How Playing Pretend Helps Kids Prepare for a New Pet

By Jessica DiSalvo

Jun 6, 2023

Getting a new dog is exciting! Caring for a pet is a fun, hands-on way for kids of all ages to practice building empathy and being kind by helping others. With some playtime (and a little patience), you can help your child practice caring for a furry friend before your new puppy comes home.

In Sesame Street’s special: “Furry Friends Forever: Elmo Gets a Puppy,” Elmo and Grover discover a sweet stray puppy. Since she loves music, they name her Tango. Together with Abby and Cookie Monster, they go on a neighborhood adventure, hoping to find Tango a home. While they’re on their mission, Elmo and his friends learn just how much work (and love!) it takes to care for a pet. They show how to meet a new pet, spot the pet’s needs, and pay attention to how an animal is acting (and why that might be). They learn about playing gently with pet, teaching tricks (and giving out treats!), and how to help give baths, too.

They learn that caring for a new dog at home takes a lot of work — but it’s a lot of fun, too!

Adding a pet to your family? Remind your child that everybody — kids and grown-ups — can help care for your pet. A fun and easy way to get ready for a new dog is practicing what it looks like to care for a (stuffed animal) puppy!

Play with your child, imagining what it’s like to have a new dog in your home. Where will they eat? When will they need a bath? What will they like to play with? Wonder aloud together how a day at home might be different (and the same) when a pet is around.

As you play, see if you and your child can discover what types of things a new dog might need to be cared for (and feel cozy) in your home.

Easy ways to help your child practice caring for a new dog:

Walk it out. Before your pet comes home, tie yarn or ribbon around a stuffed animal as a collar and leash. Together, walk around your home, pretending to walk your dog. Talk about why going on walks with your dog is good for people, too! For example, going on a walk is good exercise for you and your dog.
Chow down. We need to eat healthy food and drink water throughout the day – and so do dogs!Use two small plastic containers, bowls, or boxes and pretend these are the dog’s food and water bowls. Your child can help pour food into the dish and add fresh water in the bowl. (You might want to grab a towel!)
Have fun. Show your child how to be gentle and talk about ways they can play with dogs in a safe and kind way. Grab your stuffie and practice rolling a ball, or act out what it will look like to teach your dog a trick, like sitting, jumping, or rolling over. Say something like, “Playing will help our new dog’s body stay healthy and strong!”
Get clean. Find a large cardboard box – and then pretend to bathe your dog in it! Talk through each step, like, “First, we wet the dog’s hair with water.” and “Next, we rub dog shampoo all over their body to keep their hair healthy and clean.” Finish with, “We rinse the shampoo and then dry the dog’s body with a towel. Your child can then pretend to brush the stuffed animal.
Head to bed. Breaks are important for kids, grown-ups, and dogs, too! Talk about how your dog will need to take breaks during the day and sleep at night, just like people do. Create a make-believe dog bed with a blanket or towel, and pretend your dog is napping or sleeping.
Show love. Practice showing love with gentle pats and saying kind things to your animal in a quiet voice. Talk about ways people can treat animals with kindness. How does your child like to be loved? Can the show their pet love in the same way?

Getting ready for a new dog by using playtime to practice can help your child with changes to their home, help them understand what dogs can (and can’t do), and learn how to be patient and kind.

Reading picture books together is also a helpful way to get ready for a new puppy in your home. Check out these Elmo-approved books from your local library: