Pooch Parenting

15. When is the right time to get a new puppy

• Michelle Stern, founder of Pooch Parenting • Episode 15

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Welcome to Parenting Kids and Dogs 101, a limited series podcast for parents who live with kids and dogs, or plan to. Don't forget to grab the accompanying workbook at https://poochparenting.net/podcastworkbook/

When is the right time to get a puppy?

  • Make an honest assessment of your schedule and life. Here are some questions you should consider.
  • It's often difficult to raise a puppy alongside a baby or toddler. This is not an ideal time to get a puppy for some families, especially if you are uncomfortable with extra chaos and unpredictability.
  • If you are considering adding a puppy to your family, I'd encourage you to wait until your children are at least 5 or 6 years old. They are able to follow your guidance at this age and can have safe, positive interactions with a dog with your support and with lots of management.

Should you get a puppy or an adult dog?

  • Are you tolerant of sleep interruptions? If not, consider an adult dog who has the physical maturity to hold their bladder overnight and the emotional maturity to sleep through the night after they get used to their new home.
  • Have you had a traumatic incident with a former dog that has left you feeling nervous about what your new dog will be like? If so, it might be helpful to foster-to-adopt a young adult dog (age 2 or older) so you can see what that dog is like.
  • At social maturity, you will have a better idea of who the dog IS and who they WILL BE. After this developmental benchmark (potential traumatic events aside), you may be more likely to know if your dog is social with other dogs, if they like kids, if they are friendly when visitors come to the house, or if they are shy and nervous around normal household activities.
  • If you really want a puppy... 
    • Is it possible to meet the parents so that you can see what the pups' temperament and size might be like?
    • Have you met the breeder in person and seen their other dogs? Do you like them? Do they like your kids? Has the breeder done health testing to ensure that your dog is less likely to have skeletal, heart, breathing or eye issues? 
    • If your potential pup is from a rescue, do they have any background information on the parents? Are they willing to take the dog back if it's unsafe around your kids in the future?
    • Are you willing to use management equipment in your home (even if it doesn't go with your home decor) and invest in training to prevent problems between your kids and puppies?

For more information and the rest of the show notes, please visit https://poochparenting.net/episode-15-when-is-the-right-time-to-get-a-puppy/


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