Raising a child vs raising a puppy

[BG and Gavin]

I just want to say that I think that parenting a child is the most challenging job in the world!  I in no way wish to make light of that fact.  However, during tonight’s walk I was thinking about all of the recent posts looking for advice on dealing with puppy behaviour.  So…just for fun I began listing all of the things that I could think of in common between raising a happy healthy child and raising a happy healthy dog.  So here is the recipe as I see it:

-         Patience

-         Consistency

-         A good routine

-         Discipline and structure

-         A healthy diet

-         Plenty of time for play, learning, exercise and fresh air

-         Sense of humour

-         Short memory

-         Affection

-         Love

Does anyone have anything to add to the list?

 

[Adina P]

They are extremely similar. But dogs are so much easier! WAY EASIER!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

One big difference - with our dogs, we can always blame the breeder for any imperfections (real or imagined). With kids, we ARE the breeders!!!!

[Kyoko]

:-) and We blame the partner!!!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Heeee Heeee. AGREE

[Camilla and Darwin]

Appreciation for the little gifts they give. Whether it be a sticky glittery paper with your name on it, or a dead rat. :-) I haven't had kids yet but I certainly remember giving my mom "wonderful" gifts and she always acted like they were the best thing ever. I've had to feign excitement for pine cones, pieces of garbage, and sticks that Darwin has gifted me.

[Camilla and Darwin]

He's not fast enough to catch anything that is alive. :-)

[Kyoko]

Oh, yeah, Proper immunizations and health check up!!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Not getting upset when you have a picky eater

Teaching them not to put everything in their mouths...especially things they find on the ground outside

Getting them to let you know when they have to go potty

Teaching them about sharing

Learning not to take adolescence personally

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Here's a few more things that kids and puppies have in common...

-Poop (especially when it's all stuck to their "butts". Any DK discussion MUST include poop.
-Keeping them away from "junky treats"...especially from "strangers" (like at Petco)
-Breaking up those instances of "sibling rivalry".
-Tripping over toys all over the house.
-"Time Outs"
-Trying to hold multiple kids/dogs on your lap at the same time.
-Baby Wipes for their "yucky" faces/beards.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

So does this mean I may be slightly prepared for a human child one day - LOL???

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

You will be an awesome human Mom....Peri and Taquito have been your "practice babies".

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You will be a definitely be a well-prepared, GREAT mom, Allyson.