How to Prepare Your Kids for Bringing Home a Golden Retriever Puppy
Bringing home a Golden Retriever puppy is a joyful milestone—especially for families with young children. But preparing your kids for the new arrival is just as important as buying food or setting up a crate. A puppy, like a toddler, needs structure, gentleness, and patience. And in a busy home filled with little ones, the best preparation begins beforeyour puppy ever walks through the front door.
As a mom and Golden Retriever breeder myself, I know firsthand how exciting (and sometimes chaotic) this process can be. That’s why I created this guide—to help you prepare your kids for a Golden Retriever puppy in a way that’s both practical and rooted in grace.
1. Talk About What to Expect (and Practice!)
One of the best ways to prepare your children is to start with intentional conversations. Puppies are cuddly and playful, but they also nip, chew, cry, and have accidents. Helping your kids know what’s normal will set realistic expectations.
Let them know:
Puppies bite during play—it’s how they learn.
Puppies sleep a lot—don’t expect a constant playmate.
Puppies aren’t toys—they have feelings and limits.
Role-play with stuffed animals or even take turns pretending to be the puppy! Teaching your kids how to pet gently, use calm voices, and give space when needed are skills that will transfer well once the real puppy arrives.
2. Gather Puppy Supplies as a Family
Rather than checking off a list solo, make this a family project! Let your kids help gather supplies or pick out toys for the puppy. This helps build excitement while giving them a sense of ownership and responsibility.
🧺 Basic items to collect:
Crate and cozy bedding
Stainless steel food and water bowls
Puppy food (we’ll include our recommendations in your puppy packet!)
Training treats
Collar and leash
Chew toys
Enzyme cleaner (for accidents!)
3. Set Up the Puppy’s Space—Together
Golden Retriever puppies thrive on routine and structure. Designate a quiet space for your puppy’s crate and supplies, away from too much hustle and bustle but still within family view.
Make it a family activity:
Help your children choose the “puppy corner”
Have them lay out the bed and bowls
Talk about what it means to give the puppy quiet time
Including your kids in the setup teaches them that the puppy has its own needs and boundaries. It also opens the door to discuss respect for others, even furry family members.
4. Teach Gentle Discipline and Patience
Let’s be honest: puppies (like children) will test your patience. That’s why this is a wonderful opportunity to model Christlike character and gentle correction.
Train your kids with these reminders:
“Soft words turn away wrath.” (Proverbs 15:1)
Be consistent but kind
Stay calm when accidents or disobedience happen
Remember your puppy is learning—just like we are
Your puppy will need correction—but so do we, every day. Bringing a puppy home is a discipleship opportunity in patience, kindness, and grace.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your kids for a Golden Retriever puppy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right conversations, a little planning, and a whole lot of grace, your family can welcome a puppy with open arms—and hearts ready to love and learn.
Here at [Your Farm Name], we raise our puppies in a family setting so they’re already accustomed to children, routines, and a home environment just like yours. If you’re considering one of our puppies for your family, check out our Puppy Availability Page or read success stories from other families.
