There’s a certain rhythm to raising both children and puppies. It’s a mix of joy, exhaustion, repetition, and the overwhelming realization that your life will never be the same. As someone who’s done both, I’ve come to appreciate the weird similarities between parenting human children and bringing up a puppers.
At first glance, you might think, no way, they’re totally different! Hear me out, when you break it down, raising a child and raising a puppy follow eerily similar paths.
The Need for Routine (a.k.a. “Please Just Stick to the Schedule” “Why Are Your Shoes on the Wrong Feet?”)
Both kids and puppies thrive on consistency. A toddler who knows bedtime comes after bath time will eventually stop fighting it (well, most nights, depending on the situation.) A puppy who knows that outside trips happen right after meals will start to pick up potty training much faster.
Ryu, our Great Dane/Pyrenees/Pit mix, came into our home like a small, white hurricane. At first, it was chaos; accidents on the floor, chewing on everything, and zoomies that defied the laws of physics (we literally rearranged to accommodate.) I’ll tell you though, the moment that we locked into a routine? Things started to shift. He knew when it was time to eat, when to go outside, and when to settle down, for the most part. The same goes for kiddos, when they understand what to expect, they find comfort in the routine.
Boundaries: Love with Limits
Whether it’s a child testing the limits of bedtime or a puppy pushing boundaries by chewing on the furniture or your favorite pair of slippers, both need to learn what’s okay and what isn’t. It’s not about being harsh; it’s about setting expectations.
With Ryu, it was all about teaching “gentle” when playing with people. Those big paws and sharp puppy teeth? They don’t mix well with delicate skin. So, just like you teach a child not to hit when they’re frustrated, we taught Ryu that playtime doesn’t involve nipping (his tiny front teeth are the most destructive!)
Patience: Because They Will Test Every Last Bit of It
Let’s be real, both kiddos and puppers will make you question your sanity (I still am…) The toddler meltdown in the grocery store, Walmart specifically? The shredded pillow you just bought? It’s all part of the experience.
Here’s the thing, they’re both learning. A child is figuring out emotions, how to communicate, and what behavior gets a reaction. A puppy is figuring out the same thing, just in their own puppy world. Losing patience only makes things harder. Deep breaths, redirection, and consistency are key, whether you’re dealing with a child’s tantrum or a puppy who won’t put their harness on.
The Unmatched Loyalty and Love
Here’s where kids and puppies really align, there’s no love quite like it. The way a child reaches for your hand when they’re uncertain, the way a puppy rests their head on your lap after a long day, it’s pure, unconditional, and absolutely worth the chaos.
Ryu, despite his trouble-making tendencies, has already cemented himself as part of our family. He watches YouTube with us, follows us from room to room, and reminds us daily that love isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up, every single day, no matter what.
The Rewards are Worth It
Raising kids and raising a puppy are two of the most rewarding, exhausting, patience-testing things you can do. They will break things. They will push buttons. And they will also bring more love and laughter into your life than you ever imagined.
At the end of the day, whether it’s a child curling up next to you for a bedtime story or a big puppy flopping onto your feet for a nap, you realize, it’s all worth it.
Yard 2 Yield! 