A DEBATE SEEN FAR TOO OFTEN
New Puppy vs. New Baby
If you’ve ever tried to compare raising up a puppy to raising a human baby, you’ve probably gotten 1 of 2 responses. It’s either a confirming nod in solidarity from fellow dog parents or a “you’re not serious” glare from a tired mom who hasn’t slept in about three months.
As someone with a puppy (who wholeheartedly believes he runs my life) and some close friends way deep in the baby trenches, I can confidently say this debate makes sense to me.
Dare I say raising a puppy is actually like raising a baby? At least is the comparison fair?
I mean let’s see…
Sleep Deprivation Struggles
-> For puppies: Those first few weeks after taking a new puppy home are pretty brutal. You’re waking up at ungodly hours to soothe their endless anxious whining/barking, taking them outside and cleaning up any accidents inside. They’re in a new environment. Add in if they decide zoomies at 2AM are a great idea? Good luck. I had a fun and quite lucky run with my little guy… so it wasn’t as bad for me and our routine now is set and just fine. I don’t think my judgement on this reflects the norm. I can be ruff lol.
-> For babies: It’s known that they also wake up at all hours and you can’t just put them in a crate and go back to sleep while they cry it out (at least, not legally). They need feedings and changes and rocking the whole routine.
I won’t be calling winners here but pick your poison.. Sleep is a struggle on both sides with one maybe dragging you out of the house in all types of weather in the middle of the night and the other is using your body as a meal source.
Potty Training
-> Puppies: Pee pads, all the tricks and product buys to get accidents out of the carpet, and the constant battle of “Do you really need to go? THEN GO!! Or did you just want me to bring you out for attention?!! -__- ” Some dogs will want a good walk around the block before pottying and it’s just a hair pulling test of patience. Usually one of the first training blocks when you’re already overwhelmed with this new furry family member. And most of the tips and tricks everyone suggests will work for their dog and not yours. Because of course by all means yours is special.
-> Babies: Wear diapers. Enough said. But those diapers cost money and I mean the potty training stage does come in later. It will proceed to rip your mental stamina to shreds so…
Attention-Seeking
-> Puppies: Puppies don’t comprehend personal space. They will follow you up and down into the bathroom, sniff you (every nook and cranny) while indisposed, wail if you leave the room/they can’t access you for five minutes, and demand cuddles on their schedule. Don’t let them be both in the way and the size a mini coup too.
-> Babies: As far as I know, babies also do these things but they take the hint eventually... Right? Right??!!
Cost of Well — Keeping Them Alive
-> Puppies: Vet bills, healthy/high quality food, toys, pet insurance… it all adds up and fast. But generally, unless you’ve invested in an expensive rare breed right off the bat, are feeding them gourmet and booking weekly spa/boarding care, it’s manageable. Still waiting to claim this one on my taxes though.
-> Babies: That initial hospital bill, visits to the pediatrician, diapers, wipes, clothes, formula, baby food. Cribs, carriers, car seats…Baby proofing the home, starting a college fund for the future. And I know this barely scratches the surface. I know.
Overall Love ❤️
-> Puppies: There are dogs out there you wouldn’t be able to convince weren’t birthed out of their human companion. The joy of coming home to a wiggly, tail-wagging, little being that is absolutely obsessed with you is unexplainable. The love is just so unconditional it makes you forget about all the fuss.
-> Babies: Babies (that later turn into kids, teens, adults) love you too but in a more complex way. They eventually grow up, have opinions of their own and might even roll their eyes at the very sight of you. But deep down there’s a ginormous amount of love.
So if we’re talking pure difficulty, responsibility and length of commitment — babies might take the cake. But if you think raising a puppy is a walk in the park? Think again. It’s still an exhausting, patience testing, life changing experience. If we’re talking about MY puppy in particular? Then forget it all I’m biased as hell haha!
At the end of the day, whether you’re dealing with diaper blowouts or chewed up shoes/wires, we’re all just out here trying our best to keep our tiny creatures alive. So maybe instead of debating, let’s agree: both are individual forms of hard, both are blessings, both are worth it. Also we all deserve a nap.
