Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting, yet overwhelming, experience. The journey is filled with boundless love, unexpected messes, and a steep learning curve for both pet and owner. As you navigate this new chapter, finding reliable resources for training is paramount. While organizations like the American Kennel Club and the ASPCA offer valuable health and behavioral insights, two particular resources have proven instrumental in guiding me through the essential stages of puppyhood: The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete and Brandon McMillan’s MasterClass on Dog Training.
The Art of Raising a Puppy offers a unique blend of practical advice and profound philosophical wisdom. Its authors, the Monks of New Skete, approach dog training not merely as a task, but as a spiritual practice. They emphasize the importance of observing and understanding a puppy’s needs, fostering a relationship built on patience, kindness, and compassion. This approach transforms training into a reciprocal journey, where the owner learns as much about themselves as they do about their canine companion. The book highlights the crucial first 16 weeks of a puppy’s life, stressing the immense responsibility owners have in shaping their puppy’s future. It encourages a mindful approach, urging owners to be present and appreciate the “basic wonder of life” that a new puppy brings.
One of the most impactful lessons from the book is the understanding of “activated sleep” in puppies. What might appear as a concerning seizure is, in fact, a vital part of their neuromuscular development. Recognizing this allowed for greater peace of mind, enabling both myself and my puppy, Pali, to experience more restful sleep. The monks’ teachings extend beyond mere commands; they advocate for a deeper connection, emphasizing that a puppy’s actions are often a reflection of the owner’s emotional state and their ability to lead with patience and understanding. This philosophy underscores that true training is about compromise and meeting the puppy’s needs to achieve mutual goals.
Mastering Essential Commands with Brandon McMillan
To complement the philosophical depth of the monks’ teachings, Brandon McMillan’s MasterClass provides a structured and practical approach to essential dog commands. This course covers crucial safety and life skills, including “sit,” “stay,” “down,” “no,” “off,” “come,” and “heel.” McMillan’s clear, step-by-step methods are designed to create a foolproof teaching experience, ensuring that owners can effectively communicate with their dogs and prevent potentially dangerous situations, such as a puppy dashing out an open door.
The MasterClass not only focuses on obedience but also offers strategies for common behavioral issues like excessive barking. Pali, though only four months old, has already grasped most of these commands, demonstrating the effectiveness of McMillan’s techniques. While the MasterClass represents a financial investment, the value it provides in a single comprehensive course rivals the cost of multiple in-person training sessions. The journey of dog training is continuous, and the insights gained from both these resources have been invaluable in building a strong foundation for Pali’s development.
St. Francis. Watercolor. Janice Greenwood.
St. Francis. Watercolor. Janice Greenwood.
The process of raising a puppy is a profound experience that teaches patience, empathy, and the art of communication. By combining the wisdom of The Art of Raising a Puppy with the practical techniques from Brandon McMillan’s MasterClass, owners can foster a deeper bond with their dogs and navigate the challenges of puppyhood with confidence. As I continue to learn and discover new resources, the commitment to understanding and guiding another living being remains the most rewarding aspect of this journey.
About the Writer
Janice Greenwood is a writer, surfer, and poet. She holds an M.F.A. in poetry and creative writing from Columbia University.
