Puppy Love Starts with Gentle Rules: What We Teach Our Youngest Pup Friends
Before my grandson Beckett’s friends came over to meet the puppies, he looked at me and said, “Mimi, I just want to make sure they understand all the rules.”
It melted my heart.
Because at eight years old, Beckett already understands something that takes many people years to learn: puppies need to feel safe, just like we do. And the way we treat them in those early moments matters—especially when it comes to young children.
We want every child to grow up with a best friend in their pup. One they can wrestle with in the grass, read books beside on the couch, and tell secrets to at bedtime. But that kind of bond doesn’t happen automatically. It starts with teaching respect, empathy, and trust.
So before the zoomies and giggles begin, here are four simple rules we teach our youngest puppy visitors—rules that help friendship grow the right way.
1. Always let the puppy come to you
Puppies are naturally curious, but they’re also sensitive. Teaching kids to sit calmly and wait for the pup to approach helps build trust—and gives the puppy a chance to decide if they’re ready for snuggles or need a little space.
If your child wants to invite a pup over, have them say “puppy puppy puppy!” in a happy voice—that’s the recall cue we teach during early training, and it’s a great way for kids to engage with the pups while still respecting their boundaries.
2. Use quiet voices
We know it’s exciting (and sometimes impossible not to squeal), but loud sounds can startle a puppy—especially when they’re still adjusting to a new home. Calm, quiet voices help pups feel safe and settle in more easily.
3. Use walking feet
Fast movement can overwhelm a pup—and stepping on a tail (even accidentally!) doesn’t exactly scream “best friends forever.” Encourage slow, mindful movements, especially in the early days.
4. Use gentle hands
It’s tempting to scoop them up and squish their faces—we get it. But teaching kids to pet with soft, open hands down a puppy’s back helps the pup feel safe and respected. And it sets the stage for a dog who truly enjoys being around children.
The bond that follows
When kids take the time to respect their pup’s boundaries, something beautiful happens: trust turns into friendship.
Your child becomes more than just a playmate—they become someone the pup feels safe with, someone they choose to snuggle up to and follow around the house. That bond creates confidence, empathy, and lifelong memories on both sides.
In fact, Beckett recently wrote in a school assignment that
“they foster empathy by making your heart grow and make you nicer to other people.”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
What happens when we skip the rules
If a puppy is overwhelmed, chased, or handled too roughly early on, they can start to associate children with stress instead of comfort. That can lead to avoidant behavior… and in some cases, fear-based aggression later in life.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about giving your pup space, trust, and time—so they grow up feeling safe, confident, and so loved.
Puppy love is powerful. With a few gentle rules, it can last a lifetime.