Hazyland Old English Sheepdogs

I am a puppy; this means that my intelligence and capacity for learning are the

same as an 8 month old child.

I am a puppy, I will chew EVERYTHING I can get my teeth on. This is how I 

explore and learn about the world. Even HUMAN children put things in their

mouths. It is up to you to guide me to what is mine to chew and what is not.

I am a puppy. I cannot hold my bladder for longer than 1-2 hours. I cannot 

'feel' that I need to poop until it is actually beginning to come out. I do not know

how to vocalise to tell you that I need to go. I cannot have full bladder and

bowel control until 6-9 months. Do not punish me if you have not let me out for

3 hours and I've tinkled, it is your fault!!

As a puppy it is wise to remember that I NEED to go potty after:-

* eating

* sleeping

* playing

* drinking

* around every 2-3 hours

If you want me to sleep through the night, then do NOT give me water after 7 

or 8pm. A crate will help me learn to housetrain easier, and will avoid you being

mad at me.

I am a puppy, accidents WILL happen, please be patient with me. In time I will 

learn.

I am a puppy. I like to play. I will run around, and chase imaginary monsters, 

and chase your feet and your toes and 'attack' you, and chase balls, other pets

and small kids. It is play, it is what I do.

Do not be mad at me or expect me to be sedate, mellow and sleep all day. If my

high energy level is too much for you, maybe you should consider an older 

rescue dog from a shelter or Breed Rescue. My play is beneficial, use your

wisdom to guide me in my play with appropriate toys and activities like chasing 

a rolling ball, or gentle tug games, or plenty of chew toys for me.

If I nip you too hard, talk to me in 'dog talk' by giving a loud YELP. I will usually 

get the message as this is how dogs communicate with one another. If I get too

rough simply ignore me for a few moments, or put me in my crate with an 

appropriate chew toy.

I am a puppy, hopefully you would not yell, hit, strike, kick or beat a 6 month

old human infant so please do not do the same to me. I am delicate and also very

impressionable. If you treat me harshly now, I will grow up learning to fear

being hit, spanked, kicked or beaten. Instead, please guide me with 

encouragement and wisdom. For instance, if I am chewing something wrong say

'no chew' and hand me a toy I CAN chew. Better still, pick up ANYTHING that 

you do not want me to get into. I can't tell the difference between your old sock

and your new sock, or an old trainer from your £100 Nikes.

I am a puppy, and I am a creature with feelings and drives much like your own,

but yet also very different. Although I am NOT a human in a dog suit, neither 

am I an unfeeling robot who can instantly obey every whim. I truly DO want to

please you and be a part of your family and your life. You got me (I hope)

because you want a loving partner and companion, so do not relegate me to the

backyard when I get bigger.

Do not judge me harshly but instead mould me with gentleness and guidelines

and training, into the kind of family member you want me to be.

I am a puppy. I am not perfect and I know you are not either. I love you 

anyway. So please, learn all you can about training and puppy behaviours and

caring for me from your Breeder, Veterinary Surgeon, books on dog care and

also researching on the internet. Learn about my particular breed and its 

'characteristics' - it will give you an understanding and insight into WHY I do the

things I do. Please teach me with love and patience, the right way to behave 

and socialise me with training in a puppy class or obedience class, we will BOTH

have a lot of fun together.

I am a puppy, and I want more than anything to love you, to be with you, and 

to please you. Won't you please take the time to learn and understand how I 

work?

We are the same, you and I, in that we both feel hunger, pain, thirst, discomfort 

and fear, but yet we are also very different and must work to understand one

another's language, body signals, wants and needs.

Someday I will be a handsome dog, hopefully one you can be proud of and one

that you will love as much as I love you.

Love,

Your Puppy

xxx

(author unknown)