A puppy is not a problem

[R Taft]

They like to bark, play, run through the house (sometimes with muddy feet), jump on people, put things in their mouths and chew on them, eat tasty foods, explore, sniff things, dig holes in mud and sand and dirt, and a host of other things that I don’t have time to mention. They do these things because they are baby dogs. Fortunately we can train our dogs to show more appropriate behaviors, but it takes time and the natural outcome of maturity. Puppies are a challenge.

Left to their own devices, what do small children like to do?

They like to yell, play, run through the house (sometimes with muddy feet), jump on people, put things in their mouths and chew on them, eat tasty foods, explore, look at things, dig holes in mud and sand and dirt, and a host of other things that I don’t have time to mention. They do these things because they are baby humans. Fortunately we can raise our children to show more appropriate behaviors, but it takes time and the natural outcome of maturity. Children are a challenge. " .........................

"I’m curious about something. Since many of my clients also had human children (that the dog may have been nipping when the kids ran and screamed and behaved like children), did they take a similar list of problems behaviors to the pediatrician?

“Doctor, my toddler has a lot of problems that I want to stop. He talks really loud, wants me to play all the time, runs through the house with dirty feet, jumps on people, puts stuff in his mouth that he finds on the ground, shows an excessive interest in sweets, and is constantly pulling on my hand to get to things when we go places. And also, can you make him listen to me when it’s time to leave the park, so I don’t have to go and get him when I want to go?”

In short, could the doctor make the young child behave like an adult?"

http://denisefenzipetdogs.com/2015/08/30/its-a-puppy-not-a-problem/

 

[Angela]

Rather appropriate reading right now as I am taking a 4 month out to pee every 5 minutes, or so it seems!!! In the pouring rain no less, and it's dark and cold and he thinks it would be a good idea to play instead of getting on with the job of peeing

 

[Brandie&Maggie]

So very very true

 

[lmfoltyn]

Very good! Some need to think about this one quite a bit...don't you wish people would really do their research BEFORE getting a newfie?? I have told so many who ask about this breed and I tell them unless you are really ready to devote your entire life to one of these guys dont get one...they are a full time job and they LOVE us so much that they NEED to be with you 24/7...people don't get this fact...

 

[wrknnwf]

Brilliant, and so true.

Wish people would understand that raising a puppy is very similar to raising a human, including how you conduct your training...humanely that is.

But the interesting thing to me is that puppies don't take nearly as long to train the basics as a human. People who can't spend the time training a pup, learning to communicate with it, grooming, or even just spending time with it, should very carefully consider if they have the time or patience to devote to a human baby.

In both cases, though, the training needs to be reinforced for their lifetimes. You just never stop being a parent, mentor, trainer. And that's what makes your bond with them so enduring. Long past the time when you have to let them go.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

I have always found it interesting that people will have babies or toddlers and take immature, baby behavior, and not being potty trained for several years sometimes, in stride. But when they get a puppy, they are frustrated with puppy antics and it not being potty trained by 12 weeks. The puppy is a baby too and like the human baby, things improve with age!

 

[wulfin]

SO very very very true.

I will say, having a puppy gave us a slight inkling to what it would be like to have a baby. The difference - you can't crate a baby to go to a movie. However, getting through those puppy phases taught us SO much patience.

That being said, I am NOT looking forward to the puppy phase again ... but at least next time we will be going in with eyes open!

 

[littlerosieuk]

Can I click the like button.
It takes time and patience..alot of patience.
With a puppy it can take up to 6 months to potty train.
With a child it used to take 2 years in terry nappies yet now it 5 years in Pampers and lack of diligence from the parent.
I am getting old and bitter.