When and if you decide to bring a puppy home, takes time to set down a few ground rules for your kids. They will be excited and many kids below 10 tend to see puppies as live playthings. The kids must learn to respect the pup and should never ever be allowed to beat him or kick him or harm him in any way. Also, kids should be discouraged from manhandling the pup. I’ve observed many parents allowing their kids to carry the puppies, up and down the stairs and even the road. If your kid drops the pup, he could fracture his bones or, if on the road, either get run over or panic, run away and get lost. If your kid wants to take the pup for a walk, ensure that an adult accompanies the child and dog.

Of course, your puppy too will need to be trained. Young pups have a habit of chewing and biting (affectionately). Since their milk teeth are sharp, their bites can really hurt. Make it clear to the puppy that biting is NOT ON, not by whacking him, but by saying a stern ‘No’ or a by a gentle tap on the nose. The pup will learn. Also, give him toys to chew on; that will keep him occupied and his chewing and biting will be confined to his toys.