Guides for Kids on Getting a New Puppy

Children naturally exhibit a rush of excitement when a new puppy is brought home. Yet such a meeting requires preparation. For the safety of both human and animal, kids must be taught how to interact with puppies and what it means to be a responsible pet owner before you bring a puppy into your home.

  1. Basic Rules

    • Children must share or the puppy will suffer.

      Instill in your child basic behavioral rules, and the reason behind these rules. Children should not tug, push, hit or kick the puppy. Show the child how to pet gently. Establish a "no screaming" rule and demonstrate how to use a soft voice. Most importantly, your child must know to leave the pup alone, especially when he is sleeping, and not to chase him when he walks away. If you have more than one child, teach your children not to fight over the puppy.

    Other Important Rules

    • Kid toys and puppy toys should be separated.

      Children's toys should never be left out for the puppy to find, and similarly, a puppy's toys must be picked up after play time is over. Taking a puppy out for walks is fun, but yanking on his leash could hurt him. Children should never try to feed the puppy human food as it could make him sick.

    Introducing Child and Puppy

    • Demonstrate what is acceptable as your child meets the puppy.

      When bringing the puppy home, allow him to investigate his new surroundings, go to the bathroom, eat and enjoy time alone. Stick to his routine as much as possible to make for a smooth transition. During this time, your child will no doubt be excited but must remain calm to be rewarded with meeting and petting the new puppy. Once she ignores your instructions or disobeys the rules, stop interaction with the puppy as a consequence. Also keep an eye on the pup's reactions and step in when needed, if he growls or bites. While it is important for the child to have time with her new pet, never leave her and the puppy alone as either could suffer injury.

    Monitor and Develop Interactions

    • Children cannot yet be wholly responsible, but should learn what a puppy needs.

      If a kid rolls around on the floor, the puppy will see her as just another pup. However, teaching the child to use commands such as come, sit, stay and fetch, the puppy will view her as a leader to whom he must listen; this is essential in properly training a puppy. Additionally, teach your child what is involved in his daily care. A puppy must be fed, given fresh water, brushed, bathed and walked. As you teach your child all about the responsibilities of dog ownership, you are responsible for the pup's well-being.

    Promoting Healthy Habits

    • Puppies have doctors just like people.

      For health reasons, encourage your child to wash her hands both before and after handling the puppy. Immediately throw away any fecal eliminations using a plastic bag. Take your child along to the pup's regular veterinary visits so she can see that the doggie doctor checks the puppy, and gives him vaccinations and flea and tick medication.