Navigating Puppyhood

It is normal for puppies to be puppies. 

You wouldn’t think that I would need to say that, but I do. 

I sometimes hear from people who have a very young puppy, under 16 weeks of age, that are frustrated with their puppy’s “neediness”, persistent and annoying ways of getting into everything. Over the years, and sometimes to make peace in the family, they ship the young puppy off to a “bootcamp” … to take the puppy out of the puppy and turn it into a carpet that they only have to feed. 

Don’t play (except on your own with some dirty old toy), don’t be curious, no sniffing, no happy greeting, don’t run around, no barking, no whining, don’t be afraid of anything, don’t be too close to me, don’t follow me around the house, don’t make mistakes, don’t make me have to train you, don’t make me supervise you, don’t complain while you are behind a baby gate or barrier, don’t pull on a leash, don’t be the breed you were created to be, don’t make me angry, don’t do ANYTHING. Be. A. Drone. AND STOP BEING A PUPPY!

Is that fair? Is that humane? 

Puppies do best when puppies are allowed to be puppies. You should encourage all their talents, build their confidence, engage their brains, develop a close relationship, engage in play, and guide them along the way to grow up and be a great adult dog.

Plan accordingly.