17/11/2025
As a trainer who loves nothing more than a puppy or young dog, I know that message—the sweet “we absolutely love him, but…” that lands a few days/weeks after a puppy arrives home.
And you can already finish the sentence.
But he barks.
But he nips.
But he cries at night.
But he’s… “a lot.”
And it tugs at you because none of this is a problem. It’s a puppy trying to understand a brand-new world without its mother or littermates—overwhelmed, excited, confused and scared, sometimes all at once. Completely normal.
But we live in a world that loves “easy.”
People want the Instagram version—the calm, tidy, obedient eight-week-old who looks like they’ve done a six-week course already.
Behind every well-rounded dog is someone who showed up with patience, boundaries and consistency. Puppies aren’t born knowing—they’re born ready to learn.
Some people think an “easy” puppy is a good one. The truth? Every puppy is good—they’re just new. And new things are messy before they’re magical.
Raising a puppy is real life. Sleepless nights, puddles, tiny teeth… and the start of the strongest bond you’ll build.
And this is exactly why committing to training is so rewarding. It’s not just about shaping your puppy—it’s about learning about yourself. Training shows you your patience, your triggers, your resilience, your softness. Puppies hold up a mirror, and you grow right alongside them.
So ask yourself honestly:
Am I ready for the learning curve—for them and for me?
Because these little souls deserve someone who’s all in.
