Back to Insights
A clearly defined job A specific time to do it A way to know when it's done Accountability
Help pour food (with supervision) Tell Daddy when the puppy is at the door Help pick up toys
Fill the water bowl twice daily Bring the leash before walks Put away toys at bedtime
Feed at set times Take puppy to potty area Brush the puppy daily
Walk the puppy Clean up accidents Do training sessions
Decide when the puppy eats Discipline the puppy Be solely responsible for potty training Make veterinary decisions
dogs-family· 1 min read
What Should Kids Actually Do With a Puppy? The Operator System
Children don't need to do everything. They need to know exactly what their job is.
The Problem With "Helping"
"Helping" means different things to different people. To a child, it might mean playing for 10 minutes. To a parent, it might mean taking the puppy out at 6 AM.
The Operator System
Children aren't "helpers." They're operators. An operator has:
Age-Appropriate Roles
Ages 3-5: The Observer
Ages 6-8: The Assistant
Ages 9-12: The Operator
Ages 13+: The Co-Manager
What Kids Should NOT Do
The Key Principle
Playing with the puppy is not the same as caring for the puppy.
Jobs are non-negotiable. Play is what happens after the jobs are done.
System first. Puppy second. Family always.
Is Your Family Ready for a Dog?
Get the free Reset chapter from Before You Say Yes to the Dog.
Get the free chapter