Pet Owners Agree Raising a Puppy Is Just Like Having a Baby
Raising a puppy is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it’s also a crash course in patience, problem-solving, and sleep deprivation—much like bringing home a baby. If you’ve ever had a newborn (or spent time around one), you’ll notice that puppies and babies have a lot in common. They require round-the-clock care, thrive on routines, and find ways to make you fall in love with them—even when you’re running on empty. Let’s talk about all the ways raising a puppy feels eerily similar to having a baby.
Sleep? What’s That?
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If you thought getting a puppy meant enjoying cozy evenings and restful nights, think again. Puppies, like babies, have their own schedules—and they don’t care if yours doesn’t match up. Those first few weeks will have you stumbling out of bed at odd hours, taking them outside in the freezing cold, and wondering how something so small could disrupt your sleep so much.
You Can’t Take Your Eyes Off Them
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Turn your back for two seconds, and they’re into something they shouldn’t be. Babies will find an electrical outlet, and puppies will find your favorite pair of shoes. Puppies, much like toddlers, don’t understand what’s safe and what isn’t. They’ll chew wires, dig through the trash, or attempt to eat things that should never be ingested. That’s why keeping a close eye on them—at least in the beginning—is a full-time job.
Mealtime Requires Strategy
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Feeding time isn’t as simple as putting down a bowl. Some puppies eat too fast, others are picky, and then there are those who make a complete mess. You’ll quickly learn that meal times require some trial and error—figuring out the right food, portion sizes, and feeding schedule to keep them growing strong. And, much like a baby who suddenly rejects their favorite food, your puppy may turn their nose up at what they happily ate yesterday, leaving you baffled and scrambling for alternatives.
House Training Takes Serious Patience
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Diapers for babies and puppy pads for dogs—they are both part of the process. Teaching a puppy where to go is no different from potty training a toddler. Accidents happen, sometimes in the worst places, and there will be moments when you wonder if they’ll ever get it right. You’ll need tons of consistency. Take them out frequently, praise them when they get it right, and accept that a few mishaps are part of the process. Eventually, they catch on, and one day, you’ll realize it’s been weeks since you last cleaned up an accident.
Teething Is Rough for Everyone
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If you thought human babies had a tough time with teething, wait until your puppy starts gnawing on everything in sight. Those razor-sharp teeth don’t discriminate. Furniture, shoes, hands—everything is fair game. As the owner, you’ll have to learn the art of redirection. Just like parents keep teething toys on hand, puppy owners need a steady supply of chew toys to save their fingers and furniture from becoming casualties.
Socialization Is Everything
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Early experiences shape how babies and puppies interact with the world. Babies who are exposed to different environments, people, and sounds tend to grow more adaptable. The same goes for puppies. A dog that’s only ever known its own backyard is more likely to be nervous or reactive in new situations. Taking them on walks, introducing them to new people, and letting them explore the world at their own pace helps build confidence.
Teaching the Basics Takes Repetition
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A baby won’t understand “no” the first time you say it, and neither will a puppy. Learning takes time, repetition, and a whole lot of patience. Puppies test boundaries just like toddlers do, and the way you respond shapes their behavior. If you’re inconsistent, they’ll be confused. If you reinforce good habits, they’ll catch on. And just like a baby eventually learns to say “mama” after hearing it over and over, your puppy will finally respond to “sit” after enough practice (and treats).
Vet Visits Become Routine
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Raising a baby means frequent doctor visits, from vaccinations to checkups. Puppies follow the same path. From their first round of shots to wellness visits, they’ll be in and out of the vet’s office during those early months. And just like a baby’s doctor appointment might come with unexpected concerns—like a sudden fever or an allergic reaction—a puppy’s health can throw surprises your way.
You Puppy-Proof Everything
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Baby gates, outlet covers, locking up cleaning supplies—parents go to great lengths to baby-proof their homes. Puppy owners do the same. Anything that can be chewed, swallowed, or destroyed needs to be secured or put out of reach. Electrical cords become hazards, trash cans suddenly need lids, and shoes are no longer left by the door unless you’re willing to part with them.
They Get Attached to You—Fast
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That little ball of fluff depends on you for everything, and before you know it, you’re completely attached. The moment you walk out the door, your puppy might whine, bark, or even try to follow you. They crave security and reassurance, and they look to you as their source of comfort. Over time, they learn that being alone isn’t the end of the world, but in those early days, their attachment is both endearing and a little exhausting.
Mess Is Inevitable
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No matter how prepared you are, babies and puppies aren’t exactly known for their cleanliness. Babies come with spit-up, diaper blowouts, and food flung across the room. Puppies, on the other hand, will bring muddy paws tracking through the house, shredded toys, and unexpected accidents. At some point, you stop stressing over the mess and just accept it as part of the experience.
Routine Makes Life Easier
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Structure keeps everyone sane. Knowing when to eat, sleep, and play helps both puppies and babies feel secure. Establishing a routine early on makes life easier for everyone. A puppy that eats and goes outside at the same time every day is less likely to have accidents or act out, just like a baby who naps on schedule is less cranky.
Every Milestone Feels Like a Huge Victory
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The first time a baby sleeps through the night, the first word, the first steps—these moments are unforgettable. Puppies have their own milestones, too. The first successful potty trip outside, the first time they sit on command, the first walk without pulling—it all feels like a win. And just like with kids, each little accomplishment makes all the effort worth it.
Fear Is Real, and They Look to You for Comfort
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Babies get scared of loud noises, unfamiliar faces, and separation. Puppies do, too. Thunderstorms, fireworks, a new place—things that seem harmless to you can be terrifying to them. They watch your reaction, and if you’re calm, they’re more likely to settle down. Being their source of reassurance helps build trust and makes them feel safe no matter the situation.
The Expenses Add Up
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Raising a baby is expensive, and raising a puppy isn’t far behind. Food, vet bills, training, and supplies add up fast. And like kids outgrow their clothes, puppies outgrow their collars, beds, and even their appetite for cheap toys. Before you know it, you’re budgeting for pet insurance and considering what’s worth the splurge.