The Worlds as a Puppy Sees It

As you bring me into your “den”, I’d like to tell you a little bit about how I think, why I do the things I do, and how you can help me be a better family member.

About my development:

You may think human children grow up fast – I grow 5 to 7 times faster than humans and even quicker during my first year! By the time I’m 6 months old I will have gone through the stages of a 12 year old person (that’s about 2 of your years to one month for me). In the next 6 months I’ll develop about another 6 years. So in my first year of life I’ll go through as many developmental stages as you humans do in 18 of your years. My main point is I need a lot of daily guidance. If you don’t show me how you want me to act, and praise me for my successes, I’ll turn into quite the “wild child”. I need to be exposed to all kinds of situations/places/people so I don’t grow up fearing any part of your world. Let’s make it fun to go places and do things together.

How I communicate:

I realize you are able to verbalize all kinds of things to me but I’m limited in my communication options with you so I’ll give you a few hints along the way. Watch my nonverbal signs i.e., eyes, ears, and tail. These nonverbal signs can give you clues to my thoughts and feelings. Remember that I got most of my data from my brothers, sisters and from non-verbal dog tradition. Generations ago we took our place in the dog family hierarchy based on stares and a few growls from the top dog. I understand you guys use a lot of words to communicate; I’m more focused on body language. You’re better off showing me what to do, and rewarding me when I get it right, than nagging me with repetitive verbal commands. While training me to accept your touch by giving me foot, ear, gum, and belly massages, try to remember that in the canine world it isn’t normal for us, so just praise me a lot while I get comfortable with the training.

How I am best trained:

I want to let you in on a little secret. . . I’m quite narcissistic – if an activity seems to benefit me I’ll repeat it. We’ll get along great if you make it fun for me to do what you want me to do. I have some natural tendencies to dig, bark, chew, bite and jump up on things. Keep me well exercised, consistently trained, and rewarded and I’ll look to you for guidance. The main things I need from you are food, attention, fun chew toys, and consistent guidance from everyone in the household. I’d love to go to puppy classes, obedience classes, and any other post graduate programs you would enjoy with me.

If I ever guard my toys, act like I’m going to bite you or actually do bite you – get some professional help as soon as you can. I don’t want to excuse my behavior but you should know, fear of losing my territory or resources can make me lose my cool. It makes it easier to give up things when you trade with me for something I like more. Don’t encourage my wild side by playing tug of war, wrestling with me, or tempting me to chase you. My attention span is short, so let’s have a few 10-minute learning sessions 2 – 3 times a day. I’m most attentive after exercise and when I’m hungry. Even though I don’t associate my name as my identity when you call I will look at you and wait for further instructions, and I can recognize your tone of voice when you speak to me. In my first six months I’m better off without streams of corrections, just set me up to repetitively do what you want and focus on my successes. (This probably sounds a lot like raising human children – and it is!) Some humans have figured out that behavior rewarded is behavior repeated I hope you are one of them. Let’s have fun while we do this instruction thing – I’ll learn a lot faster that way. I want you to lead me otherwise I will be forced to write my very own job description.

More resources for you:

The West Hills Animal Hospital team strongly believes in schooling for us dogs. Julie Flanery with Wonder Dogs has worked with them to create some easy to read handouts regarding the common challenge areas we may struggle with:

Be sure to get all of these handouts you wish and never hesitate to call West Hills Animal Hospital if you’re unsure about any pet parenting struggle you encounter.