Dogs, Children, and Growing Up Together

Growing up, dogs were always part of our home. They weren’t accessories or background noise—they were family. They slept nearby, played in the yard, and stayed close when our parents were away, offering both companionship and a quiet sense of security. But more than that, they taught us—often without words—about responsibility, patience, empathy, and care.

Those early experiences shaped how we live with dogs today and how we raise our puppies. We cannot imagine a household without dogs and children growing up together, learning side by side.

Why Children and Dogs Belong Together

When introduced thoughtfully and supervised appropriately, the relationship between a child and a dog can be incredibly meaningful. Dogs often become a child’s first lesson in caring for another living being. Through daily interactions, children learn that animals have needs, boundaries, and feelings—just like people do.

A child who is taught to treat a dog gently and patiently is practicing skills that translate directly into how they will treat others later in life. Kindness, consistency, and respect are learned behaviors, and pets provide a very real, very honest mirror for those lessons.

At the same time, careless or unsupervised interactions can be unhealthy for both the child and the dog. That is why adult involvement is not optional—it is essential.

How We Raise Puppies With Children in Mind

All of our dogs live alongside our children. This is not incidental—it is intentional. Puppies are handled daily by small hands, gently and appropriately, under supervision. They hear children’s voices, experience normal household movement, and learn early that kids are part of everyday life.

This kind of early exposure helps puppies grow into dogs who are comfortable, confident, and tolerant around children. It does not replace proper training or supervision in a new home, but it does create a strong foundation.

Our goal is not just to place puppies into homes with children, but to prepare puppies to live successfully with children.

The Role of Parents in Pet Ownership

Children benefit enormously from having pets, but the responsibility always belongs to the adults. Young children simply do not have the emotional maturity or impulse control to manage animals on their own, and even older children need guidance and reminders.

Some important principles we encourage families to keep in mind:

• Very young children should always be supervised around dogs.

• Children are not capable of being the sole caregivers for dogs or other large pets.

• Parents must remain actively involved in feeding, exercise, training, and health care—even when children are eager to help.

• Gentle reminders work far better than scolding when teaching children about responsibility.

• Adults model behavior. Children learn how to treat animals by watching how their parents do it.

If responsibility becomes inconsistent, it is the adult’s role to step in—not to punish the child, but to protect the animal and reinforce healthy habits.

What Children Gain From Growing Up With Dogs

Children raised alongside pets often experience benefits that reach far beyond companionship.

Dogs can help children:

• Build confidence and self-esteem

• Develop empathy and compassion

• Practice non-verbal communication

• Learn responsibility through daily care

• Feel comforted during stressful or emotional moments

For many children, dogs are safe listeners—recipients of secrets, worries, and thoughts that might be difficult to share elsewhere. They also offer natural lessons about life: birth, growth, illness, aging, loss, and grief. While these moments can be difficult, they are also deeply formative.

Dogs connect children to nature, movement, and routine. They encourage physical activity, offer steady affection, and provide a sense of loyalty that is both grounding and reassuring.

When Extra Attention Is Needed

Most children are naturally gentle with animals, especially when guided appropriately. However, persistent roughness, cruelty, or disregard for an animal’s well-being should never be ignored. These behaviors are not “just a phase” and may indicate that a child needs additional support.

Protecting animals and supporting children go hand in hand. Both deserve safety, understanding, and care.

A Shared Journey

When dogs and children grow up together—with supervision, intention, and respect—the relationship can be profoundly enriching for both. Dogs become companions, teachers, and steady presences. Children learn empathy, patience, and responsibility in a way that no book or lecture can fully replace.

This is why we raise our dogs the way we do. And this is why we believe so strongly in placing them into homes where dogs are not just pets—but part of the family.