I am a Puppy; I cannot hold my bladder for more than 1 - 2 hours. I cannot "feel" the need to poop until it is actually happening. I cannot tell you that I need to "go", and I do not have "bladder and bowel control" until I am about 6 - 9 months old. Please understand this and do not punish me if you have not let me out for 3 hours and I tinkle.   Puppies NEED to go potty after they have finished eating, sleeping, playing, drinking or every 2 - 3 hours. If you want me to sleep through the night, then do not give me water after 7 or 8 p.m. A crate will help me learn to housebreak easier, and will avoid you being mad at me. I am a Puppy, accidents WILL happen, please be patient with me!  I WILL learn, with time and patience.

I am a Puppy, I like to play. I will run around, and chase imaginary monsters, I will chase your feet and your toes and 'attack' you, and chase other pets, and small kids. It is play, it's what I do. Do not be mad at me or expect me to be sedate, mellow or 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, so use your wisdom to guide me in my play with appropriate toys, and activities like chasing a rolling ball, or gentle tug games, and give me  plenty of chew toys. If I nip you too hard, talk to me in "dog talk," by giving a loud YELP, I will understand this 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 young, and  very impressionable. If you treat me harshly now, I will grow up learning to fear you. Please guide me with encouragement and wisdom. If I am chewing something wrong, say, "No chew!" and hand me a toy that I CAN chew or just pick up things 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 sneaker and your $200 Reaboks.

I am a Puppy, and I have feelings and drives much like your own, but yet also very different.  I am NOT a human, nor 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 because you want a loving partner and companion, so do not neglect me or tie me in the backyard when I get bigger, please do not judge me harshly but instead mold 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 perfect either. I love you regardless. So please, learn all you can about training,  puppy behaviors and caring for me from your Veterinarian, books on dog care and even researching on the computer! Learn about my  breed characteristics, as it will give you the understanding and insight into WHY I do all the things I do. Please teach me with love, patience, and the right way to behave. Socialize 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 to love you, to be with you, and to please you. Won't you please take time to understand how I work? We are the same you and I, in that we both feel hunger, pain, thirst, discomfort, fear, but yet we are also very different and must work to understand one another's language, body signals, wants and needs. Some day 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