Sadly, or gladly for some, the holiday season is over. As you take down the tree, take back the gifts that didn’t fit and put away the decorations, that serene holiday feeling is replaced with reality as you look down at the new puppy trying to untie your shoelaces for the umpteenth time.

You have entered the crucial time which will decide if you are committed to treating your puppy as a new family member, or will consider other options. I hope it’s the former.

The secret to success when integrating a puppy or dog into your household is that you actually see him as a part of your family. Think about all the times you were frustrated with your kids. You may have wondered how you were going to get through the day; but you still loved them. After all, your kids are not disposable, and neither should your new dog be.

There are many parallels that can be made between raising kids and dogs. Here are five short examples:

1. Health Check – Just as with your children, you want to make sure your new family member is healthy, especially if he was adopted from a shelter. Make an appointment with the vet and bring with you any medical history you already have. Get him checked for heartworms and on heartworm prevention medicine. It is much cheaper to prevent them than to cure them.

2. Set a Routine – Dogs love routines. Whenever possible, feed them at the same time and place (within an hour) daily. Take them for a walk after their meal. Put them to bed at the same place and time when you retire. As with your kids, a set routine will help to teach them your habits, define expectations and provide comfort.

3. No Junk Food – I’m sure you know that with your kids once you’ve started visiting the fast food restaurants it’s hard to stop. The same is true for your dog and table scraps. As tempting as it is to feed your dog tidbits of people food, don’t. Dog’s digestive systems are not designed to handle fatty foods. Many times they will develop a sometimes fatal condition called pancreatitis just from eating people food. Chocolate can also be fatal for dogs. If you cannot resist feeding them your food, then make smart choices like boiled (not fried) boneless chicken or carrots. Besides, do you really want them begging you for food every time you sit down to eat? Ask your vet to recommend a good dog food appropriate for his age and size, as well as dog treats.

4. Exercise – Of course, our happiest Parker County dogs live on ranches and are free to roam them. Unfortunately, most dogs live in a confined space and need scheduled exercise, even if they live in a big house with a large back yard. Leash train your dog immediately and get him out for a walk or two every day. In fact, get the kids out from in front of the TV to take them. Daily walks are good for everyone.

5. Socialization – Teach your dog manners right from the get-go. I highly recommend taking a professional dog training class. There are dog training classes at pet stores for all ages and they’re a lot of fun. Like children, dogs need to know their boundaries and it’s up to you to teach them.

Dog ownership is one of life's most rewarding experiences. They make wonderful companions and friends, and can add a great deal of love and joy to your home and family. Like children, they are one of God’s beloved creatures – Dog spelled backwards is God. Congratulations on the arrival of your new family member and may God grant you many blessed years together!