When I pulled out the puppy books again this past weekend after we picked up our third family dog (first-post baby), I came to the startling realization that these “How-To” puppy and baby books are similar in many ways.

After my son was born, I read lots of books about how to have a happy baby, a well-fed baby, happy toddler, potty-trained toddler, etc. Each time I have gotten a puppy, I have read books about how to have a happy puppy, a quiet puppy, well-fed puppy, potty-trained puppy, etc. Hmmmm. Here are my (tongue-in-cheek) comparisons.

1. Dog training books talk about positive reinforcement vs. discipline of your puppy. (Toddler books discuss the various ways to use positive reinforcement vs. disciplining your child.)

2. Dog training books tell you not to put the puppy in bed with you even though they may be whining those first few nights home. (Baby books advise not to place a baby in bed with you if they are crying at night those first few weeks at home.)

3. Dog training books provide step-by-step guidance on how to potty train, including being proactive, consistently bringing the puppy to the potty area so they will learn, and offering lots of praise and treats. (Hmmm, so do toddler potty training books.)

4. Training books tell you to distract a puppy from chewing on your shoe, by giving them another object that is acceptable to mouth. (Baby books tell you to offer your baby another object to mouth if they are mouthing an unacceptable object.)

5. Dog training books discuss developmental games, such as throwing and retrieving objects, and providing stimulating toys that crinkle, make noise and have texture. (Do you see where I am going here?)

At least dog training books don’t get into college tuition costs, but the sleep deprivation from having a new puppy during these past three days? Brings back the fuzzy/caffeine induced baby memories.

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I love my son and I love my three dogs. I do know which is which, and this post does not imply that kids are dogs or that dogs are kids or that kids are kids or that dogs are dogs or that cats are dogs for that matter.

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