Young children and dogs get along just as well as peanut butter and jelly. Both are silly, playful and happy beings and all they’re looking for is to give and receive love.
There’s no wonder why they get along so naturally, especially when it comes to getting a Golden Retriever puppy when you have a baby. There are literally thousands of YouTube videos of adorable puppy and baby pairings which are viewed by millions of people, in the hopes of living out that very cuteness someday.
If you’re here wondering whether you can have your fair share of “Awwwwwww” moments, who better to trust for that tall order than Golden Retrievers?
Checklist For New Parents (Or Pup Parents)
Commit
Getting a Golden Retriever puppy is, oftentimes, a bigger commitment than taking care of your own baby. You see, your attention would mostly be diverted to your own life and blood and this could especially be the case if your new puppy resorted to ‘naughty’ behavior.
For this reason, if you are 100% sure about your level of commitment toward a Golden Retriever puppy, you might as well wait a few years before you can adopt one. You see, your commitment could drive you to take care of both, as many have in the past. However, if your commitment falters, it wouldn’t be fair to the poor pup to be given away or treated poorly.
Invest
Most new pet parents don’t realize how expensive it is to buy and nurture a puppy, let alone costs such as neutering, deworming and vaccinations ($600). Other than this, the cost of puppy classes (over $160), grooming visits ($50 per visit), chew toys to keep them busy or save your own belongings ($200), etc. can really mess-up a monthly budget.
On the flip side, it is relatively easy for parents to divide their time between their Golden Retriever puppy and their children. Following this schedule, they could just as easily invest time and money to train the fur-ball or at least get them acquainted with house rules.
Quite like a baby, puppies don’t automatically know what they are to do and what gets them in trouble or worse, what is a hazard to their own well-being. If you can manage to allocate your time efficiently, you’ll be happy to know that Golden Retrievers are very intelligent and are often referred to as ‘people pleasers’.
Also, many pet parents and dog experts are of the opinion that you don’t have to train as much as you’re supposed to catch ‘bad behavior’. When either parent spots something, all they have to do is teach them an action and reward their behavior.
Protect
It is also important for new parents to form positive associations between the puppy and your children as soon as possible. Of course, it is necessary for you to be present during these meetings at all times. You see, either one may generally be very loving or sweet to the other, but as they get a little older, they can be a threat to the other for playing too rough.
Being strict with your Golden Retriever puppy from an early age will teach them to be careful around your baby, or any other baby for that matter. Also, considering the fact that Golden Retrievers are, typically, very protective and affectionate toward children, you don’t really have much to worry about.
Then again, many pup parents have made the mistake of trusting their dogs with the house and they still break a few things or chew through your belongings. This is why, always protect both from the other by being present during interactions, at all times.
Love
Finally, it goes without saying that you should treat your Golden Retriever as an integral part of your family. You see, thinking of getting a Golden Retriever puppy ‘when you have a baby’ is the wrong way of viewing the whole situation. You could think of it as giving your baby a furry sibling to grow up with and for your parents simultaneously.
In the beginning, there will be instances where you may have to show your pup who is alpha so as to put a stopper on behavioral issues. Of course, new parents like to take this very practice to a whole new level.
We would recommend new parents to love instead of being a hard-ass during training. You see, while teaching them manners and housebreaking them, you need to treat them with love and let them hang around while you go about your daily business or, perhaps, just sit on the sofa and stream Netflix.
Remember, a little bit of love goes a long way when it comes to young minds!
Our Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about getting a Golden Retriever puppy when you have a baby, good for you! You’re in for a treat and if you DO happen to come across some tough times, it is highly likely that your baby and your puppy will bring you loads of joy in the near future.
Parenting for first-timers is always a workout, and if you think you aren’t entirely up to the challenge, you may as well choose to wait a couple of months before rethinking your strategy. However, since Golden Retrievers are the 4th intelligent dog breed in the world and dogs, in general, are man’s best friend, your journey isn’t going to be as tough as you’re imagining it to be.
Still, if all else fails, you should know that introducing your children to dogs at an early age reduces the likelihood of respiratory problems, allergies and weak immune systems. Plus, considering the current stay-at-home situation, your family needs the witty playfulness of Golden Retrievers!
