How Dogs Learn, Think, and Love

My Youngest Canine Son Jasper

I recently read Puppy Brain: How Our Dogs Learn, Think, and Love by Kerry Nichols and have been meaning to share why I believe it’s a great read for both current and future dog parents. Whether you read it while your dog is still a pup or, even better, before bringing home a new furry family member, it can help ensure a great start!

The book explores the psychology of our canine companions, providing valuable training practices based on how a dog’s mind works. Her recommended practices aim at fostering emotionally resilient and happy canine family members. By blending scientific research with practical guidance, the book advocates for a relationship built on empathy and understanding, prioritizing connection over rote obedience. Nichols encourages positive interactions and experiences, autonomy, and respect for puppy’s choices, empowering dog owners with the tools to raise confident, affectionate, and joyful companions.

Puppy Brain by Kerry Nichols → [Buy Here]

First Kerry Nichols introduces readers to the concept of the “puppy brain” and its impact on a dog’s behavior. She says,

Understanding how your puppy’s brain works is essential for building a strong bond.

She then teaches readers about puppies developmental stages, explaining the critical periods of a puppy’s development, including fear periods and socialization.

Puppies learn resilience through positive experiences during these formative stages.

The book also explores crate training as a tool for creating a secure environment (safe space) for your dog.

A well-designed crate provides comfort and helps puppies feel safe. 

Although I do not crate train, and my dogs are very well behaved. I do provide my dogs beds for sleeping at night and day beds in the living room, for rest and to go to be in comfort when they need their space. When it rains hard or thunders, I notice that they go to their beds, which means that is indeed their safe space.  

The book also addresses the decision to spay/neuter and its impact on behavior.

Balancing health considerations with behavioral outcomes is crucial.

I learned the importance of timing with neutering the hard way. Initially, I thought about leaving my eldest dog intact so he could procreate. While researching, I found studies suggesting that waiting until a dog is 12–18 months old before neutering may reduce risks of joint injuries and certain cancers, since early neutering can interfere with normal bone and muscle development.

Around his first birthday, however, my dog began showing strong hormonal behaviors such as humping other dogs and becoming more protective. So I decided to neuter him then to address the humping, but by that age puppies are more aware of their surroundings, so the procedure seemed to trigger anxiety alongside his natural hormonal changes. He is still a loving family dog who doesn’t bite, but he is very protective and often growls at unfamiliar people, including vets and groomers.

It’s important to note that personality changes aren’t only hormonal; some dogs naturally grow more protective as they mature, while others stay easygoing. For example, my neighbor’s male Shih Tzu was never neutered and never became protective, while other Shih Tzus I know developed protective behaviors even after being neutered young.

Still, based on my experience, I suggest spaying/neutering as soon as they are old enough while they are not as aware or conscious and heal quicker.

My favorite thing about the book is that it advocates for respecting puppies' autonomy and preferences. 

Allow your puppy to make choices—it builds trust and confidence.

I treat my dogs like sons in every way, and honor their needs and choices. The mistake I made with my older dog has been as painful to me as if he was my own flesh and blood. Dogs are gentle souls that are completely dependent on us for their entire lives. That could be up to 18 years (depending of the breed of the dog). So I think people should only get dogs if they have the resources to keep them healthy and appropriately groomed, if they have time to pay attention to them and play with them, and are going to love, honor, and respect them.

For those families with children, the book also offers insights into fostering positive interactions between puppies and kids. 

Teach children to be gentle and respectful; it shapes the puppy’s perception.

I would add to Nichols' advice on this topic that teaching children to respect pets also presents an opportunity for children to practice other relationship skills such as boundaries, forgiveness, affection, etc.

For those who already have a dog and want to get a new puppy, the book provides strategies for successful introductions between puppies and older dogs too.

Older dogs can teach puppies valuable social cues.

My older dog was two when I got him a sibling to play and enjoy life with, and he was not happy about it at first lol. Especially about sharing his lap time on mom, space, and toys. I have cute videos that I recorded of my older dog having whole discussions with his new brother about respecting his space. An older dog sibling is in many ways like a parental figure to its younger of kin. By now they have reached consensus and reconciliations around those things and enjoy each other's company, playing with each other, and doing everything together (vet and groom visits, parks etc). They've learned to share time, space, and toys; and most importantly–to love and respect each other.   

Finally, the book emphasizes that every interaction matters and shapes a puppy’s resilience.

Be intentional—your actions influence your puppy’s emotional well-being.

My biggest takeaway from the book is that by honoring our dogs' nature, we create a foundation of trust, love, and resilience that will shape our relationship with them for the rest of their lives.

With fetching photos and engaging humor, Puppy Brain reveals tried and proven training practices based on how dogs’ minds work, helping you raise confident, loving, and happy pups.

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