy’s safe zone, and is a great place for them to go when they need some space.
- Prepare for Potty Training: Have supplies on hand for potty training, such as potty pads, treats, and a designated outdoor spot for your puppy. Be patient, as housebreaking takes time, and accidents are likely to happen. But, with consistency and positive reinforcement, your puppy will hopefully learn quickly.
Keep in mind, your puppy is entirely unique, and even the best laid plans may not work perfectly for them. However, by closely observing your puppy and beginning to learn their habits and preferences, you can eventually create a space that is perfect for them.
5. Incorporating the Puppy into Your Family’s Routine
Once your puppy is home, it’s essential to establish a routine. Puppies thrive on consistency, and a daily schedule helps them feel secure and understand what is expected of them. Consider setting up clear plans and boundaries for:
- Exercise and Playtime: Make sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise and playtime each day. Regular walks, play sessions, and training will help keep your puppy physically and mentally stimulated.
- Feeding Schedule: Stick to a consistent feeding schedule for your puppy. Most puppies do well with three meals a day, which can be gradually reduced to two meals once they’re older.
- Training and Socialization: Start basic training and continue socializing your puppy throughout its first year of life. The more positive experiences your puppy has with new people, places, and situations, the better adjusted it will be as an adult dog.
Additionally, don’t forget to schedule a vet visit for a wellness check and vaccinations after bringing your puppy home. By establishing regular veterinary care, you’ll help set your dog up for a lifetime of good health and a positive attitude.
Final Thoughts: A Puppy Is a Lifetime Commitment
Bringing a puppy into your home is a joyful experience, but it’s also a significant responsibility. Gifting a puppy to the kids this holiday season means dedicating yourself to a lot of time, patience, and commitment to help your dog develop into a loving, well-behaved companion. It also means setting appropriate ground rules for both the kids, and the pup. With the right preparation, the holidays will be filled with the love and companionship of your new furry family member! And don’t forget, the new year is a great time to schedule training that starts your puppy off on the right foot for a lifetime of good behavior. Get in touch with Sit Means Sit Philadelphia to schedule your free consultation today.
The content of this blog is created by the Sit Means Sit Philadelphia marketing team. The marketing team are not certified dog trainers, and the information provided here is for general purposes only. Every dog is unique, and the tips and advice shared may not be suitable for all dogs. For personalized guidance regarding your dog’s training and behavior, we recommend consulting with a certified Sit Means Sit professional dog trainer. If you’re interested in scheduling a free dog training consultation, please contact us or call (215) 593-0539 today.
