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?

 

[cheryl & oliver]

I think you have hit the nail on the head, I just think I would move the love up, and maybe the short memory down, lol

[Kyoko]

Acceptance for who she/he is.

A child may not be what a parent wish him/her to be (like a jock, smart, popular, etc...) and same as dogs.... Some are naturally calm, friendly, easy going while others may be fearful, nervous, dominant, etc.... But we accept them for who they are and continue to love them. ( We hope ...I know both human parents and dog parents some times give up on them and give them away.....)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Kyoko :) Beautiful

[Kyoko]

We would only know......right? How's Miss Starlit?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

She is beautiful too :) Thanks for asking.

[HeatherA]

Quality time (or One on One), Extra curricular activities, Forgiveness, Attention, Rules

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

And our dogs don't yell at us when they are teen-agers.

[HeatherA]

Hah.. I don't have teens yet.. but I was thinking I enjoy my dogs so much more since having kids. Dogs don't talk back. There are definitely some days I wish I could crate train my children.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I don't know Nancy -- Lucy and Sophie can do a pretty good job of WOOFING back at me when they aren't getting something that they want! lol :o)

[Adina P]

- Play pens/cribs/crates =)

[BG and Gavin]

baby gates!

[ej]

and Strength to get up and try again even when we feel it is hopeless.