---
title: "5 Ways to Tell If Your Children are Ready for a Puppy"
id: "233958"
type: "post"
slug: "5-ways-to-tell-if-your-children-are-ready-for-a-puppy"
published_at: "2018-01-29T19:16:27+00:00"
modified_at: "2018-01-29T19:16:27+00:00"
url: "https://www.petland-dalton.com/5-ways-to-tell-if-your-children-are-ready-for-a-puppy/"
markdown_url: "https://www.petland-dalton.com/5-ways-to-tell-if-your-children-are-ready-for-a-puppy.md"
excerpt: "Every child dreams of having a pet puppy, but as parents, it’s difficult to know when the time is right to bring a puppy home. With busy schedules and after school activities, adding a puppy to the mix may seem..."
taxonomy_category:
  - "Blog"
---

[Home](https://www.petland-dalton.com/)
 / [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/blog/)
 / [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/)
 / **5 Ways to Tell If Your Children are Ready for a Puppy**

[Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/)

# 5 Ways to Tell If Your Children are Ready for a Puppy

January 29, 2018 ·  3 min read ·  [Carley Kuehner](https://www.petland-dalton.com/author/cosmick/)

[Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petland-dalton.com)

## **Every child dreams of having a pet puppy, but as parents, it’s difficult to know when the time is right to bring a puppy home.**

With busy schedules and after school activities, adding a puppy to the mix may seem like a bit much. At Petland, we understand that puppies require love and attention, so we want to help your family make this big decision. Here are five ways to tell your children are ready for you to buy a puppy.

### **Your family has discussed the decision together.**

A family pet is a family decision. Everyone needs to be onboard with having a puppy, because the responsibility of taking care of the puppy will be shared. Sit down as a family and allow everyone to share how they feel about having a puppy. Be sure to discuss the responsibilities as well, which includes feeding, walking, cleaning, and most importantly loving the puppy.

If your family is planning on buying a puppy, take a Saturday trip to Petland and meet the puppies and friendly staff. Let the kids have time to interact with the in-store puppies, and ask any questions you may have about pet ownership.

### **Your children are communicating an interest in animals.**

As your children grow, they will begin to understand the world and gain a sense of empathy. When your children begin to express an interest in the well being of animals, they are ready to learn the responsibilities of pet ownership.

Enjoying this read? You'll love our puppies.

Adorable, vet-checked pups looking for their forever homes — available now.

[Meet our puppies](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/)
The routine tasks such as feeding, walking, and bathing a puppy will come in handy later in life. At Petland, we believe that the children of today are the pet owners of tomorrow.

### **Your children’s playmates have pets.**

If your children’s friends all have pets, your children can greatly benefit from the shared experience of pet ownership. Children learn through relating, so your children should not be the only ones without a pet.

### **Your children are spending too much time with technology.**

While technology is a great tool for communication and efficiency, today’s children get far too much exposure to computers, tablets, and cell phones. Increased technology use usually results in a sedentary lifestyle. Having a puppy encourages children to put the phone down and get outside to play.

### **Your children are excelling in school.**

If your children are excelling in school, what better way to reward them than a surprise trip to Petland to buy a puppy! Good grades deserve creative rewards and your children will be thrilled when they visit Petland and interact with the wide selection of puppies.

[Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petland-dalton.com)

Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies*

Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below.

[Browse all puppies](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/)

- ![Morkie - 22926, Morkie](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3794000/3794298_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Female #22926](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/morkie/morkie-22926/) ### [Morkie](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/morkie/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387)
- ![Havanese - 22925, Havanese](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3794000/3794310_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Female #22925](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/havanese/havanese-22925/) ### [Havanese](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/havanese/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387)
- ![Pug - 22922, Pug](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3794000/3794303_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Male #22922](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/pug/pug-22922/) ### [Pug](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/pug/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387)
- ![Miniature Pinscher - 22906, Miniature Pinscher](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792630_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Male #22906](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-pinscher/miniature-pinscher-22906/) ### [Miniature Pinscher](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-pinscher/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387)
- ![Miniature Bernedoodle - 22913, Miniature Bernedoodle](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792626_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Male #22913](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-bernedoodle/miniature-bernedoodle-22913/) ### [Miniature Bernedoodle](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-bernedoodle/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387)
- ![English Bulldog - 22910, English Bulldog](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792664_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Female #22910](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/english-bulldog/english-bulldog-22910/) ### [English Bulldog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/english-bulldog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387)
- ![Miniature Hippo - 22901, Miniature Hippo](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3790000/3790410_800.jpg)Sale Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Male #22901](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-hippo/miniature-hippo-22901/) ### [Miniature Hippo](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-hippo/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387)
- ![Golden Retriever - 22897, Golden Retriever](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3790000/3790413_800.jpg)Sale Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Female #22897](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-22897/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387)
- ![Golden Retriever - 22894, Golden Retriever](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3780000/3787000/3787791_800.jpg)Sale Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Male #22894](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-22894/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387)
- ![Italian Greyhound - 22883, Italian Greyhound](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3780000/3785000/3785838_800.jpg)Sale Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Male #22883](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/italian-greyhound/italian-greyhound-22883/) ### [Italian Greyhound](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/italian-greyhound/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387)
- ![Miniature Schnauzer - 22887, Miniature Schnauzer](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3780000/3785000/3785903_800.jpg)Sale Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Male #22887](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-schnauzer/miniature-schnauzer-22887/) ### [Miniature Schnauzer](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-schnauzer/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387)
- ![Miniature Schnauzer - 22886, Miniature Schnauzer](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3780000/3785000/3785871_800.jpg)Sale Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Female #22886](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-schnauzer/miniature-schnauzer-22886/) ### [Miniature Schnauzer](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-schnauzer/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387)

Loading more pets…

You've reached the end.

Still looking?### We can find you the perfect pet.

Tell our pet counselors what you're looking for: breed, gender, color, anything. No extra cost, no obligation.

[Start a Special Order](https://www.petland-dalton.com/special-orders/)

#### **Related** Articles

[View All Articles](https://www.petland-dalton.com/blog/)

- [https://www.petland-dalton.com/dachshund-puppy-care/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/dachshund-puppy-care/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [What Should You Know Before Bringing Home a Dachshund?](https://www.petland-dalton.com/dachshund-puppy-care/) In this articleQuick Answer / SummaryIntroductionWhat Makes Dachshunds Such Special Companions?How Much Exercise and Training Does a Dachshund Need?What Health Considerations Should… November 1, 2026
- [https://www.petland-dalton.com/bringing-home-a-puppy/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/bringing-home-a-puppy/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) ## [Dear Puppy, Thank You for All the Joy (and a Little Chaos)](https://www.petland-dalton.com/bringing-home-a-puppy/) In this articleThank you for making ordinary days feel like special occasions.Thank you for reminding us to enjoy the journey.Thank you for… November 1, 2026
- [https://www.petland-dalton.com/halloween-movie-character-puppy/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/halloween-movie-character-puppy/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) ## [If Your Puppy Were a Halloween Movie Character, Who Would They Be?](https://www.petland-dalton.com/halloween-movie-character-puppy/) Every great Halloween movie needs a lovable cast. The brave hero. The curious sidekick. The one who hears a mysterious noise and… October 1, 2026
- [https://www.petland-dalton.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [Understanding Puppy Body Language: What Your Pup Is Telling You](https://www.petland-dalton.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) In this articleHow can you tell when your puppy is relaxed?What does a puppy’s playful body language look like?How can you recognize… October 1, 2026
- [https://www.petland-dalton.com/how-puppies-sense-fall/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/how-puppies-sense-fall/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) ## [How Puppies Know Fall Is Coming (Even Without a Calendar)](https://www.petland-dalton.com/how-puppies-sense-fall/) In this articleYour Pup Has a Built-In Seasonal RadarSigns Your Puppy Knows Summer Is EndingReady for Every Season of Puppy LifeHumans have… September 1, 2026
- [https://www.petland-dalton.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [The First 5 Commands Every Puppy Should Learn](https://www.petland-dalton.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s happiest moments. The toys are ready. The bed is set up. The photos have… September 1, 2026
- [https://www.petland-dalton.com/matching-dog-breed-to-lifestyle/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/matching-dog-breed-to-lifestyle/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) ## [Which Summer Vacation Would Your Puppy Choose?](https://www.petland-dalton.com/matching-dog-breed-to-lifestyle/) In this articleEight Puppy Vacations We’d Happily Tag Along OnEvery Puppy Has a Different Travel StyleSo… Who’s Booking Your Next Trip?Summer isn’t… August 1, 2026
- [https://www.petland-dalton.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [Finding the Perfect Puppy: A Breed Comparison Guide](https://www.petland-dalton.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) In this articleStart with Your Lifestyle, Not Just LooksMeet Five Popular Breeds and Their Best MatchPetland Helps Beyond Puppy DayYour Perfect Match… August 1, 2026
- [https://www.petland-dalton.com/ultimate-new-puppy-checklist/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/ultimate-new-puppy-checklist/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) ## [New Puppy Checklist: Everything You Need Before Day One](https://www.petland-dalton.com/ultimate-new-puppy-checklist/) In this articleThe Ultimate Puppy ChecklistSupport Beyond Puppy DayReady to Welcome Your Puppy Home?Deciding to bring home a puppy is exciting. It’s… July 1, 2026
- [https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppy-summer-behavior-and-energy/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppy-summer-behavior-and-energy/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) ## [The Puppy Summer Camp Yearbook](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppy-summer-behavior-and-energy/) By this point in the summer, your puppy has probably built a reputation. Not an official one. Just the kind where everyone… July 1, 2026
- [https://www.petland-dalton.com/petland-puppy-financing-options/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/petland-puppy-financing-options/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) ## [What To Know About Third-Party Puppy Financing Options at Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/petland-puppy-financing-options/) In this articleWhy Financing ExistsHow Financing Plans Typically WorkAre Financing Plans Safe and Legitimate?Why Does Petland Make Financing Support Available?The Right Puppy… June 1, 2026
- [https://www.petland-dalton.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [Your Dog’s Summer Job Would Definitely Be…](https://www.petland-dalton.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) In this articleDifferent Breeds, Different Summer CareersWhy Understanding Personality MattersThe Best Summer Job of All? Being Your DogSummer is officially here. The… June 1, 2026

```
         Petland Dalton   997 Google reviews   Write a review                 Posted on Google        Leahnna Queen     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gotten wonderful birds there that are hand tamed and raised by the management team

They have a wonderful bird section in their store for toys and food.

Pups are pricey, but I’ve gotten a couple there that have been SUPER! Wouldn’t trade them for the world. LOVE THEM 🥰         Posted on Google        Mae Castoe     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I love the place so much!!!!! I played with a cute dog and got to hold A ferret and hamsters and rabbits, and even a parakeet! It took one star off because me and my cousin were literally crying over not getting a hamster and dog!!!         Posted on Google        Naomi Woody     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Braelyn was amazing she went above and beyond when I called to check about a ferret, she was so amazing I drove almost 2 hours away just to purchase her. Great experience!         Posted on Google        David     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really enjoy taking care of animals! The moment I walked in, everyone was SOO nice! All the dogs are precious, 🐶 and the people who work there are amazing. They always have such kind personalities, and the dogs are like little babies:) I love holding them! They’re all well cared for and the place is so clean and feels like home It’s very sanitized, and they provide hand sanitizer for you to use! It’s such a nice environment, and the hamsters, rabbits, and birds are adorable. The fish are really cool! And the dogs are all vaccinated <3 This has to be one of my favorite places! ❤️🫶🏻              
```
