Getting a dog has been like having another baby.  He needs constant supervision, puts more stuff in his mouth than my children ever did,  gets me up in the middle of the night and needs constant attention.  I am loving  every minute of it.  This dog has been a blessing in our lives.  He hasn't had any accidents in the house, plays fetch, sits and waits before we cross the street and he walks on a leash like a dream.  It is hard to believe he was found in a box a few months ago and has spent his life thus far in several foster homes.  I don't know if it is that he is a great dog or I am a great trainer.  I like to think we were both meant to be together so we bring out the best in each other.

There are issues of course.  He is a puppy so he gets excited and wants to play like a puppy.  This makes me nervous around my children.  Because he is a pup and still learning I need to watch him constantly and he can never ever be left alone in a room with my kids until he gets older and better trained.   We using a crate for training which helps a lot.  Like all phases with kids I know this puppy  phase will last. 

Being a puppy mama isn't  all that different than a baby mama.  Same rules apply.  They need love, good quality food, exercise and play time, and a consistent schedule.  Like kids, dogs rely on routine.  Waking, feeding, playtime, rest time and then finally bed time should be consistent in order for them to thrive.  A routine is meant to be guiding, not rigid.  Kids and dogs are creatures of habit.  By establishing eating and sleeping times you will be setting your child (or dog) up for a lifetime of healthy habits.