PUPPY BRAIN

An instructive examination of the puppy brain, showing how to guarantee a new best friend.

Nichols, owner of Nicholberry Goldens and a steadfast advocate of ethical breeding, brings together tools, timelines, and pertinent research on all things puppy. From taking readers step by step through her process of breeding dogs destined for therapy work or family pets to advising new owners on what they should do the moment their puppy is placed in their arms, the author gives readers everything they need to know to build a strong bond with their new dog. She divides the book into 33 easily digestible chapters across four parts: Human Beginnings, Developmental Milestones, Puppy Preparations, and Hardwiring Your Puppy for Happiness. As Nichols demonstrates, the old style of dominance-based training and punishment is no longer the answer; teaching a dog is about building trust with and honoring another being, rather than merely commanding an animal. “What’s ideal for a dog is a life where she is honored for who she is and not expected to become something she’s not,” she writes. “It’s a life where her most basic needs are deeply satisfied and one in which her emotional wellness is prioritized so that she develops resilience.” An ethical breeder of countless therapy dogs for over a decade, she’s not only learned the scientific breakdown of the developing puppy brain, but she has also seen how certain exposures as puppies can affect the dogs’ behavior for the rest of their lives. She explains how some training practices and other interactions—even unwanted cuddling—can make a puppy fearful and lead to aggression. Throughout, Nichols creates a welcoming space, opening up about her own mistakes and emphasizing compassion as the key element for both current and prospective dog parents.

A must-read for any dog lover, whether you’re adopting your first puppy or your last.