I am your Puppy, and I will love you until the end of the Earth, but please know a few things about me.

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. Its 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 cannot vocalize nor tell you that I need to go, and I cannot have "bladder and bowel control" until 6-9 months. Do not punish me if you have not let me out for 3 hours and I tinkle. It is your fault. As a puppy, it is wise to remember that I NEED to go potty after:eating, sleeping,playing, drinking,and around every 2-3 hours. In addition, if you want me to sleep through the night , then do not give me water after 7 or 8 pm. A crate will help me learn housebreaking 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 fuzzballs, other pets, and small kids. Its play, its what I do. Do not be made 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 could consider an older rescue from a shelter or rescue group. 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 will not yell, hit, strike 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 beat. 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 yet , pickup ANYTHING that you don't want me to get into to. I can't tell the difference between your old sock and your new sock , or an old sneaker and your 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 your 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 back yard when I get bigger, do not judge me harshly, but instead mold me with your gentleness and guidelines and training into the kind of family member you want me to be.

Author Unknown