March 17th, 2025

The Way of Raising Puppies

I keep saying that Emma is the easiest puppy I’ve ever had. Maybe it’s because she was wonderfully raised by her breeder, because she’s an easy-going dog, or because I’ve become a better handler and found a way of raising puppies that works for me.

Puppy Emma at my mentor's farm on July 14, 2024

I start by zoning in their surroundings. The space they have access to is safe, happy, and — most importantly — where I play, train, and cuddle with them.

Next comes potty and crate training. Both are incredibly important to me, and I approach them fairly but firmly. I calculate how long a puppy can go before needing outside and make sure they’ve had every chance before asking them to settle quietly in a crate.

Leash walking is probably what I care least about at first — but I do want puppies to understand the leash’s limitations. I need it to communicate for me.

My number one leash rule: don’t pull me.

If they respect that, they get plenty of freedom!

These three areas take about a year — give or take — with consistency, structure, love, and always safety first.

Happy Training!

Addi and her dogs