Emily Walker
When it comes to puppies versus babies, which is harder – the new addition to your family or the new addition to your furry friend’s family?
Sure, a baby needs all sorts of things like diapers and feedings and a place to sleep, while a puppy just needs food and water and potty breaks. But what about training?
What it’s like to raise a puppy?
It takes a lot of time and patience.
For example, it might be cute when your puppy pees on the floor but you probably don’t want them to do that all over your home.
The first thing you have to think about is housebreaking. If your new pup isn’t housebroken, hopefully, you won’t have to clean up any messes.
But if they are, you’ve still got a lot of work ahead of you, like giving your new puppy unique dog names.
You might have to take them outside or watch for certain signs that they need to go out so that you can take them outside before they make a mistake inside the house.
Once they’ve relieved themselves, well then you have to clean up their mess.
That’s right, the puppy has to be trained too, which means that your pup is going to need positive reinforcement like praise and playtime for doing the right thing.
And what about discipline? Why would they need that if they are being so cooperative and loving?
Well, there are going to be times when they misbehave no matter how well you’re training them, and that’s where you need discipline.
You might have to say no or use a firm tone with your voice.
Of course, you can expect those puppy dog eyes as soon as you start scolding your little friend, but you have to be the leader.
Otherwise, they will think that they are the head of the family pack!
What many people don’t know is that training a puppy is very similar to training a child. They both need discipline and boundaries in order to grow up well-adjusted.
Puppy sleep
Puppies have such small bladders you have to get up multiple times a night to let them out when they are young, similar to getting up multiple times a night when you have a baby.
And just as a baby’s sleep schedule will eventually regulate itself, so will a puppy’s.
Until then, though, you have to be prepared for those middle-of-the-night wake-up calls until your new pup gets the hang of things.
The amount of time and effort that goes into raising a puppy is no joke.
Sometimes you might feel like they are taking over your life because it seems like all you do is take them out, feed them, play with them, and clean up after them.
However, on the plus side, both puppies and babies bring joy to your life!
Puppy feedings
Feeding a new puppy is similar to feeding a baby because you can’t just throw any old food in their bowl and expect them to eat it.
Their stomachs are still very sensitive, and they might not like the food you picked out. It could lead to stomach issues and other health problems if it upsets their tummies too much.
It might take a little bit of trial and error to find out what your puppy likes, but once you do, that’s one less thing to worry about!
You have to be prepared for your puppy’s needs just as you would with a baby, which means that it will take up at least some of your time.
However, if you are willing to put the time and effort into raising a new pup, it can be very rewarding!
The payoff
Raising a puppy is not for the faint of heart.
Raising a puppy has taught me so much in such a short time. We have a continual companion to keep us entertained during dull moments.
They have injected an incredible amount of joy into our routine and if you decide to become a dog owner, you will be tested, but it is a very rewarding experience.
They are always happy to see you, even if they were misbehaving moments before you entered the room!
They lick you in the face when they are happy to see you, so they always greet you with a kiss.
They love unconditionally and when they curl up at your feet while you read or eat dinner it makes them so much more than just another pet in their family.
They are part of the family, for better or worse…
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