Puppies bring joy, they offer unconditional affection, comic relief during stressful days, and a reason for the whole family to get outdoors. Children who grow up with dogs often develop empathy, patience, and responsibility early.
Research suggests that children who grow up with pets often show advantages in emotional expression and social development. Pet ownership in early childhood was associated with improved emotional expression as children grew older, potentially reflecting opportunities to manage emotions through interactions with a companion animal.
Pet companionship is linked with greater social competence and empathy in children, as well as emotional support and quality of life benefits when the bond between the child and pet is strong.
Plus, something is grounding about having a dog at home. These people can always find something practical to do every day that makes their lives better.
The Reality: Puppies Are a Full-Time Family Project
Puppies are not easy. They chew, they cry at night, they have accidents, and they test your patience. Bringing a puppy into your home is less like getting a new toy and more like welcoming a toddler who never grows up past age three.
Here’s what you’ll need to juggle:
- Toilet training (with plenty of messes along the way)
- Daily exercise (some breeds need over 90 minutes)
- Feeding schedules and vet appointments
- Teething destruction (shoes, remote controls, furniture corners beware)
If your family is already maxed out dealing with a new baby, unpredictable work schedules, or major life changes, adding a puppy may tip the scales from manageable chaos to constant stress.
Assessing Readiness: 5 Questions to Ask
Before getting swept up in the excitement, sit down as a family and ask these five questions:
- Who will be the primary caregiver?
Children love the idea of puppies, but often lose interest once the novelty wears off. Is there an adult ready to be the consistent carer? - Do we have the time for training, walks, and vet visits?
Puppies need socialisation windows, especially between 8 and 16 weeks, to avoid future behavioural issues. - Can we afford it?
Initial costs (purchase or adoption fee, vaccinations, desexing, microchipping) can exceed $2,000. Ongoing costs (food, grooming, health care) average $1,500–$2,000 per year. - What breed or size fits our lifestyle?
A high-energy Border Collie and a laid-back Cavoodle demand different daily routines. Choosing the wrong breed can set everyone up for disappointment. - Are we in this for the long haul?
Dogs can live 10,15 years. What kind of family do you think you will have in five or ten years? Are you willing to commit even through school changes, house moves, or health shifts?
Puppies and Children: Best Practices for Harmony
Dogs can be wonderful companions for kids, but only when properly introduced and with clear boundaries.
Teach respect early.
Teach kids to understand what dogs’ body language means. A tucked tail or growl is not “grumpiness,” it’s the dog communicating that they’re scared or uncomfortable.
Never leave young kids unsupervised.
Even the gentlest puppy may nip or defend itself if grabbed or startled.
Create safe zones.
Set up a crate or quiet corner where the puppy can retreat when overwhelmed. Let kids know this is off-limits during playtime.
Consider the Source: Why Ethical Breeders Matter
Where your puppy comes from shapes everything from behaviour to health. Puppies bred in poor conditions may develop chronic health issues or struggle with fear-based behaviours. An ethical breeder screens for genetic conditions, raises puppies in safe environments, and supports you long after the sale.
They also make sure breeding dogs are healthy and rested between litters. For example, if a mother dog experiences complications like canine metritis, a uterine infection following birth, ethical breeders pause or retire her from breeding to prioritise her well-being. Puppy mills, on the other hand, often continue breeding at the mother’s expense.
Do your research. Ask about health testing, socialisation protocols, and return policies.
What If It’s Not the Right Time?
Here’s the truth that’s hard to swallow: sometimes, it’s not the right time. That doesn’t mean you’re not a loving family. It means you’re a responsible one.
Alternatives to consider:
- Volunteer at a local animal shelter with your kids
- Offer to dog-sit for friends or neighbours
- Foster a dog through rescue groups to see how it fits your lifestyle
- Start a pet savings account for future costs
These steps still bring the joy of dogs into your children’s lives without jumping into a long-term commitment before your family is truly ready.
- See Related: Admixtures Wollongong Builders and Concreters Trust
Final Thoughts: Puppies Are a Gift But Not Always a Fit
The decision to bring a puppy into your family shouldn’t be driven by impulse, pressure from kids, or social media moments. It’s a shared commitment full of delight, sure, but also full of daily care, long walks in the rain, and cleaning up messes no one wants to talk about.
When it’s the right time, the rewards are immense. However, if it is an unsuitable time, the tension may erode the equilibrium within your family.
So ask yourself honestly, not just “Do we want a puppy?” but “Are we prepared to raise one well?”
If the answer is yes, you’ll welcome a new family member and will be sure to create memories you’ll treasure forever.