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6 Ways Puppy & Baby Are Similar

Filed Under: BLOG, Dogs, Family Life, Kids Posts, Pets, Puppy Tagged With: , ,

A Puppy!

I may or may not have begged and simultaneously wished for one each year at Christmas time as a kid after our beloved family dog, Taffy (an Australian Terrier) had to be put to sleep.

I mean years of hoping and praying.  And years of my mom being adamantly against this.  My dad would have gotten us another dog in a heartbeat, but my mom was dead set against it.

Why you may ask was my mom so vehemently against getting another puppy?

Well, if you are a mom to two kids and the one doing most of the hard work in the home all day long and then having to add a puppy to the mix, then you probably know where I am going with this.

But still, after becoming a mom myself nothing prepared me for getting our own puppy even having kids beforehand (yes there are tons of similarities between the two, but I still wasn’t fully prepared).

I knew from all I heard from my mom over the years, as well as other dog owners that puppies are a lot of work, and indeed almost like having another baby minus the delivery and labor for yours truly!

I also knew my husband had dogs for most of his child and adult years that he lived at home with his parents.

When we first got married, we lived in an apartment that didn’t allow for pets. Then, we moved in with my parents sharing their mother-daughter home and my mom as I said earlier was against it for the most part.

Then, we had our kids (yes I may or may not dreamed about being a mother and wanting kids too for years, not really knowing what I would be getting myself into) and all through this time my husband would mention getting a puppy every so often.

This past year he pushed and finally got me to cave.  Plus he had the kids on his side with talking up a puppy on overdrive for months.

Finally we got Elsa, as most know here and yes I love her, but not going to lie she is a lot of hard work and have found myself tired and frustrated more then not lately.

She is ours though and I am in it for the long haul, however, I had to share a few things that I have found out now being a puppy owner, (most of me just being snarky and sarcastic – my humor at its very best) but still couldn’t resist writing a bit of a tongue and check guide to what I have found owning a puppy really is like and how it compares to having babies, too.

Sit back and enjoy the ride of being a puppy owner, because trust me it is definitely a bit bumpy just as it is to be a first time parent, as well.

6 Ways Babies & Puppies Are Similar

6-ways-puppy-baby-are-similar-2

1.  No Sleep ’til Brooklyn – 

As the classic Beastie Boys song says it, “No sleep tip Brooklyn” sums up what having a baby and/or a puppy is like (truly years back I never would have thought this while listening to this now still favorite classic of mine, but still).

[Tweet “No sleep ’til Brooklyn with puppies and babies”]

Early on, we had our first, who had colic and never slept now I have a puppy, who yes does admittedly sleep better then our colicky baby did those first few months (that isn’t saying much, because she didn’t sleep at all at night), but still early morning wake up calls (for my husband, yes I admit I don’t do late nights or early mornings as I did enough of this with the girls), but still I get to wake up hearing Elsa bark and cry when she needs to go out and I truly never completely fall back to sleep after that.

So, definitely getting less sleep around here for sure these days.

2.  Potty Training Bites!

I loathed and despised potty training for both my girls.  Our second was definitely easier (in case you forgot click here) then our first with the potty training merry go round.  But still was so happy when both girls were potty trained.  Now, I have a puppy to potty train.

[Tweet “Potty training bites with puppies and babies!”]

While it being my third time to train another living being, still not a fan.  And with a puppy, there are no pull-ups to help me here.  If I miss the window there is a mess all over my kitchen floor.  She is being crated and we have baby gates to keep her in the kitchen when she isn’t crated, because at the very least the kitchen is tile not carpet.  But still, no one quite prepared me for how smelly puppy poop is.  The pee isn’t as bad, but just a nice lake of urine when it has happened.

Thank god Nature’s Miracle Spot and Odor Remover, but damn when that smell gets up my nostrils it is there for a good half hour before I start to return to normal.

And let’s not get started on the training wee-wee pads, pooper scooper and so much more here.

However, this brings me to number three.

3.  Puppy Supplies Are Expensive

Just as when we first had the girls and we spent money on all sorts of things, including diapers, formula and anything that was promised to make life easier with a baby, we have done similar with a puppy.

Our checkbook has been bleeding and even last weekend when I thought I was free from buying her something for a weekend, I found out Kevin had poison ivy and it could be on the dog’s coat.  Off to Petco, she went to get groomed just in case.

Plus depending on what type of dog you choose, the price tag to buy said dog over adopting can be costly. For example, take a look at how much pomeranian puppies cost. That’s just the price tag of the puppy itself and again doesn’t take into account the cost of the items needed for the puppy after the puppy purchase.

[Tweet “Puppies and babies are expensive, too.”]

If you think I am not joking though, I am very much not, we even paid for puppy training classes to help her with nipping from the dreaded puppy teething.  Which leads me to number four.

4.  Teething Bites, Too!

With babies, teething brings on a whole new level of joy and misery, too.  We finally had come out of the colic hell with our first and guess what, she began to teeth.

More sleepless night and crankiness galore and that was just the baby!  But in all honesty, we took possessions of Elsa on a Sunday brought her for a follow up checkup (more on doctor’s visits in a moment) the next day to be told, she would be at 9 weeks starting to teeth any minute.

The very next day (Tuesday my birthday), I found her gnawing on our kitchen chair.  Teething had begun in a blink of an eye.  And even though, she isn’t cranky like a baby would be, she is a royal PITA (my husband’s nickname for pain in the ass!) with nipping anyone who she is playing with in the moment (whining galore form both girls when she does this constantly) and trying to chew on anything that she shouldn’t be.  Yet, I get the Einstein from Back to the Future look from her even when she is up to no good.

I Get This Look Even When Elsa Is Up to No Good!

Thank god for doggie toys, but again think number three and my checkbook again wants to cry!

5.  Constant Doctor’s (Vet) Appointments 

I was under the impression if you got a puppy who was up to date on shots, you should be good for at least a few months.  Not so as a puppy gets shots like every two weeks and male or female they need to be spayed (if you don’t want to repeat the puppy cycle or even worse deal with a female puppy going into heat and getting her period).

[Tweet “You live at the doctor’s office for puppy and baby.”]

The period aspect, I have enough of that on my own and furthermore, as much as I love the show Sex in the City, recently saw a repeat with Charlotte’s puppy getting her period for the first time and as funny as Mario Cantone was I am not going through that with our dog – no way no how.  So, Elsa will be getting spayed and of course that costs more because as a female, she has to be cut open to do this (yup even being a dog and a woman comes with all sorts of fun things – not!).

But the point, the dog like kids is at the doctor this first year more times than I can count.  Seriously just substitute the term vet for pediatrician and I am reliving the newborn/infant year all over again with a puppy.

6.  Puppies Equal No Sex!

Sorry for the graphic and bluntness of this here, but still it is just the truth.  And just as when we first had both of our girls, neither of us had the time nor the energy to think about that short three letter word – SEX – so too now with a dog.  I can count on one hand after having our first how many times we did do the deed and one of those times resulted in our second baby.

[Tweet “No more sex with puppies and babies!”]

That’s right when my doctor asked me when she was conceived when I first found out I was pregnant with her, I knew the actual date and almost down to the hour of the day.  Sad, but true.  We finally had a free moment from colic and teething crying, got it on and now that baby is on her way to being 4 years old!

However, when we do finally get a free, sane, quiet moment now, I should not get pregnant thank the good lord (sorry, but my uterus just even let out a sigh of relief), because I did indeed pay enough money to have an IUD put in right before getting the puppy, which might be nature’s cruelest joke on me that just when I thought I was done with the baby years, I went and added another in the form of Elsa (our puppy) once again.

In The End…

But still just as having my kids, I wouldn’t trade the puppy in for anything, even if I do complain (yes this lady doth protest a bit too much at times – sorry!).  However, I am not adding another living, breathing thing in this house now, because my hands are literally full and my heart also is just as full.

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About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

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Comments

  2. Lisa D says

    This was one of the reasons why we got a slightly older dog. Duchess was 8 months when we got here for just some of these reasons. But I will say that we did learn our lesson about the chewing very early one. She pulled the seem of the box spring open, which I might add we were sleeping in the bed at the time. And then she pulled the vinyl off of an ottoman. Now she has a 50lb dog food container overflowing with toys plus a bucket of tennis balls. You may also find that empty bottle (water of soda) work excellent for some play time just remove the “chewing gum” (the little plastic piece that breaks form the cover when you open them and of course the cover) from them. Duchess had hours of play time with those. Unfortunately they were quite noisy while being crinkled up. We have been to the vet twice in the last 3 weeks due to various problems which will hopefully go away with this last round of medicine. First 2 infections from my messy drinker then allergies. Never a dull moment that is for sure. And like kids when they are quiet for too long better check on them they are usually up to no good. I don’t know about Elsa but Duchess is very social with the neighbors. She thinks if she barks and says “Hi” long enough they will come play with her. lol

    • Lisa D says

      Oh and if you are using the puppy pads a cheaper alternative is to get a bag of underpads from Sam’s (or another club if you have a membership) They are more cost effective. 🙂

  3. Amanda @ Growing Up Madison says

    You sure got that right. They are indeed hard work. We originally had 2 and now we are down to 1. Even with just 1 it’s still a lot of work. Early morning and late afternoon walks, vets, groomers, toys, you name it. Still we wouldn’t trade our Gizmo in for the world.

  4. Eli@coachdaddy says

    When possible, you should double up on things if you ever have a human baby and a puppy in the same house – pee pads can work in lieu of diapers, and crew toys can be shared.

    Now you know.

    You definitely have your hands full. They love to destroy the house and furniture. Puppies, I mean. Well, kids do too, don’t they?

  6. Seana Turner says

    Puppies really are a lot of work, and its important to know that and stare at the truth before getting in the presence of a basket full of puppies, which are VERY HARD TO RESIST. I lost sleep as well, had stuff chewed on, made multiple trips to the vet… everything you are talking about. And I love my dog – who just turned 11. But even now she is still a lot of work, and we can’t spontaneously take a trip or be out all day. It is a trade off. If I had to do it again, I think I would get a rescue dog who is already potty trained, neutered, and had the vaccinations. That said, not planning on getting another one:)

  10. becka says

    We were discussing the similarities between puppies and toddlers the other day lol it’s true lol. the kids wanted a puppy, I told them they had their little sister to play with and as if on cue she looks at them and says, “ruff” 🙂

  12. Bev says

    I’ve heard puppies are a lot of work! As much as I love having a (human) baby, I look forward to Eve growing up and being able to take care of herself (more or less). Dogs are so sweet, but I don’t know if I have it in me to take care of one!

  13. Diane Roark says

    OH Janine,

    I feel your crazy life. I did not have enough kids I had to be talked into adding 3 dogs over the past 15 years. My oldest dog will be 16 in December, I have one 12 and one who has finally stopped chewing on everything and now 3. They do take up so much time. Now, that they are getting old. They always have to go potty in the middle of the night. Guess who lets them out. I have them in my hall way with baby gates up during the night. They look through or over the gate whining until I let them out. I told my family when they are no longer here, I WILL NOT BE GETTING ANY MORE ANIMALS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.
    I hope you do not get me wrong. I too LOVE my dogs and they are spoiled rotten, but it is tiresome.
    Blessings,
    Diane

  14. lisacng @ expandng.com says

    I wrote a similar post way back when, LOL! It is true, they are very much alike. Except the dogs train faster and teeth faster and also sleep through the night faster, if we’re lucky. Though it’s been 2 years since we’ve had our puppy and he still has accidents in the house! Grrrr..pretty soon he’ll be house trained and then our older dog will become incontinent. Just watch.

  15. Brittnei says

    Oh man! I knew babies and pets were similar, but I didn’t even think about them keeping couples from having sex or the fact that you having to get up in the middle of the night to let them up can keep you up especially when they have to go often and are being trained! This was a cute post, Janine. 🙂

  16. Jen@JENerallyInformed says

    Too funny and totally true! We brought home our dog as a puppy before any of the children were born and it kind of prepared me in some ways for being a mother. It was a lot of work! That same dog has now helped us to keep safe and raise 4 children. She is kind of like Nana on Peter Pan.

  17. Tara Newman says

    Well, I have been pondering the whole get a dog v don’t get a dog. You pretty much made up my mind for me. No dog! I would have a 3rd child so no dog :-). Thanks Janine. That was super helpful.

  18. Emily says

    So true Janine – you hit on all the points of similarity…I always tell people a puppy is like having a newborn all over again, with the one difference being that at least you can put them in a crate and leave them home alone for a few hours. Anyway, I hope her surgery went well today!

  19. Leah says

    I hear you!!!! When we got Reggie last year, I couldn’t believe what we had done!!! Another child!!!! Finally, it is getting a bit easier as he is older now!! Anything worthwhile is hard work!!

  22. Melanie Chisnall says

    So enjoyed reading this today! Although I haven’t the first clue about babies… I do remember having puppies when I stayed home – although we did all the fun stuff and mom all the other not-so-fun stuff! 😉 I love reading about your puppy – she’s such a cutie!

  23. Allie says

    …and that is why I keep pushing off getting a dog! I really want one for the boys (and to run with!) and will eventually get one but I know all the work that goes into it and I’m certain I will be the one doing the majority of it!! Great post Janine!

  24. Tamara says

    haha! So true! Although Athena is honestly so mellow but when we got her, she was a bit older and had been potty-trained at her foster family’s home. I’m not going to say the beginning was smooth seas, but smoother than puppies I’ve had in the past.
    The kittens, though. Not a fan! One of them is my best friend and one of them is a total freak. How do you admit that you love one of your pets more than the other?
    Better than with kids, I say!

  25. Dana says

    Lots of similarities, that’s for sure! But at least your kids can go to the bathroom inside – walking a dog in the winter is not fun. But then again, dogs don’t talk back! Hope Elsa’s surgery goes off without a hitch.

  27. Kenya G. Johnson says

    I’ve wanted to have a dog but I need to read more posts like this. My husband has said no and for that reason alone I won’t continue to beg because if he doesn’t want one then he isn’t going to help. I don’t want to be a single dog mom 😉 That’s progress though that she’s crying and barking for you to let her out.

  28. Stephanie @ Life, Unexpectedly says

    People keep apologizing when they compare their lives as dog owners to ours with kids, but when we’re really honest about it (as you were), it can definitely be similar. Have fun with your little puppie; if everything works out, we might add to the family a second time this year and get the cat Richard wanted to have in forever 🙂

  30. Dara says

    we actually had our dog before we had kids, and there were times when I got confused and asked Dave to put the baby in her crate instead of her crib, and other things like that! haha.

  31. Rea says

    I can feel you! I was never a pet person so no dogs or cats for me although my mother in law has 3 Japanese spitz who regularly visit our house. I don’t think I can afford another kid, let alone, a puppy. But I so admire you for being able to juggle everything with all your might and strength. And so funny that you came up with the dog-baby comparison. So true! haha 🙂

  32. The Pinterested Parent says

    I have to admit that potty training the dog was much easier. I try hit Mai on the nose when she is bad, it does not work the same. Lol! Just kidding. Very cute post. Pups are a lot of work. We got Duke before we had our daughter & we suddenly had to worry about how long we were gone for the day & who would sit for him when we went away. They are like your furry babies.

  34. Catherine Gacad says

    this is so funny, it needs to be published in a magazine or book of short stories. i was cracking up the whole read through! once we aren’t as tired with the baby anymore, and the baby is old enough, and maybe when we start having sex again, we definitely want to get a puppy!…despite your list. haha! my husband has raised several puppies before, but i had no idea what went into it. thank you for sharing all the details and educating me!

  35. Aunt Gloria says

    Babies and puppies…..a lot of time and effort invested. But the results are worth it all! Looking forward to seeing you over the weekend and getting to see how big Elsa is getting. She is quite adorable in spite of her puppy antics. Love to all…..xxxxxooooo

    • Janine says

      Kristen, I promise again it does get better if you do get a puppy as my year old dog is sitting at my feet sleeping while I type this now. And the Beasties still are one of my favorites of all time! 😉

  41. Diane Roark says

    Janine,

    Just yesterday, we were talking about getting another puppy when we no longer have Hershey and Reese. They are both old and pretty bad health. Hershey was 16 last Dec. and Reese will be 13 in a few weeks. She has diabetes and is totally blind and getting more health problems everyday. I reminded my family how much trouble puppies can be and they will all be in college and not able to help with them. Thanks for the reminder!!
    I love dogs, but I am tired of constantly cleaning up messes.

    Blessings,
    Diane Roark

  45. Lauren Baker Cormier says

    Oh man. My hubby has been wanting a dog for years, but is waiting for me to be fully on board. I was almost there… until I read this, hahahah. Seriously though, it’s good to know what you’re getting into, so this is a good reminder to me that it WILL be a lot of work (especially at first).

  51. Melissa Charles says

    Nope. I’ve made a promise. Diva wants another pug (our first died) and I *might* have agreed to another Bordeaux. A male. Which I shall name Fezzik. B/c that was Andre the Giant’s character in Princess Bride. And Bordeaux are a French Mastiff.

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