How Getting New Puppy Can Affect Young Children, According to Expert

A mother’s explanation for why her son had fallen asleep during three separate classes struck a chord with parents and pet owners alike, but the culprit wasn’t too much homework or late-night screen time-it was the family’s new puppy.

Jess emailed her 13-year-old son’s teacher after learning he had fallen asleep in class. She apologized and wanted to reassure the teacher that they are working on it but said that since bringing home a new Rottweiler puppy, Sage, the entire household has been adjusting to a new routine.

“Puppies can be wonderful additions to families, encouraging healthy routines, companionship and even reducing stress and anxiety in some children,” Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, told Newsweek. “Kids who grow up with puppies can share a unique and special bond.”

But Cahn said that while puppies can be a positive addition to a household, they also require a significant adjustment period, particularly for families with children.

Sleep Disruption in the Home

For many families, the first noticeable shift after bringing home a puppy happens at night.

Young puppies are still learning household schedules and typically cannot sleep through the night. They often wake for bathroom breaks and may cry or vocalize as they adjust. In Sage’s case, she howled between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., making the family aware of her “very strong opinions” on sleeping at night.

“This sleep disruption may affect children, either directly or because exhausted adults may have less patience and flexibility for daily parenting tasks,” Cahn said.

This can also mean children are waking up earlier, feeling more tired during the day or simply absorbing the ripple effects of disrupted household sleep.

But the sleep disturbance is only temporary. As puppies mature and become reliably house-trained, they gradually develop the ability to sleep for longer stretches overnight.

What Parents Often Don’t Anticipate

Before bringing home a puppy, Cahn said families tend to focus on training and supplies but often underestimate how quickly daily life changes once the puppy arrives.

Beyond nighttime wake-ups, families should expect early-stage behaviors such as chewing, mouthing, teething, jumping and frequent accidents in the home. Puppies also require constant supervision during early development.

“The puppy stage is adorable and temporary, but it requires a significant amount of work to help your puppy grow into a happy, well-adjusted adult dog, and this can affect the whole family,” she said.

Cahn added that parents should consider whether they have the time, patience, space and consistency needed to meet the dog’s needs.

Teaching Children How to Live With a Puppy

Bringing home a puppy also introduces an added responsibility: teaching children how to safely interact with an animal that is still learning its boundaries.

Cahn recommends never leaving a young child unattended with a canine, regardless of the dog’s breed, age or temperament. Parents should also teach children to use gentle hands and avoid disturbing a dog while it is eating or sleeping.

Rough play, teething and mouthiness may feel intimidating for young children, particularly in the early weeks. Cahn said children often need repeated guidance as they learn how to interact safely and confidently with their new family member.

At the same time, involving children in age-appropriate care can be a positive part of the experience. Depending on their age, children may benefit from helping with daily care, attending veterinary appointments or participating in puppy training classes.

Families can also prepare children before the puppy arrives by visiting friends with dogs, reading books and setting expectations early. Cahn said it's important to be honest about what life with a puppy looks like-not just the fun moments, but also the challenges.

Puppies also need structure on their end. Owners should provide a quiet, child-free space, such as a crate, pen or gated area, where the puppy can rest without being disturbed.

For Jess' family, what began as a series of classroom naps had a simple explanation: a puppy still adjusting to life in a new home.

But Cahn said the experience reflects a broader reality for parents. Bringing home a puppy is a household transition that can be felt most noticeably in children's daily routines, energy levels and ability to stay on schedule.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published June 26, 2026 at 1:23 PM.